A Sweet Easter Memory
Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays, filled with bright colors, joyful gatherings, and of course, an abundance of sweet treats. As a child, my family would spend the afternoon baking together, filling the house with the aroma of warm cake and vanilla frosting. But the highlight of every Easter was the moment we sat around the kitchen table, decorating our own special treats.
One year, instead of the usual cupcakes, my grandmother introduced us to Mini Bunny Cake Cups—a dessert that was as fun to make as it was to eat. Each cup was a tiny masterpiece, layered with fluffy cake, swirls of frosting, and a surprise drizzle of jam hidden in between. But the real magic was in the bunny ears—crafted from soft marshmallows and dusted with pink sugar, they transformed each dessert into an adorable Easter bunny.
It wasn’t just about making a dessert; it was about the laughter, creativity, and shared moments that made these treats so special. Now, as I make them for my own family, I realize that these Mini Bunny Cake Cups are more than just a sweet treat—they are a way to bring people together, create new memories, and celebrate the joy of Easter.
Why You’ll Love These Mini Bunny Cake Cups
- Perfect for Easter Celebrations – These adorable bunny-themed treats are ideal for Easter brunch, spring parties, or as a festive dessert for kids and adults alike.
- No Special Baking Skills Required – This recipe is beginner-friendly, making it a great activity for little bakers.
- Customizable Layers – You can switch up the cake flavors, fillings, and decorations to match your preferences.
- Individual Servings – These cup-style cakes are easy to serve and enjoy without the hassle of slicing a full cake.
Delightful Mini Bunny Cake Cups
Ingredients
- 1 box of Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Strawberry Cake & Cupcake Mix
- Ingredients as per box instructions (water, oil, eggs)
- 2-3 tubs of Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Vanilla Frosting
- Strawberry jam
- Piping bags
- Piping tip #2A
- Small plastic cups
- Large marshmallows
- Pink sanding sugar
Directions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions for a 9×13-inch baking pan. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely.
- Cube the Cake: Cut the cooled cake into small, bite-sized cubes.
- Prepare Fillings: Fill one piping bag with strawberry jam. Fill another piping bag, fitted with the #2A tip, with vanilla frosting.
- Assemble the Cups: In each small plastic cup, layer cake cubes, a drizzle of strawberry jam, and a layer of frosting. Repeat the layers until the cup is filled. Top with sprinkles from the frosting lid.
- Create Bunny Ears: Under adult supervision, use scissors to cut large marshmallows diagonally to form ear shapes. Press the sticky sides into pink sanding sugar to coat. Place two ears into the frosting of each cup to resemble bunny ears.
- Serve: Once assembled, serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Specific nutritional information is not provided in the source.
Note: Ensure all recipe ingredients are gluten-free by checking the ingredient labels, as products may vary. If uncertain, contact the ingredient manufacturer.
This recipe is a fun and festive way to celebrate with delightful individual servings that are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

What Makes These Cake Cups So Special?
Unlike traditional cupcakes or cakes, Mini Bunny Cake Cups are assembled in clear cups, allowing you to see each beautifully layered ingredient. This adds an elegant and playful touch to your Easter dessert table.
The layers of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and sweet jam create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor. The addition of marshmallow bunny ears makes these treats visually stunning and incredibly festive.
Secrets to Making the Perfect Mini Bunny Cake Cups
1. Choose the Right Cake Base
A light, moist cake works best for this recipe. While a boxed cake mix is a great time-saver, you can also use your favorite homemade vanilla or strawberry cake recipe. If you want an extra flavorful treat, consider adding a hint of almond or citrus zest to the batter.
2. Create Evenly Sized Cake Cubes
Once baked, the cake is cut into small cubes instead of being crumbled. This keeps the layers distinct and prevents the dessert from becoming too mushy. To ensure uniformity, use a sharp knife and a ruler to measure out even pieces.
3. Add a Flavorful Filling
A drizzle of strawberry jam between the cake and frosting layers adds a burst of fruity sweetness. If you prefer other flavors, you can try:
- Raspberry jam for a tangy twist
- Lemon curd for a bright, citrusy touch
- Chocolate ganache for a rich, indulgent variation
4. Make the Frosting Extra Fluffy
For the best texture, use whipped buttercream or cream cheese frosting. This creates a smooth, cloud-like consistency that complements the cake without being too heavy. To make it even silkier, add a splash of heavy cream while mixing.
