Easter Bunny Coconut Cake (Print Version)

Whimsical vanilla cake layered with fluffy coconut frosting and festive spring decorations.

# Components:

→ Cake

01 - 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Coconut Frosting

09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 0.25 cup whole milk
12 - 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
13 - 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

→ Decoration

14 - Pink food coloring
15 - Jelly beans or candy-coated chocolate eggs
16 - Licorice strings for whiskers
17 - Mini marshmallows for tail and cheeks
18 - Black edible gel or chocolate chips for eyes and nose

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - While cakes are cooling, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
09 - Set aside 0.5 cup of frosting in a separate bowl and tint with pink food coloring for bunny ears and nose.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, cut one round cake to form the bunny's ears and bow tie. Arrange on a large board: one round for the face, two ear shapes above, and the bow tie below.
11 - Spread a thin layer of white frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Chill for 15 minutes.
12 - Frost the cake generously with remaining white frosting. Press shredded coconut over all frosted surfaces for a fluffy effect.
13 - 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.
14 - Serve and enjoy the festive Easter bunny cake.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping but doesn't require fancy baking skills, just confidence and a serrated knife.
  • The vanilla cake stays tender and moist while the coconut frosting adds a light, almost cloud-like texture that feels celebratory.
  • Kids can help with decorating, turning the final assembly into a joyful activity instead of just eating dessert.
02 -
  • Room temperature eggs and butter are non-negotiable; they cream properly and blend seamlessly, while cold ingredients create lumps and streaks.
  • The alternating method of adding flour and milk prevents overmixing, which is the silent killer of tender cake layers.
03 -
  • Chill the assembled cake for at least fifteen minutes before serving so the frosting firms up and the whole bunny stays structurally sound when sliced.
  • A serrated knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts prevents the coconut frosting from tearing and gives you clean slices that look as beautiful as the whole cake.
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