The Canadian Honker Restaurant in Rochester, Minnesota, has made their coconut cake famous among locals and visitors alike. Known affectionately as “Bunnie Cake” by Rochester residents, this dessert has gained a loyal following over the years. The cake’s reputation has spread beyond the restaurant, with many home bakers attempting to recreate this beloved treat in their own kitchens.
What makes this cake special is not its shape (despite the “bunny” name, it’s typically made in a rectangular pan), but rather its incredibly moist texture achieved by soaking a freshly baked cake with coconut milk. This creates a dessert somewhat reminiscent of tres leches cake, but with a distinct coconut flavor profile that sets it apart.
The Classic Bunny Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box) 7
- 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 15 ounces Coco Lopez cream of coconut
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 cup toasted coconut for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the package directions, but incorporate 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut directly into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch baking pan and bake according to the directions on the box until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is still hot, use a fork to poke holes all over the surface. This critical step allows the coconut milk to penetrate throughout the cake.
- Slowly pour the Coco Lopez cream of coconut evenly over the top of the hot cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes. Take your time with this step to allow proper absorption.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator until completely cool.
- Once cooled, spread the thawed Cool Whip over the entire surface of the cake.
- Finish by sprinkling the toasted coconut (or regular sweetened coconut if preferred) over the top of the whipped topping.
- For best results, refrigerate the cake for several hours, or ideally overnight, before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Expert Tips and Variations
Finding the Right Ingredients
A common challenge when making this recipe is locating Coco Lopez cream of coconut. It’s important to note that this is different from regular coconut milk. As one baker noted, “Be sure to get the cream, not just coconut milk (7). You can typically find Coco Lopez near the drink mixes in grocery stores, not in the baking aisle, as it’s commonly used for piña coladas. ⁷…
Enhancing the Coconut Flavor
For an even more pronounced coconut flavor, some bakers recommend using coconut milk instead of water when preparing the cake mix. ⁷.. This simple substitution amplifies the coconut essence throughout the cake.
Whipped Topping Options
While the traditional recipe calls for Cool Whip, many home bakers prefer to use real whipped cream instead. As one Rochester local mentioned, “I like to make the cake with real whipped cream… not a fan of Cool Whip!” 7 If using real whipped cream, consider stabilizing it with a small amount of gelatin to maintain its structure.
Additional Moisture
Some variations of the recipe suggest adding a can of sweetened condensed milk along with the cream of coconut. While the Coco Lopez website apparently recommends this, one baker notes that “it is totally unnecessary unless you want the extra calories (7). However, another commenter asserts that “condensed milk does make it moister”⁷, so this remains a matter of personal preference.
Making Ahead and Storage
This cake actually improves with time, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. As noted in one recipe, “Refrigerate for 2 days before serving.” ⁴, though the author humorously admits, “This cake does not always make it to the second day, and sometimes it is eaten the day I make it. It is just too good to resist.” ⁴.
Due to the whipped topping and moist nature of the cake, it must be stored in the refrigerator. The cake will maintain its quality for up to 4-5 days when properly refrigerated.
A Beloved Local Tradition
The Canadian Honker’s Bunny Cake has cemented itself as more than just a dessert in Rochester—it’s become a local tradition. Whether enjoyed as a special treat at the restaurant or made at home for family gatherings, this coconut-infused cake continues to delight cake enthusiasts with its simple preparation and complex flavor.
For those who appreciate coconut desserts but typically aren’t cake fans, this might be the exception. As one enthusiast shared, “I’m not a huge fan of cake, but this is one cake I actually request—and make—on a regular basis.” 7. This testimony speaks volumes about the uniqueness and appeal of this beloved Canadian Honker specialty.
Conclusion
Its delightful texture and vibrant flavors make it a versatile option for any occasion. With each bite, you’ll experience a burst of sweetness that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
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