The Partiologist: Easter Extravaganza!

Easter Extravaganza!

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

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

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

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

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.

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com
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...

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

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...

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

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...

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

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!

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com
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!

Carrot Cake  www.ThePartiologist.com

And Happy Easter to YOU!

Sending Bunny Love From The Carrot Patch!


More Easter Fun!












120 comments :

  1. Seriously incredible, Kim! I adore this cake so much!!

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  2. You've went and done it again. Outstanding creative interpretation of the pumpkin, heart, and now your carrot cake. Absolutely love it Kim. What I really enjoyed was seeing someone use a pan I have and have never used. I'm happy to know it takes almost 2 cake mixes to fill it.

    I do have a question....will I be disappointed if I make this for the first time for Easter with the cutting slices? Meaning, will I possibly slice a piece that falls between two of the carrots and it will look kinda weird? Do those carrots
    actually bond together in the baking.

    Again, thank you for sharing your creativity and talents.

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    1. I'm not sure if you will cut between slices or not, I just placed my carrots very tightly down the center of the pan so there was not space between them. Glad you now have a use for that pan!

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  3. Hi Kim, This idea is just so wonderful, a perfect combination of whimsy and elegance. Beautiful photos. Marlyn xo

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    1. Thanks so much Marlyn - thanks for stopping by! :)

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  4. What an amazing take on the reveal cake. I absolutely love how you created the greens. I have to go buy some of those vein embossing mats. I can imagine so many uses for them. The whole cake looks amazing and it's even better once cut. I have one of those cake pans too and can't wait to try this out.

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  5. What an incredible cake, Kim! I love every detail about it... the leaves, the dirt, the funny bunny decor, everything!!

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    1. Thanks Mike!! I couldn't have a carrot patch without some bunnies!! :)

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  6. Genius idea! I love the carrot inside the chocolate cake as if it is underground!! The carrot leaves are so gorgeous they almost look real!

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    1. Thanks for the sweet comment and thanks for stopping by! :)

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  7. What a fun surprise inside! The kids (and parents) are sure to enjoy this!

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    1. I was so happy the carrots worked - that was a great surprise for me! Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. this cake looks amazing!!! what a fun project for easter!

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  9. I love this cake! Its one of the neatest ideas!

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  10. This was done very, very well. Kudos!

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  11. Not only do I trip over cakes that have other cake pictures inside of them, but the carrot? In the dirt with the fondant leaves? GENIUS! Serious and total genius.

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    1. Me...Genius? Wow, now that's something I don't hear often! Thanks for the compliment!:)

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  12. awwwwww man! i certainly hope you keep getting middle of the night ideas because this
    is just plain incredible!!! : >D!!!

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    1. It seems that's when most of my ideas come to mind. Always keep a pin and paper by the bed or I'll forget by morning! :)
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  13. I seriously love this cake! So well done! :)

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    1. Thank you Robin, it makes me happy that so many have really loved this cake idea!:)

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  14. I LOVE this cake! The greens on top of the cake put this "surprise inside" cake over the top, no pun intended:) What a FANTASTIC idea, Kim! I think I may need to use your design and make one myself.

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    1. Thanks Sue - it really was a fun cake project! :)

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  15. Kim, I love how Bunnies say " Happy Easter to Us" They are sure very lucky to have this cake.
    I was curious how you made it, I love how you added leaves and made it look like a real carrots. So cute!I'm so glad you were part of this project. You are such a sweetheart!

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    1. Thanks Hani once again for putting this together and I'm so happy you love the cake and my little bunnies too!

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  16. You are soooo clever! Such amazing talent out their in the baking world...and you among them. :-)

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  17. I just loved this cake when I first saw the images from Hani! So cute and so clever. Love the dirt!

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  18. Replies
    1. It was fun and yes, pretty yummy too! :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  19. I love this idea! It looks delicious!!

