This adorable Easter bunny cake is surprisingly quick and easy to make with boxed cake mix. It’ll quickly become a holiday staple in your home!

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 (15.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

For Frosting and Decoration:

• 1 (16 ounce) container vanilla frosting
• 3 ¾ cups flaked coconut
• 30 small jellybeans
• 4 sticks red licorice

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the sides and bottoms of two 9-inch metal springform pans.

2. Prepare Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs with an electric mixer on low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the centers comes out clean, 23 to 28 minutes.

4. Cool: Cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then remove the cakes from the springform pans and cool completely on wire racks, about 20 more minutes.

5. Assemble the Bunny Shape: Place one cake on a serving tray to form the bunny’s head. Cut 2 convex-shaped ears from each side of the second cake, and place them on each side of the head to form ears. Place the remaining concave-shaped piece about 1/2 inch below the head for the bowtie.

6. Frost and Decorate: Frost the entire bunny cake with vanilla frosting; pat the flaked coconut evenly over the top and sides. Decorate the bunny face and bowtie with jellybeans, and use licorice to make whiskers.

Nutrients Per serving:

• Calories: 457
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 1mg
• Sodium: 362mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 69g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Sugars: 48g
• Protein: 3g

The Story Behind the Easy Bunny Cake

The Easy Bunny Cake has become an Easter tradition for families looking for a fun and festive dessert. This cake, often made with a simple boxed cake mix, transforms into an adorable bunny using basic cutting and decorating techniques. While its origins are uncertain, the concept of shaped cakes has been around for decades, with home bakers using creative designs to make special occasions even more memorable. Easter has long been associated with symbols of renewal and fertility, with the bunny being one of the most recognizable icons. The Easter Bunny, popularized in Western culture, is said to bring eggs and treats to children, making it a fitting inspiration for a dessert that brings joy to all ages. This cake is often prepared with children, making it an interactive baking experience. The simplicity of the recipe ensures that even novice bakers can create an impressive centerpiece for their holiday table. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started, this cake is a delightful way to celebrate Easter.

Why This Recipe is So Popular

The Easy Bunny Cake remains a favorite for several reasons:

1. Simplicity – The cake uses a boxed cake mix, making it quick and convenient to prepare.
2. Kid-Friendly – Children love helping with the decorating process, from spreading the frosting to placing jellybeans for the bunny’s face.
3. Festive and Fun – The bright colors, coconut fur, and candy decorations make it a visually appealing Easter dessert.
4. Budget-Friendly – With minimal ingredients, it’s an affordable way to create a special holiday treat.
5. Customizable – Bakers can personalize the cake with different flavors, frostings, and toppings.

Tips for Making the Best Bunny Cake

Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few extra tips can ensure success:

• Use a Springform Pan for Even Baking – Springform pans help cakes bake evenly and make it easier to remove them without breaking.
• Let the Cake Cool Completely – Decorating a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and make spreading difficult. Allow at least 30 minutes for cooling before decorating.
• Apply a Crumb Coat – A thin layer of frosting before the final coat helps trap crumbs, making the final layer smooth.
• Chill Before Serving – Refrigerating the cake for about an hour before serving helps the frosting set and prevents it from becoming too soft.
• Use Shredded Coconut Sparingly – While coconut adds texture, too much can make it difficult to see the bunny’s features.

Variations to Try

If you love experimenting with flavors, here are some fun variations to make your bunny cake unique:

• Chocolate Bunny Cake – Swap the vanilla cake mix for a chocolate one and use chocolate frosting for a rich, decadent version.
• Carrot Cake Bunny – Since bunnies love carrots, a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a perfect Easter twist.
• Coconut-Free Version – If you don’t like coconut, skip it and use crushed graham crackers or white chocolate shavings instead.
• Pastel-Themed Bunny – Use pastel-colored frosting or edible glitter to make the bunny more festive.
• Gluten-Free or Vegan Bunny Cake – Use a gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free frosting for dietary restrictions.

How to Store the Bunny Cake

Since this cake is covered in frosting and coconut, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness.

• Room Temperature – If you’re serving the cake within 24 hours, keep it covered at room temperature in a cake carrier.
• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep in mind that refrigeration can dry out cake, so let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
• Freezing – To freeze, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving Suggestions

This bunny cake is the perfect centerpiece for Easter celebrations. Here are some ways to serve it:

• Pair with Easter Treats – Serve alongside chocolate eggs, marshmallow bunnies, or fruit platters.
• Add a Side of Ice Cream – Vanilla, coconut, or strawberry ice cream pairs well with the cake’s light and fluffy texture.
• Decorate the Serving Plate – Sprinkle pastel-colored sprinkles, edible flowers, or crushed cookies around the bunny to enhance the presentation.

Conclusion

The Easy Bunny Cake is a timeless Easter dessert that brings joy to any holiday table. Its simple yet festive design makes it a favorite for families, especially those with young children. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customizations, from different cake flavors to creative decorations. Whether you’re baking it as a fun activity with kids or making it as a showstopping treat for Easter brunch, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.