Get ready to create the ultimate showstopper that will have everyone at your Easter gathering talking! This magical Easter Basket Cake isn't just a dessert – it's an edible work of art that combines classic cake perfection with whimsical holiday charm. Imagine a luscious, tender cake transformed into a charming basket, complete with green coconut "grass" and delicate chocolate eggs nestled inside. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will make you look like a pastry chef extraordinaire and create memories that will sweeten your Easter celebration.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green coconut (for decoration)
- Chocolate eggs (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a basket-shaped cake mold.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, frost the cake with your preferred frosting, creating a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle green-tinted coconut around the base of the cake to simulate grass.
- Carefully place chocolate eggs on the "grass" to create an Easter basket effect.
- Optional: Create a handle using fondant or piped frosting to complete the basket design.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow decorations to set.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even cake batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Coconut Grass Hack: To create vibrant green coconut, mix shredded coconut with a few drops of green food coloring in a sealed bag.
- Chocolate Egg Placement: Use different sizes of chocolate eggs for a more natural, playful look.
- Frosting Trick: For a perfectly smooth frosting surface, use a bench scraper or offset spatula dipped in hot water.
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it the next day to reduce stress.
- Storage: Keep the decorated cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
