Welcome to a world of whimsical delights, where baking meets artistry to create the most enchanting Chocolate Covered Cake Bunnies! These adorable lemon cake treats, cloaked in a smooth layer of white chocolate, are more than just a dessert; they are miniature masterpieces that promise to bring smiles and joy to any gathering, especially during the festive Easter season. Imagine fluffy, zesty lemon cake, baked to perfection, then cut into charming bunny shapes, and finally dipped into a sweet, creamy chocolate shell. It’s an irresistible combination that’s surprisingly simple to achieve, making them an ideal project for both seasoned bakers and eager beginners alike.
There’s something uniquely satisfying about crafting treats that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. These cake bunnies embody that charm perfectly. The vibrant lemon flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the rich white chocolate coating, creating a harmonious balance that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re planning an Easter brunch, a spring-themed party, or simply looking for a fun baking activity with the kids, these chocolate-covered cake bunnies are guaranteed to be the star of the show. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these cute, delicious, and incredibly easy-to-make confections!
The Inspiration Behind These Adorable Easter Treats
My culinary adventures often lead me down paths of creative expression, especially when the holidays roll around. This recipe for chocolate-covered cake bunnies was born from a desire to create something truly special and memorable for Easter. The idea was simple yet brilliant: transform a delicious lemon sheet cake into charming bunny shapes, then give them a luxurious chocolate coating. The result was an instant hit with my own children, who couldn’t get enough of these “little creatures.” Their enthusiasm confirmed that these bunnies weren’t just a treat; they were an experience, a playful indulgence that captured the spirit of spring.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. While bunnies are undeniably perfect for Easter, the core lemon sheet cake recipe is a true spring staple. Its light, zesty flavor makes it suitable for any seasonal celebration or just a delightful afternoon snack. You’re not limited to bunny shapes; feel free to experiment with other cookie cutters – think flowers, eggs, chicks, or even simple circles and squares for an equally delightful treat. The cake’s ideal height makes it perfect for cutting into various forms, offering endless possibilities for customization. You could even get creative and stack two cake cutouts with a thin layer of fruit jam or a creamy filling in between before frosting or dipping them in chocolate for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Let your imagination run wild and truly make these treats your own!
Crafting the Perfect Lemon Sheet Cake
The foundation of our delightful cake bunnies is a supremely moist and flavorful lemon sheet cake. Achieving the perfect cake is crucial for cutouts that hold their shape and deliver on taste. My recipe guarantees a tender crumb and a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the sweet chocolate coating. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan thoroughly. Greasing and flouring, or lining with parchment paper, is essential for easy removal, especially when dealing with a delicate sheet cake destined for intricate cuts. The parchment paper method is often preferred as it allows you to lift the entire cake out once cooled, minimizing breakage.
The method for making this lemon cake is unique and contributes to its exceptional texture. We combine hot butter and water with the dry ingredients, followed by a tempered egg and sour cream mixture. This technique ensures a cake that is wonderfully moist and tender, yet sturdy enough to withstand the cookie-cutting process without crumbling. The addition of lemon extract and fresh lemon zest amplifies the citrus flavor, making each bite incredibly refreshing. Be sure to mix the batter until just smooth; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Pour it evenly into your prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience is key here – allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it and cut out your shapes. A fully cooled cake is much less likely to break or stick, ensuring beautifully formed bunnies.
The Art of Chocolate Dipping and Decoration
Once your lemon cake is perfectly baked and cooled, the real fun begins: transforming it into irresistible chocolate-covered cake bunnies! This step is where these treats truly come to life. The choice of chocolate coating is important. I recommend using a high-quality white chocolate candy coating or melting wafers, as they melt smoothly and set up firm, providing a beautiful, professional finish without tempering. A double boiler is an excellent tool for melting chocolate gently and evenly, preventing it from seizing or burning. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, heating in short bursts and stirring frequently until smooth.
Dipping the cake bunnies requires a delicate touch. Hold each bunny by an edge or use a fork to submerge it halfway or completely into the melted white chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, ensuring a clean, even coat. You might need to use a spoon to help coat the sides thoroughly. For an added touch of whimsy and color, you can incorporate a single drop of pink gel food coloring into a portion of your white chocolate coating, creating delicate pink bunnies that are especially enchanting for Easter. Once dipped, carefully transfer the bunnies to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow the chocolate to set. This ensures a neat finish and prevents sticking.
Beyond the simple chocolate coating, the decoration possibilities are endless! Once the chocolate is set, you can adorn your bunnies with various edible embellishments. Tiny flower beads, as I playfully used on mine, add a charming detail. Consider using colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even delicate piped designs using royal icing or melted chocolate in contrasting colors. Edible markers can also be used to draw on bunny faces or other fun details. For a natural touch, you could use natural food dyes derived from fruits or vegetables to color your white chocolate coating. The more creative you get, the more unique and personal your cake bunnies will be. These decorative touches not only enhance their visual appeal but also add another layer of fun to the entire baking process, making these treats truly special for gifting or serving.
Presenting and Storing Your Bunny Treats
Once your chocolate-covered cake bunnies are fully decorated and the chocolate has completely set, they are ready to be presented and enjoyed. These delightful treats make excellent gifts for Easter baskets, party favors, or simply as a special homemade dessert for family and friends. For gifting, wrap individual bunnies in clear treat bags tied with festive ribbons. Their charming appearance makes them a thoughtful and impressive edible present that everyone will adore. Arrange them on a pretty platter for a stunning dessert display that will surely be the centerpiece of your Easter table or spring celebration.
To keep your cake bunnies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if your chocolate coating is prone to softening, you may refrigerate them. However, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. The lemon cake retains its moisture beautifully, and the chocolate coating acts as a protective layer, ensuring each bite is as fresh and delightful as the first. These little bunnies are more than just a treat; they are a festive celebration of spring, joy, and the simple pleasure of homemade goodness.
Chocolate Covered Cake Bunnies Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks
- 1 cup water
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon extract
- 2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 14 oz. white chocolate candy coating
- 1 drop pink gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Grease a 15″x 10″ baking pan or line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Set aside.
- Place butter and water in a medium saucepan and bring to boil. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, lemon extract, zest, baking soda and salt.
- Add the hot butter mixture slowly to the flour mixture, whisking well.
- Add ¼ of a cup of the butter and flour mixture to the eggs and sour cream mixture to temper it.
- Add the rest of the hot mixture and mix well with a wooden spoon or a spatula until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes (the magic number for me was 23 minutes).
- Let cool completely in the pan.
- Once the cake is cooled, take it out carefully from the pan onto a cutting board. It helps to bake the cake in a parchment paper or aluminum foil lined pan as it makes taking the cake out easier.
- Cut out the bunnies with a cookie cutter and place them on another clean baking sheet.
- Melt chocolate candy coating in a double boiler.
- Dip the bunnies top side down in the chocolate coating and let the excess of the chocolate drip down back into the bowl. Helping yourself with a spoon, coat the sides of the bunnies with the chocolate coating.
- Let the bunnies sit on parchment paper lined baking sheet or on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet.
- Once the chocolate coating is set, decorate the bunnies gluing them with dots of the remaining chocolate coating.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 46g |
Protein: 3g |
Fat: 18g |
Saturated Fat: 11g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 74mg |
Sodium: 302mg |
Potassium: 50mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 30g |
Vitamin A: 572IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 23mg |
Iron: 1mg
Enjoy these delightful chocolate-covered cake bunnies, and may your Easter and spring celebrations be filled with sweetness and joy!