Nearly 90% of Americans celebrate Easter with some form of sweet treat, and this Easter Basket Cake is a standout choice. I love how it combines a moist vanilla cake with fun decorations that bring the holiday spirit to life. Making the basket handle out of pretzel sticks adds a playful touch, and you can customize it with your favorite Easter candies. Ready to impress your guests with a dessert that’s as delightful as it is delicious?
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Easter Basket Cake is a festive and creative dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday. You’ll love how it combines delicious flavors with a charming presentation. Easy to customize: Decorate with your favorite candies and colors to make it uniquely yours. Perfect for all ages: Kids and adults alike will adore this edible centerpiece. Simple yet impressive: Despite its stunning look, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble.
Recipe
Indulge in the festive spirit with this charming Easter Basket Cake, a delightful centerpiece for your holiday table. Combining the flavors of a classic vanilla cake with decorative touches, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- Food coloring (optional, for decoration)
- Frosting (buttercream or whipped cream)
- Assorted Easter candies (jelly beans, chocolate eggs, etc.)
- Pretzel sticks (for basket handle)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, combine milk, sour cream, vanilla, and eggs. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Divide the batter into separate bowls if using food coloring, then pour into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Frost the cake with your preferred frosting. Use pretzel sticks to create a basket handle on top.
- Decorate with Easter candies, arranging them to resemble eggs in a basket.
Notes:
- For a more vibrant look, use pastel-colored frosting and candies.
- Confirm the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Serving: 12 slices
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Cuisine: American
Equipment
To make the Easter Basket Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools to guarantee the process is smooth and efficient. Gather the following equipment before you begin:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag and tip (optional for decoration)
- Serrated knife or cake leveler
- Offset spatula for frosting
Nutrition
This Easter Basket Cake is a delightful treat, but it’s important to be mindful of its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of its key nutritional aspects:
- High in calories due to sugar and butter.
- Contains carbohydrates from flour and frosting.
- Moderate protein from eggs and milk.
- Includes saturated fats from butter and cream.
- Low in fiber and essential vitamins.
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love pairing this Easter Basket Cake with a fresh fruit platter for a burst of color and sweetness, or a simple cheese and crackers board for a savory balance. Deviled eggs and a spring salad add a light, rejuvenating touch to the meal, while a pitcher of lemonade keeps everyone revitalized. These sides make the cake the star while keeping the whole spread festive and fun!
Fresh Fruit Platter
A fresh fruit platter is my go-to when I’m looking for something light, vibrant, and delicious to pair with a rich dessert like Easter Basket Cake. I love the fresh fruit benefits—it’s invigorating, healthy, and adds a pop of color. I always focus on a seasonal fruit selection, like strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi, to guarantee peak flavor. It’s simple, yet it makes the meal feel complete.
Cheese and Crackers
Pairing cheese and crackers with an Easter Basket Cake might seem unexpected, but trust me, it’s a match made in snack heaven. I love mixing cheese pairings like creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or tangy goat cheese with cracker varieties such as crisp water crackers, seeded whole grain, or buttery rounds. It’s a simple yet elegant addition that balances the cake’s sweetness and keeps everyone nibbling happily.
Deviled Eggs
Although deviled eggs might seem like a classic picnic dish, they’re perfect for pairing with an Easter Basket Cake, adding a savory twist to your dessert spread. I love experimenting with deviled eggs variations, like adding bacon or avocado for a fun twist. Did you know deviled eggs history dates back to ancient Rome? They’re creamy, tangy, and just the right balance to something sweet.
Spring Salad
Spring salads bring a burst of freshness to the table, perfectly complementing the sweetness of an Easter Basket Cake. I love tossing together spring ingredients like tender greens, crunchy radishes, and sweet peas. Adding a tangy vinaigrette highlights those seasonal flavors. It’s light, colorful, and just what you need alongside a rich dessert. Trust me, it’ll balance your meal and make everyone feel refreshed!
Lemonade Pitcher
After enjoying a rejuvenating spring salad, I always find myself craving something cool and zesty to sip on. A lemonade pitcher is my go-to, and I love experimenting with lemonade variations like strawberry or mint-infused. I also enjoy sprucing up the pitcher decor with fresh lemon slices, sprigs of rosemary, or edible flowers. It’s a simple touch that makes every sip feel special and invigorating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cake Mix?
I can definitely use a different type of cake mix if I want to experiment with different flavors. It’s fun to switch things up, and most cake mixes work well as long as I follow the instructions.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Storing leftovers is like tucking treasure into a safe chest—I’ll keep it fresh. I use airtight containers or wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, following the best storage methods and cake preservation tips to maintain flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
I’m sure you can make this cake gluten-free! I’d swap regular flour with gluten-free substitutions like almond or rice flour. Just remember to add xanthan gum for texture and follow baking tips for moisture balance. It’s totally doable!
What Can I Use Instead of Fondant?
I’ve tried a million things instead of fondant, and I’ve found buttercream alternatives work wonders! Chocolate ganache is my go-to for a smooth, rich finish. You can pipe it, spread it, or even drizzle it—totally versatile!
Can I Prepare This Cake in Advance?
I can prepare this cake in advance by making ahead and freezing options. I’ll bake the layers, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to a month. I’ll frost and decorate it closer to serving for freshness.
