Bunny Cake - Woven Through 4 Decades of Family Memories

Easter wouldn't be Easter without our family's iconic bunny cake. It's more than just a dessert; it's a sweet symbol of spring, a canvas for creativity, and a delicious thread woven through four decades of family memories.

For over 40 years, this floppy-eared friend has graced our Easter tables, evolving slightly with each passing year but always retaining its core charm. I have such vivid memories of my family and I, teenagers with more enthusiasm than precision, carefully placing jelly bean "buttons" on the bunny's body and negotiating over who got to arrange the licorice whiskers. Looking back at those photos now brings such a wave of nostalgia!

Now, the tradition continues with my own kids. Their little hands, so eager with the frosting, create their own versions of our beloved bunny. Seeing their focused faces as they sprinkle the coconut "grass" and choose just the right jelly bean for the eye brings the whole cycle full circle. It's a beautiful thing to witness a tradition passed down, shaped by new generations, but rooted in the same love and laughter.

The secret to our bunny's deliciousness? Well, it's a combination of love and fantastic recipes! We've always had a soft spot for Ina Garten's incredible Coconut Cake, which  is perfect to make 2 cake rounds. You can find her recipe here.

And what's a bunny without a luscious white coat? We always top our creation with Ina's Cream Cheese Icing. It's rich, tangy, and perfectly spreadable, providing the ideal backdrop for our bunny's features. The recipe is a winner every time.

Not a fan of coconut? No problem! For those who prefer a classic vanilla flavor, we also highly recommend America's Test Kitchen's Vanilla Cake recipe. It's another incredibly reliable and delicious cake that will hold its shape beautifully for your bunny creation. You can easily substitute it for the coconut cake and still create a stunning and tasty Easter centerpiece. (You can find their recipe with a quick online search for "America's Test Kitchen Vanilla Cake" as it's often behind a paywall, but well worth it!)

The fun really begins with the decorations! We embrace a slightly whimsical, definitely homemade aesthetic. Here's our go-to approach:

• The Bunny Shape: We bake the cake in two round pans - one is the head, and the other is used to cut two ear, leaving a bow tie in the middle.
• "Grass": Tinting shredded coconut green creates a festive "grass" around the bunny, adding a touch of spring to the presentation. You can also use pink coconut for the ears.  
• Features: Red licorice strands make perfect whiskers and a sweet little smile. Jelly beans become adorable eyes and perfect for the outline of the bow tie. Sprinkles and chocolate chips are perfect to use as well!
  

This bunny cake isn't about perfect presentation; it's about the joy of creating something together, the sweet anticipation of Easter morning, and the delicious taste of a family tradition (with options for everyone!). Every year, as we gather to bake and decorate, we're not just making a cake – we're making memories.

What are your favorite Easter traditions? We'd love to hear about them in the comments below! Happy Easter from our family to yours!