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 delightful centerpiece at my family gatherings, making every celebration more memorable.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 1/2 cups (320 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (220 g)
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) packed
- Large eggs: 4
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Unsweetened applesauce: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Grated carrots: 3 cups (300 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: 1 cup (120 g) optional
- Raisins: 1/2 cup (80 g) optional
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g) softened
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g) softened
- Powdered sugar: 3 1/2 cups (440 g) sifted
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp
- Pinch of salt:
- Shredded coconut: 1 cup (100 g) 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 bunnys face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from the second cake for ears use the remaining piece to form the bunnys 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 This cake always brings smiles to my family as we share slices and stories around the table.
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 delightful cake is sure to be a hit at your next spring celebration so enjoy the baking and the smiles it brings.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices are used in this carrot cake?
A blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds warmth and depth to the batter.
- → Can I make this cake nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the walnuts or pecans from the batter for a nut-free version.
- → How is the bunny shape created?
The cake is baked in two round pans; one round layer forms the face, and ovals cut from the second layer serve as ears and decorations.
- → What creates the fur texture on the bunny?
Shredded coconut is sprinkled over the frosting to mimic fluffy fur.
- → Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it uses vegetable oil, eggs, and dairy without meat ingredients, fitting a vegetarian diet.
- → How long does the baking take?
The cake needs about 35 to 40 minutes baking time at 350°F (175°C).