Easter Bunny Cake Surprise (Printable Version)

Whimsical bunny-shaped cake with a surprise sprinkle center, perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cake

01 - 3 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 vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk

→ Hidden Sprinkle Center

09 - 1 cup assorted sprinkles

→ Buttercream Frosting

10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar
12 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk
13 - 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Pink food coloring, optional

→ Decoration

15 - Shredded coconut, optional
16 - Candy eyes
17 - Pink jelly beans or pink candy for nose
18 - Marshmallows for tail and ears, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
04 - Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
06 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Once cool, level cakes if necessary. Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut a hole in the center of one cake layer.
08 - Place the intact cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of buttercream, then top with the cake layer with the hole.
09 - Fill the hole with sprinkles. Place cake cut-out from the hole on top to seal.
10 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk until fluffy and spreadable.
11 - Frost entire cake with buttercream. Cut one round for the face and cut the other round to make ears and a bowtie. Assemble on a large board in bunny shape.
12 - Decorate with shredded coconut for fur, candy eyes, pink frosting or candies for nose and ears, and marshmallows for tail if desired.
13 - Chill for 30 minutes before serving to help set the frosting and surprise center.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A hidden sprinkle center creates an exciting surprise with every slice
  • Perfect for Easter celebrations and spring gatherings
  • Delights both kids and adults with its whimsical bunny shape
  • Classic vanilla cake recipe that's buttery, moist, and tender
  • Customizable decorations let you get creative with coconut, candies, and colors
  • Makes 12 generous servings for sharing with family and friends
02 -
  • Level your cake layers with a serrated knife for a more stable bunny shape and cleaner assembly
  • Chill the cake layers for 15 minutes before cutting the hole—it makes cleaner cuts with less crumbling
  • Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting first, chill for 20 minutes, then add the final decorative layer
  • Use an offset spatula for smooth, professional-looking frosting application
  • Keep extra sprinkles on hand to repair the hidden center if any spill during assembly
  • Store decorated cake in the refrigerator but bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best flavor
  • Check candy and sprinkle packaging for allergen information, especially if serving guests with dietary restrictions
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