Description
This Bunny Carrot Cake is a delightful and festive dessert perfect for celebrations, featuring moist layers of spiced carrot cake frosted with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese icing. The cake is artfully assembled and decorated to resemble a charming bunny, making it both a tasty and visually appealing centerpiece for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium)
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients and Carrots: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Stir in the finely grated carrots until well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently and mixing just until blended to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a creamy frosting perfect for spreading.
- Assemble the Bunny Shape: Cut one cake layer to create bunny ears and a bow tie shape. Arrange the cake pieces on a serving platter to form a bunny outline.
- Frost and Decorate: Generously frost the entire assembled bunny cake. Decorate with coconut flakes, candies, sprinkles, or any desired toppings to add texture and festive flair.
Notes
- Ensure the carrots are finely grated to blend seamlessly into the batter and create a moist texture.
- Do not over-mix the batter, as it can develop gluten and make the cake dense.
- For a firmer frosting, chill the cream cheese beforehand and ensure it is fully softened.
- Use different decorating items to personalize the bunny’s features, like candy eyes or licorice whiskers.
- The cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
