Easter Extravaganza!

If you need a dessert to wow your guests, this Carrot Patch Cake is it! 

 

 

Carrot Patch Cake
 

This idea came to me in the middle of the night - I don't know why it couldn't have come to me in the middle of the afternoon, or even early morning.  Oh well, I'm just so happy it turned out in real life like it did in my head.  You have probably seen little cake shapes (round, heart, star) baked into cakes all over the Internet and I couldn't wait to give it a try.

After deciding what I wanted to make, I started on my mission to complete the task.  And I am happy to report... Mission Completed!

I have to admit, I was a little frightened...if this cake did not work, there would be a lot of cake to eat.  Me...alone with the cake, in a corner, in my kitchen.  Holding my breath, I cut into the cake to get the first slice.

Hurrah - It worked!  Me and my bunny friends were DELIGHTED, the Carrot Patch Cake was Created!

You will find a carrot in each and every slice!

Just in case you want to know how, I'll show you.  And you're going to be surprised, because I took photos throughout the entire process.  Almost.  Anyway, here's how it went...

Make the carrot leaves at least one day before needed.

1.  I used premade green fondant, a leaf cutter and vein embossing mat. 

2.  After cutting out several of the three sizes, place them on flower formers.  Be sure to make extra to allow for broken leaves and additional leaves needed  for serving.

3.  Let them dry overnight or longer.

Now it's time to make the carrots...

1.  Mix cake mix according to directions.

2.  Add orange food color.

3.  Spray and line 11 x 17 jelly roll pan with parchment paper.

4.  Bake until done.  (For me it was about 20 min.)

Next...

1.  After searching and searching, I found the perfect pan for my project.  A long loaf pan by Wilton. 16 x 4 x 4

If you want to make this into a smaller cake - use a regular size bread pan.

Or better yet... Make them into cupcake size!! 

Just make sure your carrot cookie cutter will fit in the pan (Don't include the stem for size).

Also make sure your carrot is WIDE enough, it will shrink during baking.

2.  Spray with baking spray (I used Baker's Joy).  Make sure you coat the entire pan. 

3.  Now get your carrots ready by cutting them out of the orange cake with a carrot shaped cookie cutter.  Cut the stems off the carrots and make sure they fit in your pan.  (Save the remaining orange cake - for another project I'll be sharing with you.)

Freeze the carrots on cookie sheet.

4.  Line the frozen carrots (point side up) down the center of the pan.

Freeze the carrots in the pan. This helps hold their shape while covering with batter.  Also, if they are frozen, they will not bake as fast.

Next...

1.  Mix two chocolate cake mixes.

2.  Take pan of carrots out of the freezer.

3.  Pour chocolate cake batter over the carrots.  You will not need all of the second mix.

4.  Bake until done.  My cake needed about 45 minutes at 350 degrees.  Watch carefully and test with toothpick on the side (not in the carrot)

5.  Let cool and flip out of pan on wax paper.  Now you will see the top of the carrots.

 Now it's time to decorate!

1.  Make the dirt by crushing Oreo cookies with Cuisinart.

2.  Get a large tray ready to put the cake on. 

3.  Mix up ganache for frosting and set aside.

GANACHE

Pour 1 cup heavy whipping cream (boiling) over finely chopped 8 oz. bittersweet chocolate.

Let sit for one minute. With a rubber spatula, stir until all chocolate is melted, let cool.

4.  Place cake on tray and put tooth picks down the center so you know where the tops are.

5.  Start frosting the cake by spooning thick ganache down the center and let it run off sides.

6.  Before it sets, add the crushed Oreo's.

7.  Now it's time to add the carrot tops.  Add a small mound of ganache to stick the leaves in.

(No photo - sorry)  Add the leaves, one at a time arranging to make look like a bunch.

8.  After it's finally decorated, hold your breath and cut a slice off the end.

9.  Add extra leaves to the top of each slice if needed.

I told you they were happy!

And Happy Easter to YOU!

Sending Bunny Love From The Carrot Patch!

More Easter Fun!

Moss Covered Chocolate Bunny

Peeking Bunny Cakes

Easter S'mores



Mini Easter Basket Cakes 

Easter Basket Cookies

Rice Krispie Bunnies in a Pinch