Peter Rabbit Cake

No bunny will be able to resist a slice of this adorable dessert. Baked and decorated ahead of time, the coconut-topped cake makes an eye-catching fitting finale to any Easter feast.

Peter Rabbit Cake

Average Rating: 4.571428

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. Bake: 25 min.
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 package white cake mix (regular size)
  • 1 can (16 ounces) vanilla frosting
  • 1-3/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided
  • 2 drops red food coloring
  • 2 drops green food coloring
  • Assorted jelly beans
  • 1 stick black licorice, cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch strips

Instructions

  • 1. Mix and bake cake according to package directions, using two greased and floured 9-in. pans. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  • 2. For bunny's head, place one cake on a 20x14-in. covered board. Cut remaining cake into two ears and one bow tie (see Fig. 1). Place ears 4-in. apart on top of head. Place bow tie so it fits in curve of head (see photo).
  • 3. Frost top and sides of head, ears and bow tie. Sprinkle 1-1/4 cups coconut over head and ears. Divide remaining coconut between two resealable plastic bags; add red food coloring to one bag and green to the other. Seal bags and shake to coat. Place pink coconut on ears to within 1/2 in of the edges. Place green coconut around the cake.
  • 4. Use jelly beans for eyes, nose and to decorate bow tie. Cut the licorice into seven 2-in. pieces and seven 3/4-in. pieces. Place six 2-in. pieces next to nose for whiskers. Bend the remaining 2-in. piece into a semicircle and place 3/4 in. below nose for mouth. Connect nose to mouth with one 3/4-in. pieces. Place three 3/4-in. pieces above each eye for eyelashes.