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  20. This cake is amazing! I love how it looks on the dessert plate...how fun to serve! It is also beautiful! What a great idea. You always have something new and so creative! Thanks for sharing!

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  21. This is my first time here, but won't be the last. This is such a clever cake. I will deffinately make this one. Thank you for your time and talent. Trish Butler

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    1. Hi Trish - Welcome to my blog, so glad you're here!

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  22. so super cute, what a great cake and beautiful turnout!

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    1. Yes, so happy that it worked as I planned! Thanks for the comment!

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  23. AMAZING! You have outdone yourself once again! This is a wonderful and beautiful cake! So festive for Easter and what a great surprise! Kids will absolutely love this and so will the adults!!!!!!!

    Happy Easter and God Bless!!!!!


    Cheeron!

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  24. This is such a cute idea...seriously love this cake!

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  25. Seriously... this is just amazing! Love, love, love it! You are one clever and talented lady! Thanks for sharing with us!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  26. What an adorable cake. LOVE it and so will the grands!

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    1. Thanks Nann - I do think the grands will be surprised!

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  27. This is such a clever cake! I gotta pin this to my Easter sweets board for sure!

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    1. Yea! Thanks for pinning and thanks for the comment!

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  28. This is amazing! I'm not a baker, but you explained it so well, and it looks like such a show-stopper that I think I'll try it this Easter! I had to giggle out loud when I read where you said you were nervous to cut into that first slice because if it didn't work out, that'd be a lot of cake to eat - ha!

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    1. I usually struggle with taking photos through the process, so this time I really tried to capture each step. And trust me, I would have eaten cake until I couldn't eat any more - Thank heavens it worked! So glad you stopped by!

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  29. This is absolutely genius and divine! I love love love it and wish I had thought of it. I always get my best ideas in the middle of the night! x

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    1. Thanks Janey - I don't know why the middle of the night ideas are best! :)

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  30. You came up with such a fabulous idea for this Spring Extravaganza and the finished cake is just adorable. I loved your tutorial and seeing each step to how you created such a wonderful dessert for Easter!

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    1. Thank you so much - so happy you loved my tutorial, sometimes I forget to take photos along the way so this time I really had to focus! :)

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  31. Complimenti per la bellissima torta!!Meravigliosa ! saluti dall'Italia (Bologna) laura in cucina

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    1. Translation - Congratulations on your beautiful cake! Wonderful! greetings from Italy (bologna) laura in the kitchen

      How sweet for you to comment!

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  32. that's so very cool!

    I linked to your tutorial on my blog - thanks for sharing!

    ♥, doro von Hand zu Hand

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    1. Thank you for sharing on my cake on your blog! :)

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  33. This is the cutest cake ever! I saw your Carrot Patch Cake featured on Northshore Days FB page and had to stop by! Pinned! Thanks for the adorable, yummy Easter share! Following :)

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  34. I have seen many variations on the shape in the middle of the cake. Yours is genius! This is not just a shape in a cake but a whole garden of carrots inside and out. Amazing!

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  35. Stopping by to let you know we featured this amazing cake tonight on Monday Funday!

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  36. Where can I find the leaf mats you used. Love his idea.

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    1. Thanks for the comment, there is a link in the blog post for the leaf cutters and mats.

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  37. Wonderful Cake! What a great idea and super cute~ Lynn

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  38. So darn cute and seems doable for even those of us basic bakers. Going to subscribe so I can keep up with more lovely treats here:) If you ever want to link up your creations - I'd love for you to share them at my weekly link party!!

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    1. Welcome to The Partiologist Cheryl! I'm so glad you're here and I'm happy to link up at your link party! :)

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  39. I am obsessed with your cake. Pinned and planning to make it this weekend. I can hardly wait to surprise 25 people with a whimsical addition to the dessert offerings. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It will be lots of fun to serve this "Carrot Cake" for dessert on Easter! :)

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  40. i tried this today. i followed every step but when i cut into the cake all the chocolate cake had bled into ever bit of the carrots so you couldnt really see them. i packed them in tight and i froze them. im a little upset as i made it for my daughters preschool for Easter but i cant take what i have in. it doesn't look anything like carrots in the dirt :( where have i gone wrong????

