Easter Bunny Cake with Buttercream

This Easter Bunny Cake is a playful, festive dessert — a soft, tender cake covered in smooth buttercream frosting and decorated to look like an adorable bunny. Perfect for holidays, spring celebrations, family dinners, or any occasion that needs a cute, cheerful dessert. 🎂🐰

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, fluffy cake base with buttery, creamy frosting
• Fun bunny-themed presentation — great for kids or festive gatherings
• Decadent buttercream pairs beautifully with cake for a rich yet soft texture
• Easy to make with standard baking ingredients (no complicated steps)
• Perfect for spring holidays, birthdays, or seasonal parties

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 ⅔ cups (≈ 210 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (≈ 200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup milk
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar (adjust sweetness & consistency)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to thin if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: food coloring (pink, pastel, etc.) for decorating

For Decoration (Bunny Features)

• Pink- or black-colored frosting (or food coloring) for ears, nose, or details
• Marshmallows, candies, or fondant for eyes, nose, whiskers, or ears
• Colored sugar / sprinkles for fun decorative touches

Instructions

1. Make the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or round cake pan (or shape as desired).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. In another bowl, combine softened butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined and smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
6. Bake for about 30–35 minutes (or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean).
7. Let cake cool completely on a rack before frosting.

2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

1. In a bowl, beat softened butter until creamy and light.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add vanilla and milk (or cream) a little at a time until you reach desired consistency (spreadable but firm).
4. Optionally mix in food coloring to create pastel shades for decoration.

3. Frost & Decorate as a Bunny

1. Place cooled cake on a serving plate or cake board.
2. Spread a thin “crumb coat” layer of buttercream first, then chill 15 minutes.
3. Apply a thicker layer of frosting all around for the final coat.
4. Use colored frosting, marshmallows, candies, or fondant to craft bunny features — ears, eyes, nose, whiskers, etc.
5. Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or fine decorative touches for a festive finish.

You Must Know

• Cake must be completely cooled before frosting — frosting a warm cake melts the buttercream.
• Softened butter (not melted) is key for smooth, creamy frosting.
• Chill between crumb coat and final frosting to avoid crumbs showing through.
• Use gentle pressure when decorating to keep cake structure intact.

Pro Tips & Variations

• add a swirl of melted chocolate or fruit jam between cake layers for extra flavor.
• Use almond extract (a few drops) instead of vanilla for a nutty aroma.
• Try a two-layer cake for a taller bunny — stack and frost for a 3D effect.
• For colored frosting: pastel pinks, purples, or blues — great for spring or Easter vibe.
• Use mini marshmallows and a bit of food coloring to create bunny tail and paws.

Serving & Storage

• Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Store covered in a cake box or airtight container — keeps for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate in warm climates; bring to room temperature before serving if chilled.
• For leftovers: freeze slices wrapped well; thaw before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — you can bake the cake a day ahead and frost it the next day. Keeps well.

→ Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Yes — substitute butter with plant-based margarine, milk with plant milk, and use vegan powdered sugar/frosting alternatives.

→ My frosting is too runny — help?
Add more powdered sugar to thicken, or chill the frosting before use.

→ Some decorations fell or melted — why?
Maybe frosting was too soft or cake was warm; ensure everything is cool and frosting firm before decorating.

Enjoy your festive, adorable Easter Bunny Cake — fun to bake, fun to decorate, and delightful to share! 🎂

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