Surprise Cake

Easter Surprise Dessert – Bunny Cake

Every year, Easter celebrations bring a special joy, and an essential part of this feast is dessert. Today, I invite you to discover together the wonderful recipe for the bunny cake, a dessert that not only delights the eyes but also the taste buds. With an attractive appearance and a fluffy texture, this dessert will surely become the star of the Easter table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:

- 7 large eggs
- 1 pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and honey
- 7 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 7 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker vanilla sugar
- 50 g of Dr. Oetker cocoa powder
- 1 packet of Dr. Oetker chocolate glaze
- Extra: bunny-shaped cookie cutter

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential to ensure that no traces of yolk remain in the egg whites to achieve a firm foam. Use a tall bowl to facilitate beating.

2. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt and the vinegar to the egg whites. Beat them vigorously with a mixer until you achieve a firm foam. This will give the cake a fluffy and airy texture.

3. Adding sugar: Continue mixing and gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar. Keep beating until the mixture becomes shiny and homogeneous. It’s important not to rush this stage, as the sugar needs to dissolve completely.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon. It is essential to mix delicately to preserve the air in the egg white foam.

5. Adding the flour: Sift the all-purpose flour and fold it into the mixture, pouring it in a rain-like manner. Use circular motions from bottom to top to avoid losing volume.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Prepare a 24x30 cm baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour a uniform layer of about 2 cm from the obtained mixture and level it well.

7. Baking the first layer: Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius (medium heat) and bake the first layer of sponge for 20 minutes. Check if it is done using a toothpick test – if it comes out clean, it’s perfect.

8. Preparing the cocoa layers: In the remaining batter, add the cocoa powder and gently mix until homogeneous. After the sponge has cooled, cut out the bunny shapes from it.

9. Assembling the cake: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour a thin layer of the cocoa batter and place the cut-out bunnies standing side by side along the entire length of the pan. Cover them with the cocoa batter, ensuring they are completely buried.

10. Baking the cake: Bake the cake at 180 degrees Celsius for about 15 minutes. Check again with a toothpick.

11. Preparing the glaze: In the meantime, prepare the chocolate glaze according to the instructions on the package. I chose to melt it in the microwave for one minute, but you can also opt for the classic double boiler method.

12. Glazing the cake: After the cake has cooled, pour the warm glaze over it. Let it set, and then cut it into slices.

Serving suggestions: This bunny cake is perfect alongside a cup of warm milk or a refreshing tea. I recommend pairing it with a glass of sweet white wine to highlight its flavors.

Personal stories and tricks: This recipe was recommended to me by a grandmother I admire very much. Every time I make it, I remember my childhood when I sat at the table with family, enjoying treats. One trick I learned is to use egg whites at room temperature for better foam.

Nutritional benefits: This dessert contains protein from eggs, which are essential for a balanced diet. Additionally, cocoa provides antioxidants, and sugar offers quick energy. However, consumption should be moderate considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour, but the texture of the cake will be different.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet? You can reduce the amount of sugar, but this will affect the texture and moisture of the dessert.

3. Can I add dried fruits or nuts? Absolutely! You can incorporate almonds or chocolate chips into the batter for an extra flavor boost.

Possible variations: Instead of cocoa, you can use cinnamon for a winter-flavored cake or experiment with different flavors of vanilla, orange, or lemon.

I hope you enjoy this recipe and create beautiful memories around the Easter table with your loved ones. Happy cooking and bon appétit!