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    1. Oh No Neeny Beeny - I'm soooo sorry that it didn't turn out for you. I have no idea why it didn't turn out since you followed step by step. Did you freeze your carrots overnight so they were good and solid? Did you notice how the carrots were barely covered in chocolate batter? And then the cake rose to fill up and over when it was baking. Again, I am so sorry it did not work for you.

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    2. yes i froze the carrots on paper before putting into tin, then put back in freezer for a good 24hrs. I made up the choc batter and it was only just up to the top of the carrots. :( was the cake mix for the carrots a wrong sort? you didnt say what type, just a pic and we dont get that one here. i used a super moist vanilla sponge type

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    3. Hmmm, I am puzzled as to why it didn't turn out. I've never used a sponge cake mix, so I don't know if that would be a problem or not (it may not be as firm as a regular cake mix). The mix I used was just a white cake mix as you can see from the photo. One other thing is, I noticed when my cake was baked, the carrots did shrink, so maybe you're carrots were too small (the cutter I used was quite wide). Again, I am so sorry it did not work for you.

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    4. firstly i must apologize for not saying Fantastic cake... i do love it hence why i tried. do not say sorry, its not your fault at all. you are very talented. Yes i would agree with the size of the "carrots". the only cutter i found was a narrow shaped carrot biscuit cutter. they were more orange in the middle (my small child wanted to take the cake anyways and everyone did love it and did get that they were carrots even if hard to see). so i have now got a rocket cutter so by the time it shrinks and has a little bleed in it should be still wide enough. i will also try a plain white cake too as i must make this again. the whole cake looked so cute with the sprouts at the top and the dirt. i put little candy eggs that looked like real eggs around it and under some leaves too. Thank you for showing us how to make it. if anyone can take anything out of my efforts it to make the carrots fat :)

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  41. I am also planing to make this very excited ….I am lazy so I bought plastic carrot tops...after reading Neeny Beeny I confess I am a little scared too. I will let you know how it turns out .

    Thank you for a creative idea
    Lori Becker

    Ps what did you do with the leftover orange cake?

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    1. Hi Lori - I hope your cake turns out. Another thing to do is, make sure your carrots are very wide - they do shrink while baking. Pack them in very tight and don't pour the cake batter in large amounts over the carrots, kind of drizzle it over the carrots just enough to cover. When I sliced my cake each piece showed a carrot, although some were more uniform in shape than other pieces. I hope this helps - good luck!

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  42. I made this cake for my son to take to school. I loved the look of the outside once it was all together. I will have to wait to see what the inside looks like, though. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the carrots actually look like carrots. I sent my son to school with a camera just to take a pic of the inside once the teacher cut it :-)
    Thank you for sharing your ideas!

    Jeanette

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    1. Hope your son enjoyed taking the cake t school - he just may be the teachers pet today! :)

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  43. How much Ganache should I make?

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    1. I used one recipe for my cake (I added the ganache recipe above).

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  44. Ridiculously ADORABLE!!! I'm gonna give it a go...hope it turns out :)

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  45. Just when I thought I was done preparing for Easter I discovered this GENIUS and FABULOUS carrot patch cake!! Now will I be squeezing in another project or will I postpone this one to Earth Day? Don't know yet. I'll save the tutorial for sure. Thank you :-)

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  46. Hi, I'm actually in the middle of attempting this right now.. and of course I ran into a problem.. my carrots won't stay put when I put the chocolate cake batter in, they just move around and float. I'm using a homemade chocolate cake mix that's a bit more watery than boxed mix. Could that be the problem?

