Description
A stunning showstopper, this Easter Egg Cake is the perfect festive centerpiece. With rich chocolate layers, luscious cream cheese frosting, and a whimsical coconut nest, it’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for Easter celebrations or any springtime gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- Cooking spray
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/3 cups water
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 (12.75-oz.) packages double chocolate cake mix (such as Ghirardelli)
For the Creamy Frosting & Decorations:
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cups (about 32 oz.) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 drops sky blue food coloring gel
- 2 drops royal blue food coloring gel
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- Candied egg-shaped malted milk balls (such as Whoppers Robin Eggs)
Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray, line with parchment paper, and grease again.
- In a stand mixer, beat eggs, water, and vegetable oil on medium speed for 1 minute.
- Add cake mix and beat on low until combined, then increase speed to medium-high for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely (about 30 minutes).
Step 2: Whip Up the Frosting
- In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese and butter on medium-high until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Reduce speed to medium-low and gradually add powdered sugar, ½ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition (about 4 minutes total).
- Add vanilla and food coloring, then beat on medium-high for 2 more minutes until smooth and airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or stand and spread 1 cup frosting evenly on top.
- Repeat with the second cake layer and another cup of frosting.
- Place the final cake layer on top and cover the top with 1 cup frosting.
- Spread 2 cups frosting evenly around the sides, smoothing it out.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then apply the remaining frosting for a smooth finish.
Step 4: Add the Easter Magic
- Arrange ¼ cup shredded coconut in the center of the cake to create a “nest.”
- Sprinkle the remaining ¾ cup coconut around the cake base.
- Nestle the candied eggs inside the coconut nest on top.
Notes
- Want extra flavor? Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the frosting for a delightful twist.
- Prefer a different color? Swap the blue food coloring for pastel pink, purple, or green for a different festive look.
- Make ahead! Bake the cake layers a day in advance and refrigerate before frosting.
- Storage Tip: Keep leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American