Save A whimsical, moist carrot cake shaped and decorated to resemble a charming spring bunny, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.
This carrot cake has been a hit at all our family celebrations, bringing smiles with its playful design 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℉ (175℃). 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 ingredients:
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots and if using nuts and raisins.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35 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.
- Decorate:
- Arrange on a large platter. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to resemble fur. 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.
Save This recipe always brings the family together especially at spring celebrations where the bunny cake is a star.
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 This carrot cake is perfect for springtime celebrations and is sure to impress with both taste and presentation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients enhance the carrot cake's moistness?
Vegetable oil and unsweetened applesauce help keep the cake tender and moist, while the grated carrots provide natural moisture.
- → How is the bunny shape created from the cake layers?
One round cake forms the bunny's face, while symmetrical ovals cut from the second cake serve as ears; remaining pieces form features like the bowtie or feet.
- → What gives the frosting its creamy texture?
The cream cheese and butter combination creates a smooth, rich frosting that complements the spiced cake flavors.
- → How is the bunny's fur effect achieved in decoration?
Shredded coconut is sprinkled over the frosted cake to mimic soft fur texture, adding a whimsical touch.
- → Can nuts or raisins be included in the batter?
Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins are optional additions that add texture and flavor to the cake.