Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars

I’ve been seeing some adorable bunny race cars around the internet that are made out of Twinkies. Since I’m a big fan of Bunny Peeps at Easter time, I thought I would make my own version. Aren’t these homemade Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars adorable?

With the help of a special cake pan, you can make your own chocolate or vanilla Twinkie shaped cakes. My pan is made by Wilton and I found it at Joann Fabrics. I think they might even have it at Walmart.

These Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars are not only cute but they are moist and yummy to eat. I used a chocolate cake mix for the “cars” and filled them with vanilla buttercream.

They were a big hit at my son’s 3rd grade class today. I also made a batch for his cub scouts annual banquet dinner last weekend. There was a baking contest which I entered. There were a lot of tough competitors though and alas, I didn’t win the prize which was a miniature wooden oven trophy, but I believe I won the hearts of many of the children in attendance. One little girl in particular had such a priceless look on her face when she finally got to taste her very own bunny race car. Her eyes were opened wide and she had a big smile on her face. That was the best award of all!

To make these Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars, the first thing you do is whip up a chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions). Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray and fill the cavities about halfway. You don’t want it too full or they will puff up too much. Bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes.

Here’s what they look like when they’re baked. You need to let them cool completely.

Meanwhile, make a small batch of vanilla buttercream. This is my favorite recipe which is just butter, powdered sugar, cream and vanilla extract.

Once the cakes are cooled, then you can trim them and fill them. You’ll use a toothpick to create 3 little holes in the bottom of the cake. Then pipe the frosting into the 3 holes using a pastry bag fitted with a #21 pastry tip.

Use a butter knife to smooth the frosting, then place the cakes in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. They’re much easier to work with when they are firm, so don’t skip this step.

Next, take the Peeps out of the package and separate them. They’re so colorful. I just love them.

You’ll be cutting the bottoms off of the Peeps like so. Take the cakes out of the fridge and cut a small section out to create a seat for your bunny driver. Put a little icing in the seat before placing the Peep.

Cut marshmallows in half. Use icing to glue them onto car. Break the pretzels in half and stick in cake for the steering wheel. Place them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

These fun little treats are a bit time consuming to make but I don’t mind taking extra time when it’s a special holiday like Easter.

I have such fond memories of Easter. My grandmother would buy me a fancy dress and take me to church. I don’t remember going on an Easter egg hunt but I do remember getting a basket of candy that would always include a big chocolate bunny.

If you celebrate Easter, what are your childhood memories of this special holiday?

Print

Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars

Servings 20 servings

Ingredients

• 1 15.25 oz/432g chocolate cake mix, prepared according to package instructions
• 20 bunny shaped marshmallow Peeps®
• 40 large marshmallows cut in half
• 20 small pretzels
• For the buttercream frosting:
• 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups 226g powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Whip up the chocolate cake mix (prepared according to package instructions). Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray and fill the cavities about halfway. You don’t want it too full or they will puff up too much. Bake at 350°F. for 20 minutes. Let them cool completely, about 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, make your frosting. Beat softened butter on medium speed with an electric or stand mixer. Beat for 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract with the mixer running. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add more powdered sugar if frosting is too thin or more cream if mixture is too thick.
3. Once the cakes are cooled, trim off the bottoms (see photo). Use a toothpick to create 3 little holes in the bottom of the cake (don't press down too far though, you don't want it to go all the way through the cake). Then pipe the frosting into the 3 holes using a pastry bag fitted with a #21 pastry tip.
4. Use a butter knife to smooth the frosting, then place the cakes in the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. They’re much easier to work with when they are firm, so don’t skip this step.
5. Next, take the Peeps out of the package and separate them. Cut the bottoms off of the Peeps (about 3/8"). Take the cakes out of the fridge and cut a small section out to create a seat for your bunny driver. Put a little icing in the seat before placing the Peep. Cut marshmallows in half. Use icing to glue them onto car. Break the pretzels in half and stick in cake for the steering wheel.
6. Place in refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes before serving. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Easter Bunny Race Cars

Amount Per Serving (1 g)

Calories 0

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.