Save to Pinterest A whimsical, moist carrot cake shaped and decorated to resemble a charming spring bunny, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.
This cake has been a hit at every spring gathering I've hosted, bringing smiles and compliments from friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- For the 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)
- For the 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
- For Decoration: 1 cup (100 g) shredded coconut (for fur), Pink food coloring (for ears and nose), Brown or black candies/chocolate chips (for eyes), Marshmallows (for tail and cheeks), Edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon nutmeg and ginger.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl beat eggs granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add oil applesauce and vanilla mixing well.
- Step 4:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots and if using nuts and raisins.
- Step 5:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 7:
- For the frosting Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar vanilla and salt beating until fluffy.
- Step 8:
- To assemble the 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.
- Step 9:
- Arrange on a large platter. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting.
- Step 10:
- Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to resemble fur.
- Step 11:
- Tint a small amount of coconut pink for the ear centers and nose apply accordingly.
- Step 12:
- Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes marshmallows for cheeks and tail.
- Step 13:
- Decorate with edible flowers pastel candies or sprinkles as desired.
- Step 14:
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Save to Pinterest This cake always brings our family together especially during springtime celebrations when everyone enjoys the unique bunny design.
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
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this festive and delicious cake that is sure to impress and delight your guests every time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I keep the cake moist?
Incorporating applesauce and vegetable oil helps retain moisture, while careful baking prevents dryness.
- → What spices complement the carrot flavor best?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and depth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the cake?
Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans can be omitted for a nut-free version or swapped according to preference.
- → How is the bunny shape created?
The cake is baked in round pans, then carved into face and ear shapes and assembled before frosting and decorating.
- → What is the best way to decorate the bunny fur?
Shredded coconut is tinted and sprinkled over the frosting to create a soft, fur-like texture.
- → How long should the cake be chilled before serving?
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the frosting and make slicing easier.