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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Easter Cakes

I traditionally bring cakes to our family Easter dinner. The girls and I have been making them for a few years and I thought I would share a few of our favorites. I know we are only half way through Holy Week, but I am starting to get the ingredients together so that we are ready to bake.

First up is our bunny cake:
I found the instructions a few years ago on the Internet. Unfortunately, I don't remember where. I make the cake in two round cake pans. Layer them then cut them in half (this will make two bunnies). Then stand one half on its side and frost. Cut out a notch in the front to rest the ears. The ears are made from one large marshmallow cut on the bias and the cut end is dipped in sprinkles. The cheeks are another marshmallow cut in half vertically, there is another whole marshmallow used for the tail. The fur is made from toasted coconut, and the grass from colored coconut. This cake is now an Easter staple for us.

Last year I also found this cake in Taste of Home magazine. I think it would be more appropriate for a late summer cake, but one key ingredient is only available now-- yellow chick peeps. I only know one person who will actually eat those things (I have a crazy little sister), but they do make for a nice sunflower cake.

The chocolate chips should be in concentric circles, but I had a 2-year old and 5-year old helping:) Also, I will separate all the peeps next time to make a less square shape.

This year I am thinking of a few changes, although I seem to be short on the creativity gene. I would like to turn the bunny into a lamb. Any ideas how to do this? I am also thinking that we will skip the sunflower cake for Easter and do it later. Anyone know the shelf-life of peeps? I'm hoping to replace that with a cross shaped cake, or maybe a cheesecake. Any other good Easter dessert ideas?

UPDATE: I found that someone had googled Easter Cakes and found my blog, I love sitemeter. Deciding to look for inspiration, I took a quick look. I came across this blog entry and had a good laugh. I just had to share- http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2009/04/easterly-wind-is-blowing.html

6 comments:

Charlotte (WaltzingM) said...

Oh.my.goodness! That sunflower cake is the cutest! I have to make one this year!!! Shelf life of Peeps? I'm pretty sure they are like could survive a nuclear holocaust; right alongside roaches and Twinkies.

Kim H. said...

Okay, first of all, I LOVE PEEPS! All colors, any time, any holiday. They rock!

Both cakes are ADORABLE! You are talented, my dear!

Growing up my mom always made the lamb cake. She has a cast iron -- yes, a cast iron mold and she pretty much made one every year. I loved that cake. She always frosted it white (obviously) and dusted it with coconut -- we liked coconut.

That was one of my favorite, favorite Easter memories. I think I might blog about it now. :)

Anonymous said...

You didn't mention the droppings -- black jelly beans sprinkled liberally at the “working end” of the bunny. :)

Laura said...

I love those cakes!!! You have inspired me!!

Regina said...

i hate the peeps but love the cakes. super cute!
r

Mark n Janie said...

That link was good for a laugh. Thanks for posting it. Try adding the peeps to a cup of hot chocolate-it's great!!