Easter Peep Cake

Easter Peep Cake features colorful layered cake with creamy vanilla buttercream, decorated with Bunny Peeps, green coconut, and Easter M&M’s. This festive holiday dessert is perfect for family celebrations, spring parties, and Easter brunch. The moist, fluffy cake layers paired with sweet frosting create a fun and visually striking centerpiece.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (2 sticks / 250g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus extra for dusting pans
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• Gel food coloring, 1 drop each (pink, yellow, blue, ~⅛ tsp each)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 2 cups (4 sticks / 450g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 cups powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream

Decorations:

• 24 Bunny Peeps (pink, blue, yellow)
• 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, dyed green
• 1 bag Easter M&M’s

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake pans.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans with shortening or butter and dust with flour. Set aside.

2. Make the cake batter.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift and whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

3. Color the batter.
Divide the batter equally into three bowls. Add a drop of pink, blue, and yellow gel food coloring to each bowl, stirring gently until fully mixed. Pour each colored batter into its respective cake pan.

4. Bake the cakes.
Bake on the middle rack for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cooled.

5. Make the buttercream.
Cream the butter with a hand mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream on low speed until smooth. Set aside about ¼ of the frosting in a piping bag with a large round tip.

6. Assemble the cake.
Place a small amount of buttercream on a cake stand or platter to secure the bottom layer. Place the blue cake in the center. Spread a layer of buttercream on top, smoothing with a spatula. Repeat with the yellow and pink layers.

7. Apply crumb coat.
Spread a thin layer of buttercream around the sides of the cake. Chill in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the refrigerator for 40 minutes.

8. Frost and decorate.
Apply a fresh layer of buttercream to the sides for a clean finish. Place Bunny Peeps around the cake sides, alternating colors. Pipe small swirls on the top with a star tip, then sprinkle the center with green coconut and Easter M&M’s.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Colorful, festive cake perfect for Easter celebrations.
• Fluffy layered cake with creamy vanilla buttercream.
• Fun and playful decorations kids and adults will enjoy.
• Can be customized with favorite candies or colors.

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Tips

• Use a kitchen scale to divide batter evenly for uniform layers.
• Chill the crumb-coated cake before final frosting for easier spreading.
• Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors without altering the batter consistency.
• Use a piping bag and tip for neat frosting swirls.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cake flavors: Swap vanilla with lemon or almond extract for a different flavor profile.
• Frosting alternative: Use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
• Decoration options: Substitute Peeps with chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, or edible flowers.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

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FAQs

Can this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cakes and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Assemble and decorate on the day of serving.

How long does the cake stay fresh?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I use store-bought frosting?
Yes, though homemade buttercream provides better flavor and texture for layering and decorating.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve slices with milk, coffee, or tea for a festive Easter treat.
• Pair with fruit salads or pastel-colored candies for a themed dessert table.
• Perfect centerpiece for family gatherings, brunches, or Easter parties.
• Leftover slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.