Easter Bunny Cake Coconut Frosting

There's something magical about Easter celebrations, and nothing captures the whimsy of spring quite like an adorable bunny-shaped cake covered in fluffy coconut frosting. This Easter Bunny Cake is more than just a dessert—it's a centerpiece that brings joy to both children and adults alike. With soft vanilla layers, creamy coconut frosting, and charming candy decorations, this festive creation transforms any Easter gathering into a memorable celebration. The delightful combination of tender cake and sweet coconut creates a flavor that's as wonderful as the cake's presentation is impressive.

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Creating this bunny-shaped masterpiece is easier than you might think. The cake starts with two simple round layers that you'll bake and then cleverly cut and arrange to form the bunny's face, ears, and bow tie. The real magic happens when you cover everything in fluffy coconut frosting and press sweetened shredded coconut over the surface, creating an irresistibly soft, fuzzy appearance. With candies for eyes, marshmallows for cheeks, and licorice for whiskers, you'll bring your Easter bunny to life in the most delicious way possible.

Ingredients

• Cake: 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, 2 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened), 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract, 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• Coconut Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter (softened), 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (sifted), ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 cups (200 g) sweetened shredded coconut
• Decoration: Pink food coloring, jelly beans or candy-coated chocolate eggs, licorice strings (for whiskers), mini marshmallows (for tail and cheeks), black edible gel or chocolate chips (for eyes and nose)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Add eggs and vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Prepare for baking

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops.

Step 7: Bake the cakes

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the frosting

While cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Prepare pink frosting

Set aside ½ cup of frosting in a separate bowl and tint with pink food coloring for bunny ears and nose.

Step 10: Shape and assemble

Once cakes are completely cool, cut one round cake to form the bunny's ears and bow tie (see Notes for cutting guide). Arrange on a large board: one round for the face, two ear shapes above, and the bow tie below.

Step 11: Apply crumb coat

Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill 15 minutes.

Step 12: Add coconut coating

Frost the cake generously with remaining white frosting. Press shredded coconut over all frosted surfaces for a fluffy effect.

Step 13: Decorate the bunny

Use pink-tinted frosting to fill in the bunny's inner ears and nose. Decorate the face with jelly beans or candies for eyes, chocolate chips or gel for nose, licorice strings for whiskers, and mini marshmallows for cheeks and tail.

Step 14: Serve

Serve and enjoy!

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For a visual guide to cutting and assembling the bunny shape, search for an Easter Bunny Cake template online—this will help you achieve the perfect proportions. The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped, which actually makes assembly easier and helps prevent crumbling. When applying the crumb coat, use a light hand and chill thoroughly before adding the final frosting layer—this ensures a smooth, professional finish. Press the shredded coconut gently but firmly into the frosting so it adheres well without compressing the fluffy texture.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While this recipe creates a classic coconut-covered bunny, there are wonderful variations to explore. Substitute the sweetened shredded coconut with toasted coconut for an extra layer of nutty flavor and golden color. If you prefer a tangy twist, swap the buttercream for cream cheese frosting—it pairs beautifully with the vanilla cake. You can also experiment with different cake flavors like lemon or almond instead of vanilla. For those who aren't coconut fans, try covering the cake with white frosting and using finely crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for texture.

Serviervorschläge

This Easter Bunny Cake is best served at room temperature when the frosting is soft and the flavors are at their peak. Present it as the grand finale to your Easter brunch or dinner, placing it on a festive platter surrounded by colorful Easter eggs and spring flowers. Pair slices with a light, sweet Moscato wine for adults or fresh lemonade for the whole family. For an extra special touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake also makes a wonderful centerpiece for children's Easter parties, birthday celebrations, or any spring gathering that calls for something extra special.

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This Easter Bunny Cake with Coconut Frosting is more than just a dessert—it's a celebration of spring, creativity, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. Whether you're creating it with children who delight in pressing coconut and placing candy decorations, or crafting it as a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, this whimsical cake brings smiles to every face. The combination of tender vanilla cake, fluffy coconut frosting, and charming decorations creates a dessert that's as delightful to make as it is to eat. Make this Easter extra special with a bunny cake that will create sweet memories for years to come.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of flour is best for this cake?

All-purpose flour works well to create tender and stable cake layers suitable for shaping.

→ How can I achieve the fluffy texture in the frosting?

Beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to incorporate air and ensure a light texture.

→ Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Yes, the vanilla layers can be baked a day ahead, wrapped tightly to maintain freshness before shaping and decorating.

→ What is the best way to shape the bunny ears?

After cooling, slice one of the round layers carefully with a serrated knife to form ear shapes following a template or guide for accuracy.

→ How should the shredded coconut be applied?

Press shredded coconut gently onto the frosting once it's applied to all cake surfaces to create a fluffy, textured effect.

→ Are there alternatives for the coconut frosting?

Yes, toasted coconut can be used for enhanced flavor or swap the frosting for cream cheese for a tangier profile.