Gluten-Free PEEPS Bunny Carrot Cake
A whimsical carrot cake decorated with yellow marshmallow PEEPS bunnies around the base and a creative carrot top made from green licorice. The moist spiced cake layers are filled with real shredded carrots and warm cinnamon-nutmeg flavoring, covered in rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for Easter celebrations or spring gatherings where you want to create smiles and childhood wonder. The standout feature is the edible carrot centerpiece made from a frosted cupcake with crushed cookie soil and licorice greens, surrounded by a parade of adorable bunny marshmallows that make this cake as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 1 box Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmegallspice1:1spice
similar warm flavor
- 2 cups carrots, coarsely shredded peeled
- 2 tubs (16 oz) Betty Crocker Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese Frostingbuttercream1:1frosting
different flavor profile
- 23 PEEPS brand yellow marshmallow bunnies
- Betty Crocker Red and Yellow Gel Food Colors
- 1 creme-filled chocolate sandwich cookie, filling removed, finely crushed
- 1 pull-and-peel green apple licorice twist
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350°F or 325°F for dark pans and spray two 8-inch round pans plus place one paper cup in muffin tin
- 2
Beat cake mix, oil, water, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes
- 3
Stir in shredded carrots
- 4
Spoon 1/4 cup batter into muffin cup and bake 15 to 20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- 5
Cool cupcake 10 minutes, remove from pan, remove paper cup and freeze until ready to frost
- 6
Divide remaining batter between round pans and bake 28 to 33 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- 7
Cool cakes 10 minutes, run knife around edges, remove from pans and cool completely
- 8
Frost cake rounds using 2/3 cup frosting between layers
- 9
Frost sides and top with remaining frosting except reserve 1/2 cup
- 10
Attach 22 PEEPS bunnies around bottom edge of cake
- 11
Tint reserved frosting orange with red and yellow food coloring
- 12
Frost bottom half of frozen cupcake with orange frosting and place frosted side down in center of cake
- 13
Continue frosting to cover cupcake completely
- 14
Sprinkle crushed cookie around base of cupcake
- 15
Cut licorice in half, pull apart ends of one half leaving one end intact to look like carrot top
- 16
Press intact end into top of cupcake and place remaining PEEPS bunny next to carrot
Tips
Freeze the cupcake before frosting to make it easier to handle and create a smooth carrot shape
Press PEEPS bunnies gently but firmly into the frosting while it's still soft for best adhesion
Make the carrot top by carefully pulling licorice strands apart while keeping one end intact for a realistic look
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days, bring to room temperature before serving
Cake layers can be baked 1 day ahead, wrapped and stored at room temperature
Cut with sharp knife, remove PEEPS before eating if desired
Common Mistakes
Use room temperature eggs to avoid lumps in batter
Don't overbake the cupcake or it will be dry and crack when frosting
Tint frosting gradually to avoid overly bright orange color
Substitutions
similar warm flavor
different flavor profile
FAQ
Can I make this without PEEPS bunnies?
Yes, substitute with mini marshmallows, fondant decorations, or pipe buttercream bunnies for a similar cute effect.
What if I don't have gel food coloring?
Liquid food coloring works but may thin the frosting slightly. Add gradually and expect a lighter orange color.
How long will this cake keep fresh?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. The PEEPS will stay fresh but may soften slightly in humid conditions.