5. Create Adorable Bunny Ears
The bunny ears are made from large marshmallows cut diagonally. The sticky side of the marshmallow is dipped into pink sanding sugar, giving them a soft, pastel-colored appearance.
6. Assemble with Care
To create clean, defined layers, use a piping bag to add frosting and fillings. This ensures an even distribution and prevents the dessert from looking messy.
Fun Variations to Try
Chocolate Bunny Cake Cups
Replace the vanilla cake with chocolate cake and use chocolate buttercream for a richer, more indulgent version. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Carrot Cake Bunny Cups
For a classic Easter-inspired variation, use carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle chopped walnuts or shredded coconut on top for added texture.
Lemon & Blueberry Bunny Cups
Layer lemon cake with blueberry compote and lemon frosting for a fresh, tangy alternative.
Vegan or Gluten-Free Bunny Cups
For dietary restrictions, use a gluten-free cake mix and dairy-free buttercream. Marshmallow ears can be replaced with fondant shapes to keep it vegan-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make These Cake Cups Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cake and frosting a day in advance. Store the cake cubes in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Assemble the cups right before serving for the freshest taste.
2. How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store assembled cake cups in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover them with plastic wrap to prevent the cake from drying out.
3. Can I Use a Different Cake Flavor?
Absolutely! These cups work well with any flavor, from funfetti and strawberry to chocolate and lemon.
4. What’s the Best Way to Cut the Cake Into Cubes?
Let the cake cool completely before cutting. Use a serrated knife for clean, sharp edges.
5. Can I Use a Different Frosting?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet frosting, try stabilized whipped cream instead of buttercream.
6. What Can I Use Instead of Marshmallow Bunny Ears?
- White chocolate ears piped onto parchment paper and set in the fridge
- Fondant cut-outs shaped like bunny ears
- Piped buttercream ears for an all-frosting option
7. Can I Make This Dessert Without Cups?
If you don’t have cups, you can layer everything in a baking dish and serve it as a “Bunny Cake Trifle.”
8. How Can I Make the Bunny Ears Stand Up?
To ensure the marshmallow ears stay upright, gently press them into the frosting and let them sit for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Mini Bunny Cake Cups are more than just a dessert—they are a fun, interactive, and festive way to celebrate Easter. Their layered textures, pastel colors, and adorable bunny theme make them the perfect sweet treat for any spring gathering.
Beyond their delicious taste, these cakes bring people together, sparking joy and creativity in both kids and adults. Whether you’re decorating them with your family, surprising guests with a beautifully arranged dessert table, or simply indulging in a moment of sweetness, these bunny cake cups make Easter even more special.
So gather your ingredients, get creative with your decorations, and enjoy every bite of this whimsical, springtime treat!
Print
Easy Mini Bunny Cake Cup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 mini cake cups 1x
Description
These Mini Bunny Cake Cups are the perfect Easter dessert, featuring layers of soft cake, creamy frosting, and a sweet surprise of strawberry jam. Topped with adorable marshmallow bunny ears, these individually sized treats are as fun to make as they are to eat. Perfect for Easter gatherings, spring celebrations, or a delightful baking activity with kids.
Ingredients
For the cake cups:
- 1 box Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Strawberry Cake & Cupcake Mix
- Ingredients as per box instructions (water, oil, eggs)
- 2–3 tubs Pillsbury™ Funfetti® Vanilla Frosting
- ½ cup strawberry jam
For decoration:
- Large marshmallows (for bunny ears)
- Pink sanding sugar
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake mix according to package instructions.
- Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and allow to cool completely.
Cut the Cake Into Cubes
- Once cooled, cut the cake into small bite-sized cubes.
Layer the Cake Cups
- In small plastic cups, layer cake cubes, a drizzle of strawberry jam, and a layer of frosting.
- Repeat the layering process until the cups are filled.
Make the Bunny Ears
- Cut large marshmallows diagonally.
- Dip the cut sides into pink sanding sugar to create bunny ears.
Decorate and Serve
- Place the marshmallow ears into the frosting.
- Add sprinkles for extra decoration.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Customize with different cake flavors or fillings like raspberry jam or lemon curd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American