We’re excited to share our playful spin on a classic dessert called the Canadian Honker Bunny Cake. It’s a whimsical creation that brings joy to any celebration and it has a charming backstory tied to warm gatherings in cozy Canadian bakeries
Canadian Honker Bunny Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 cups shredded coconut (for “bunny fur”)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Assorted pastel sprinkles
Baking Data
| Step | Temperature or Time |
|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 350°F (176°C) |
| Bake cake | 25 to 30 minutes |
| Cool | 10 minutes in pans |
Instructions
- We sift the flour, the baking powder, and the salt. We set this mixture aside.
- We cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. We add the eggs one at a time. We stir in the vanilla extract.
- We alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk. We mix gently until the batter is smooth.
- We pour the batter into two round cake pans. We bake according to the chart above. We let the cakes cool.
- We combine the confectioners’ sugar with the milk and the vanilla for the frosting. We beat until the texture is spreadable.
- We place one cake layer on a flat surface. We spread a thin layer of frosting. We top with the second cake layer.
- We frost the entire cake. We press shredded coconut onto the sides and top. This creates the cute “bunny fur.”
- We add pastel sprinkles for extra color. We form bunny ears with trimmed cake pieces or shaped fondant. We attach them to the top of the cake.
Tools And Equipment
We depend on a few key items to bake and decorate our Canadian Honker Bunny Cake. They help us achieve fluffy layers and a whimsical design.
Baking Essentials
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large mixing bowl | We combine dry and wet ingredients thoroughly |
| Hand whisk or electric mixer | We create a smooth cake batter without lumps |
| 8-inch round cake pans (2 pans) | We shape two layers for our bunny design |
| Measuring cups and spoons | We ensure accurate proportions for each ingredient |
| Rubber spatula | We scrape every bit of batter without any waste |
| Wire cooling rack | We let the baked layers cool evenly before decorating |
Decorating Supplies
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Offset spatula | We spread our frosting smoothly |
| Piping bag with round tip | We add small details for the bunny ears and facial features |
| Food-safe kitchen scissors | We trim excess shredded coconut for a neat finish |
| Cake board or stand | We display our cake with stability and style |
Ingredients
Here is everything we need to build our Canadian Honker Bunny Cake. We keep these items close at hand to ensure smooth mixing and fluffy layers.
Cake And Frosting
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Eggs (large) | 3 |
| Whole milk | 3/4 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons |
| Shredded coconut | 1 cup |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | 1/2 cup (for frosting) |
| Powdered sugar | 3 cups |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
We bring baking powder and baking soda together with the flour to create a reliable rise. We rely on shredded coconut for our playful bunny fur. We whip butter and cream cheese for a smooth frosting that spreads easily.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. We grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter and set them aside.
- In a large bowl we whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture helps our Canadian Honker Bunny Cake bake with a light and airy texture.
- In a separate mixing bowl we beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and creamy. We add the eggs one at a time and continue beating until fully incorporated.
- We stir in whole milk and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Next we gradually fold our dry mixture into the wet ingredients to form a smooth batter.
- We distribute the batter evenly between our prepared pans. We gently tap each pan on the counter to remove air bubbles before placing them in the oven.
| Oven Temperature | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 350°F | 25 to 30 minutes total |
- We bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. We remove the pans from the oven and let them rest on a wire rack for 10 minutes before taking the cakes out to cool completely.
- While the cakes cool we prepare our cream cheese frosting. We beat cream cheese and butter until well combined then we add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- We level each cake layer if needed. We place one layer on a cake board or stand and generously spread frosting on top. We place the second layer over it and coat the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting.
- We chill the cake for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat. We then apply a final layer of frosting and press shredded coconut onto the surface. The coconut creates the playful bunny fur texture.
- We craft our bunny ears using two pieces of stiff paper or fondant. We carefully press them into the top of the cake. We can add pastel sprinkles or edible pearls around the base for extra whimsy.
Assembly And Presentation
- Place the first cake layer on our cake board or stand. This creates a sturdy base for building the Canadian Honker Bunny Cake.
- Spread about 1 cup of cream cheese frosting on the top surface of the first layer. Smooth it evenly with an offset spatula.
- Gently place the second layer on top. Press it lightly to secure.
- Use more cream cheese frosting to coat the sides and top. Cover the cake fully with a thin crumb coat first. Chill it for five minutes. Then add the final layer of frosting for a clean finish.
- Sprinkle shredded coconut around the sides and on top. Press it gently to form a playful bunny fur texture.
- Attach the bunny ears. Use toothpicks if needed for extra support. Keep the ears upright for the iconic look.
- Dust a handful of pastel sprinkles over the top. This adds whimsical pops of color and completes the festive design.
For quick reference on decoration amounts per cake layer:
| Decoration Item | Approximate Amount Per Layer |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese Frosting | 1 cup |
| Shredded Coconut | 1½ cups |
| Pastel Sprinkles | 2 tablespoons |
We can then transfer our decorated cake onto a display stand or platter for a charming presentation at any celebration.
Conclusion
This whimsical dessert brings joy to celebrations because it unites playful design and delightful taste
We love how it sparks smiles for both kids and adults
It’s got simple steps and an adorable look that make it a treat worth sharing every time
Let’s gather our baking tools and get creative because this cake invites us to celebrate in the sweetest way
We’ll discover that every slice is filled with happiness and a sense of fun
We can’t wait to see how it brightens up every special moment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Canadian Honker Bunny Cake?
This charming dessert is a fluffy layered cake covered with cream cheese frosting and shredded coconut to resemble bunny fur. Inspired by cozy Canadian bakeries, it’s a playful treat for parties and family gatherings. Its adorable bunny ears, made from paper or fondant, add a whimsical touch. The cake’s moist interior and subtle coconut flavor make it a memorable centerpiece at any celebration.
What ingredients do I need?
You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. These basics create the cake layers and the creamy frosting. Pastel sprinkles are optional but add color.
How do I make the batter fluffy?
Start by whisking together the dry ingredients to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then add eggs one at a time. Fold in the dry mixture and milk gradually. This step-by-step approach ensures a light, airy batter that bakes into soft cake layers.
Why is shredded coconut important?
The shredded coconut gives the cake its signature “bunny fur” look. It also introduces a subtle, sweet texture that complements the cream cheese frosting. If you want the whimsical bunny design, the coconut layer is essential for capturing that fun, furry effect.
How do I decorate it like a bunny?
After frosting the cooled layers, gently press shredded coconut onto the cake’s surface. Craft bunny ears from stiff paper or fondant and secure them at the top. Sprinkle pastel decorations for extra charm. The result is a cake that resembles an adorable bunny, perfect for Instagram-worthy photos.
Can I make it without special equipment?
Basic baking tools—like mixing bowls, measuring cups, and a whisk—are essential, but you can handle most tasks with everyday kitchen utensils. An electric mixer helps achieve a smoother batter, though a hand whisk works carefully too. For a neat finish, use any spatula for frosting and a simple board for serving.
How should I store the cake?
Keep the cake refrigerated to maintain freshness. Cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container so the frosting and coconut stay moist. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.