Finding the perfect centerpiece for your dining room table can be a seasonal struggle. You want something that feels fresh and festive, but also functional enough to handle a house full of guests. I recently got my hands on the new Standing Bunny Duo with Removable Tray from Decor Steals, and while it looked absolutely stunning with a lush faux floral arrangement in the middle, it got my creative gears turning.
I started thinking about how else I could style this piece to make my Easter brunch feel extra special. Since I’m a firm believer that the best centerpieces are the ones you can eat, I decided to transform my table into a dessert display! I’m a sucker for a good cupcake (specifically chocolate cookie dough cupcakes) so I thought, why not make some adorable bunny-themed treats to match my new favorite decor piece?
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite "hack" for making DIY Bunny Butt Cupcakes that are as delicious as they are cute. We’ll go over:
- The essential supplies you’ll need.
- The secret trick to getting that perfect "bunny shape".
- Step-by-step assembly and decorating instructions.
- How to style your sweets with affordable home decor for a professional look.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients and tools. This recipe uses a mix of store-bought shortcuts and clever DIY tricks to save you time without sacrificing the "wow" factor.
- For the Base: 1 box of yellow cake mix (plus oil, eggs, and water as required by the box).
- The Surprise Center: Pre-made refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough.
- The Decor: White frosting, pink food coloring, and cupcake liners.
- The "Fur": Shredded coconut, white sanding sugar, or clear sprinkles.
- The Anatomy: Regular-sized marshmallows (for feet) and mini marshmallows (for tails).
- The Secret Weapon: Aluminum foil.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep the Surprise
Fill your cupcake tin with liners. Take a small ball of the pre-made cookie dough (about 1 inch) and place it right in the center of each liner.
2. Pour and Cover
Mix your cake batter according to the box instructions. Pour the batter over the cookie dough balls, ensuring the dough is completely submerged and covered.
3. The "Bunny Butt" Foil Hack
Here is the secret to getting that perfect anatomical shape! Take small pieces of aluminum foil, roll them into tiny balls, and tuck one ball between the cupcake liner and the metal tin for each cupcake. This "pinches" the cupcake as it bakes, giving it a shape perfect for a bunny's backside.
4. Bake with Care
Bake following the box directions. Keep a close eye on the oven; you want to pull them out the moment they are done to ensure the cookie dough center stays soft and gooey rather than overbaked. Let them cool completely.
5. Frost and Texture
While the cupcakes cool, separate about 1/4 of your frosting and dye it pink. With the remaining white frosting, use a large tip to pipe two thick lines across the top. Immediately after frosting, gently press the cupcake into a bowl of shredded coconut, sugar, or sprinkles. This creates that fluffy "fur" texture and naturally spreads the frosting to cover the edges. I like the look of the coconut best, but not everyone is a coconut fan, so I made some with sugar as well.
6. Craft the Feet and Tail
Cut your regular-sized marshmallows in half (or thirds if they are extra wide) to create oval shapes for the feet. For the tail, cut a mini marshmallow in half and press it onto the top center of the cupcake. If needed, you can add a tiny bit of frosting to the backs of the marshmallows to hold the feet and tail on, but honestly, mine stuck just fine without it.
7. The Finishing Paws
Using a small piping tip and your pink frosting, add the detail to the marshmallow feet: three small dots at the bottom for toes and one larger pad in the center. Stick the feet onto the bottom of the cupcake, and you’re done!
Styling Your Spring Centerpiece
To bring the whole look together, I leaned into my love for home decor that feels rustic yet refined. I placed my Double Bunny Planter on a large woven tray to add texture and grounded the display with faux moss and decorative faux eggs.
The cupcakes look incredible nestled around the planter, creating a whimsical "bunny patch" right in the middle of the table. I also tried placing the Standing Bunny Duo with Removable Tray on a circular plate mat and this worked well too! It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to have a magazine-worthy home; you just need a little creativity and the right accent pieces.
Ready to refresh your home for the season? If you loved the look of the Standing Bunny Duo with Removable Tray, you need to check out the Decor Steals Journal for more DIY inspiration and styling tips. Don’t forget to check out their Daily Deals to find more affordable home decor that will make your space feel fresh all year round.
Happy decorating (and snacking)!