Easter Bunny Cake

INGREDIENTS FOR CAKE

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup milk

3 eggs

1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.

Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large mixing bowl.

Add the shortening, milk, eggs and vanilla.

Mix on low speed using electric mixer for one minute.

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

Pour batter into pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn cake layers onto a wire rack.

INGREDIENTS FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon milk

1 teaspoon vanilla

Dash of salt

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

METHOD

Place the cream cheese, milk, vanilla and salt into mixing bowl.

Mix on medium speed until well blended.

Gradually add sugar, beating at medium to high speed until smooth.

INGREDIENTS FOR DECORATIONS

Flaked coconut

Licorice strips

Jelly beans

METHOD

Cut the cooled cake and arrange as shown in the picture.

Leave one cake intact to create the head.

Cut the other cake in half. Use one half to create bow tie or shoulders or the rabbit. Cut the other half in two pieces to create the ears.

Spread the frosting between the head, ears and bow tie pieces, then over the�top and sides.

Cover the entire rabbit with flaked coconut.

Add jelly beans for the eyes, strips of licorice for whiskers and decorate with more jelly beans.

(Recipe and photo taken from Sheknows.com)