Cooking with Kids: Rabbit Cake Recipe

Rabbit Cake

Difficulty Level: Advanced

Rabbit Cake
Equipment: Flour sifter, rubber spatula, measuring spoons, two 8-inch round cake pans, measuring cups, electric mixer and bowl, serrated knife.

To Make the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup milk
1-1/4 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease and flour the cake pans (rub bottom of pan with butter or shortening, then sprinkle flour in the pan; tap the pan until flour spreads and covers pan bottom and sides).

3. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into the electric mixer bowl.

4. Add the shortening, milk, vanilla, and eggs. Mix on low speed for one minute.

5. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then turn mixer to high speed. Beat for 3 minutes.

6. Pour into pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the cake center comes out clean (not sticky!).

Cake
7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn cake layers onto a wire rack (you might need help with this step).

8. Wait until cakes cool completely (yes, completely!) before cutting and topping with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Dash salt
2-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1. Place the cream cheese, milk, vanilla, and salt in the electric mixer bowl. Mix on medium speed until well blended.

2. Gradually add sugar, beating at medium to high speed until the frosting is smooth and will spread easily. If necessary, add more milk.

3. Cut the cooled cake and arrange as shown in the pictures. One layer is left intact, and the other is cut to form the bunny's ears and bow tie. Spread the frosting between the head, ear, and bow tie pieces, then over top and sides.

4. Add jelly beans for the bunny's eyes, strips of licorice for whiskers. You could also cover the rabbit with coconut for a very special, very "fuzzy" Easter dessert!