When I was growing up, my mom would make a bunny cake for Easter. I would look forward to helping her decorate the cake every year. After our dinner on Easter Sunday, I took pleasure in devouring a large piece. I did not care for the jelly beans that went into the decorations, but I loved eating the frosting that my mom made from scratch! Because of having fond memories of creating the bunny with my mom, I decided to make this cake when I had my own children. My kids also had a great time adding all the details to the bunny cake I made them. They would probably agree the frosting was the best part.

This particular bunny cake is made from two round eight-inch cake pans. You keep one round cake whole and the other you cut an ear on one side of the cake and one from the other side. The part that is left makes a bow tie. I cover the entire cake with vanilla frosting as well as coconut for the fur. Jelly beans are used for the eyes and nose, and to decorate the bow tie. String licorice is added for the mouth and whiskers. You can be creative and personalize how you decorate the bunny.

I don’t have a picture of our past bunny cakes but click here for a close representation. This takes one box of cake mix (I prefer white cake for this) or makes a white cake from scratch. TIP: To display your bunny, cover a cookie sheet with foil and place your cake on the covered cookie sheet and then decorate.

The white frosting I still use has been passed down to me by my mom, which was passed to her by a family friend. You may adjust the milk to your desired thickness. I have made a few adjustments over the years of making this frosting- I add more than a pinch of salt and a half teaspoon more of vanilla. You could also swap out the milk for coconut milk if you were making coconut cupcakes.

Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

• 2/3 Cup Shortening or 1 Stick Softened Butter
• 1 1b Box Powdered Sugar (or 3 3/4 cups)
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
• A Pinch of Salt
• 1/4 Cup Milk

Directions

Beat shortening or butter in a mixing bowl briefly to smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix while pouring the milk in slowly. Add more milk if necessary and mix until all ingredients are blended well.

Nowadays I usually make this frosting for cupcakes, but someday the bunny cake may see a revival in our home. (Maybe when I have grandkids??!!) Do you have a favorite dessert you make for Easter?