Growing up in an Italian-American household, holidays were always about gathering, laughter, and more cake than anyone could ever eat. But one cake stood out the Bunny Cake. I remember my Nonna showing me how to shape the ears just right, using coconut flakes to mimic a fluffy coat. It was a tradition we shared every spring, one that felt more like crafting than baking. Over time, I’ve added a few modern touches while keeping the charm and nostalgia. This Bunny Cake recipe is the one I now pass along to my own kids and now to you.
Whether you’re baking for an Easter celebration, a baby shower, or just to make a sunny day a little sweeter, this recipe will become a family favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bunny Cake
There’s something magical about a cake that looks as sweet as it tastes. The Bunny Cake is light, festive, and customizable. Whether you’re using store-bought mix or baking from scratch, it’s the decorating that brings this little bunny to life.
It’s ideal for:
- Easter tablescapes
- Spring birthdays
- Baby showers
- Family baking afternoons
Plus, you don’t need fancy pans or cake decorating skills—just some love, coconut, and a little creativity.
Bunny Cake Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Season: Summer (great for spring occasions too!)
- Servings: 10–12 slices
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling & Decorating: 30 minutes
- Calories per Slice: ~310
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (or your favorite homemade white cake recipe)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- A drop of pink food coloring (optional for decorating)
Decorations:
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- Pink jelly beans or M&Ms (for the nose)
- Chocolate chips or black jelly beans (for the eyes)
- Marshmallows (for tail and optional paws)
- Construction paper (for whiskers and ears, or use candy!)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely.
Step 2: Shape Your Bunny
Once your cakes are completely cool:
- Use one round cake as the bunny’s face.
- Cut the second round cake in half. Place each half on either side of the head to form ears.
- Optional: shape some scraps into paws or a bow tie!
Step 3: Frost and Decorate
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the entire cake, making sure to get into all crevices.
- Press shredded coconut all over the frosted cake to create a fur-like texture.
- Use jelly beans for facial features. Place the marshmallow as the tail.
- Add pink coloring to a small portion of frosting and pipe inside the ears or cheeks for added cuteness.
- Use paper or candy for whiskers and bunny ears if desired!
Bunny Cake Tips & Tricks
- No coconut? No problem! Use white chocolate curls or even crushed vanilla wafers for texture.
- Flavor twist: Swap in lemon or strawberry cake mix for a fruity twist—perfect for summer!
- Get the kids involved: Let little ones help place the eyes and whiskers—it’s a great family activity.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cake mix and check your candy decorations accordingly.
Related Springtime Recipes You Might Love:
- Try this perfect blend of sweetness and simplicity with a sugar cookie fudge that melts in your mouth.
- Want another light and citrusy spring treat? These Lemon Crumb Bars are a must-bake.
- If you enjoy themed baking projects, this Perfect Barbie Cake is a creative and colorful showstopper.
- For a twist on frosting ideas, check out these chocolate frosting tips from this air fryer cupcake recipe.
- Pair your Bunny Cake with classic carrot cake flavors for a complete spring dessert table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bunny Cake
Can I make the Bunny Cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store at room temperature. Assemble and decorate the next day for the freshest presentation.
Can I freeze Bunny Cake?
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
What if I don’t like coconut?
No worries! Try using crushed vanilla cookies, white sprinkles, or white chocolate shavings for a fur-like effect without the coconut.
How long will the Bunny Cake last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the Bunny Cake will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best taste.
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! A light, fluffy vanilla or lemon sponge cake works wonderfully. Just make sure the batter yields two 8-inch round cakes.
Can kids help with this recipe?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for a fun family baking project. Kids can help mix, frost, and place the decorations—just be ready for some giggles and maybe a jelly bean or two to go missing!
Bunny Cake
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1 box vanilla or white cake mix plus ingredients listed on box
- 1 tsp almond or vanilla extract optional for extra flavor
Decoration
- 1 tub vanilla frosting or 2 cups homemade
- 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 large marshmallows for ears
- pink sanding sugar or sprinkles for ear centers
- chocolate chips or black icing for eyes
- 1 pink jellybean or candy for nose
- optional ribbon or bow for a finishing touch
Instructions
- Bake the cake in two 8-inch round pans. Cool completely.
- Cut one round in half to create two ears. Position the full round as the bunny’s face, and the halves on top sides as ears.
- Frost the entire cake with vanilla frosting.
- Press coconut gently into the frosting to create a fluffy bunny “fur” effect.
- Cut marshmallows diagonally and dip sticky sides in pink sugar to make the ear centers. Place on the ears.
- Use chocolate chips or icing for eyes, and a jellybean for the nose. Add a bow if you’re feeling fancy!
Notes
Conclusion
There’s something irresistibly joyful about baking a cake that doubles as both dessert and décor. This Bunny Cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a memory in the making. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a springtime brunch, or surprising your little one with a playful birthday cake, this charming bunny is sure to steal the show.
Baking is love you can taste—and this fluffy little cake is one sweet way to show it.
