Save Celebrate the arrival of spring with this delightful Spring Bunny Carrot Cake Display. This whimsical dessert is not only moist and full of warm spices but also creatively shaped and decorated to resemble an adorable spring bunny. Perfect for gatherings and festive celebrations, this carrot cake will surely bring smiles to your table and hearts.
Save From the classic spices to the grated carrots and optional nuts and raisins, every bite is a celebration of spring flavors. The cream cheese frosting is luxuriously smooth, perfectly covering the bunny's silhouette. With simple decoration steps and a beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to be the centerpiece of any dessert table.
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
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- 3. In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing well.
- 4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in carrots, and if using, nuts and raisins.
- 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.
- 6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- 7. For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
- 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.
- 9. Arrange on a large platter. Frost generously with cream cheese frosting.
- 10. Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to resemble fur.
- 11. Tint a small amount of coconut pink for the ear centers and nose; apply accordingly.
- 12. Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes; marshmallows for cheeks and tail.
- 13. Decorate with edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles as desired.
- 14. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensure that the cakes have fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting. When cutting the ears and bowtie shapes, use a serrated knife for clean edges. Tinting shredded coconut with pink food coloring can be done by adding a few drops with a small amount of coconut in a bowl and mixing well. For even coverage, gently press the coconut onto the frosting with your hands or a spatula.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans. Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. For gluten-free adaptation, use a gluten-free flour blend ensuring it measures equivalently. The cake can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this charming bunny carrot cake with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea to balance the spices and sweetness. It makes a delightful centerpiece for spring celebrations, Easter gatherings, or any festive occasion, bringing both whimsy and flavor to your dessert table.
Save This Spring Bunny Carrot Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brightens any celebration with its playful design and comforting flavors. Enjoy the process and delight in the smiles it brings to your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What spices enhance the carrot cake flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combine to provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the carrots perfectly.
- → How is the bunny shape created?
Two round cakes are assembled with one intact for the face and cut ovals for ears, using leftover pieces for bowtie or feet decorations.
- → What ingredients give the cake its moist texture?
Vegetable oil and unsweetened applesauce ensure a tender, moist crumb throughout the cake.
- → How is the coconut used in decoration?
Shredded coconut is sprinkled over the frosting to mimic bunny fur, with some tinted pink for ears and nose details.
- → Can nuts be omitted from this dish?
Yes, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans to achieve a nut-free version without sacrificing texture.
- → What is the best way to store this cake?
Refrigerate covered to maintain freshness, and chilling before serving helps with clean slicing.