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    1. The only thing I can suggest is to make sure your carrots are frozen before placing down the center of the pan. They must be packed in TIGHT from end to end. Afterthat step, I refroze the carrots in the pan.

      Then you should start by pouring batter on one side of the carrots and then the other, finish by lightly pouring batter over the row of carrots down the center.

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  47. I baked your cake. It was a HIT!!! Beautiful and Delicious!!!!Thank you for sharing!

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  48. Hi, I really LOVE this cake and I am going to give it a try this weekend!! I have an idea of a slightly different method I might use, I will share it on my blog as soon as possible... dr-cupcake.blogspot.com
    You might be interested to see my Easter posts on making an Easter bunny cupcake - http://dr-cupcake.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/how-not-to-make-frankenstein-easter.html - and hatching chicks Easter cupcakes - http://dr-cupcake.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/hatching-chicken-cupcakes-for-easter.html

    Thank you so much!!

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  49. I love it! My gf just sent me this link and I am sure she will try it out.
    Very nicely done! Your description is easy to follow and I like how you added a lot of pictures. Heck, looks like even I could do it. :)

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  50. TOTALLY DOING THIS!!!...but i think i will do it in a bunt cake pan with a lil bunny head in the middle!!!

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    1. Egg-cellent idea! My carrots were too big for the pan used on this one.

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  51. Amazing..!! Your cake is just WOW.. It looks so creative and real. I love that carrot part which you include in your cake. Nice Work and Thank you for Blog This..:)

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  52. What a wonderful idea - I absolutely LOVE it! Can't wait to give it a whirl. Thank you for sharing

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  53. Hi love the gorgeous cake! Just wondered how you got the carrots to line up on their points in the tin before the cake batter got poured in?

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    1. Thank you Lydia. I tightly packed them in the pan end to end, then poured the batter over. Hope this helps.

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  54. Love this! It is such a cute and creative idea. Our little ones would be thrilled to have a slice of this cake.

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  55. Or you can just bake the chocolate cake and cut a wedge in it then fill with orange cake. It woukd save you a lot of trouble.

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  56. I L.O.V.E this! I'm gonna try it.. who cares if easter was months ago! XD

    Effe

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  57. Hi there, Firstly, I would like to say that your cake is amazing, wonderful idea. I attempted to make it twice, both times the carrots rose to the top. I would like to say that I used my own cake recipes because it is difficult to find box mixes in Greece they only sell devil's food and angel food cake mixes. The first batch was made with a runny cake mix but the following I tried using a thicker batter but once again the carrots rose to the top.
    Should both batters be thick? And how tightly should I stack the carrots?
    Now that I've read previous posts I'm thinking that the problem may have been the stacking , I did stack them tightly but maybe not tightly enough.
    I would also like to add that I froze them over night. Any help will be much appreciated, I am determined to get this right.
    Thank you and once again amazing cake

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    1. Thank you for letting me know you tried the cake, I'm so sorry it isn't working for you. I remember my batter not being too thick, also, I did have the carrots packed end to end very, very tight so they couldn't move. Make sure to cover the tops and sides of the carrots with the remaining batter before baking. I wish you luck that the cake will turn out!

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  58. Hi Kim,

    I am a photo editor at Yahoo and I would very much like to use your photo in a story about surprise cakes. Please email me at jfox@yahoo-inc.com if you are interested in being featured. - Thank you, Jennifer

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  59. wow! What a Delicious Chocolate Easter Cake. looking nice and want to eat it.

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  60. I need the cake mix and carrot mix asap as its not on here

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    1. For both the chocolate cake and the orange cake, I used a box cake mix.

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    2. I forgot to mention, I colored the white box mix with a bit of orange food coloring. (Directions above) Hope this helps! :)

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  61. Hello, how are you? I had feature your delicious recipe in my blog (www.myhousetucasa.com/en) , I hope you don't mind. Have a nice day!

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  62. Made it. Perfect. Big hit. I have pics!

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