Spring Bunny Carrot Cake

A whimsical, moist carrot cake shaped and decorated to resemble a charming spring bunny, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.

This carrot cake quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings thanks to its delightful shape and delicious taste.

Ingredients

• Carrot Cake: 2 1/2 cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1 cup (220 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar packed, 4 large eggs, 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil, 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 3 cups (300 g) grated carrots, 1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts or pecans optional, 1/2 cup (80 g) raisins optional
• Cream Cheese Frosting: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 1/2 cups (440 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
• Decoration: 1 cup (100 g) shredded coconut for fur, Pink food coloring for ears and nose, Brown or black candies or chocolate chips for eyes, Marshmallows for tail and cheeks, Edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles optional

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing well.

Combine Batter:

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots and if using nuts and raisins.

Prepare Pans:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool Cakes:

Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Make Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt beating until fluffy.

Assemble Bunny:

Place one round cake as the bunny's face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from the second cake for ears use the remaining piece to form the bunny's bowtie or feet.

Frost and Decorate:

Arrange on a large platter and frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to resemble fur.

Color and Detail:

Tint a small amount of coconut pink for the ear centers and nose apply accordingly. Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes marshmallows for cheeks and tail. Decorate with edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles as desired.

Chill:

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.

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This cake always brings smiles at family events and is a wonderful way to celebrate springtime together.

Required Tools

2 x 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer, spatula, serrated knife, offset spatula for frosting, parchment paper, large serving platter

Allergen Information

Contains eggs dairy (cream cheese butter) wheat (gluten) and optionally tree nuts if added Check all ingredient labels for potential allergens especially cream cheese and candies

Nutritional Information

Calories 490 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 60 g Protein 6 g per serving

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This spring bunny carrot cake is both a delightful treat and a charming centerpiece for your festive occasions.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What spices are used to flavor the carrot cake?

The cake features ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, which add warm, aromatic notes to the moist batter.

→ How is the bunny shape created from the cake layers?

One round cake forms the face, while two ovals cut from the second cake serve as ears. Additional cake pieces shape the bowtie or feet.

→ What ingredients give the cake its moist texture?

Vegetable oil, unsweetened applesauce, and grated carrots combine to keep the cake tender and moist throughout baking.

→ How is the fur effect achieved on the bunny cake?

Shredded coconut is sprinkled over the cream cheese frosting to simulate soft bunny fur.

→ Can the cake be made nut-free or gluten-free?

Yes, nuts can be omitted for a nut-free version, and gluten-free flour blend can be substituted for gluten-free needs.

→ What is the best way to decorate the bunny's facial features?

Colored coconut is used for the nose and ears, while candies or chocolate chips form eyes, and marshmallows create cheeks and tail.