The tradition of “Kathleen’s Bunny Cake Party” began in 2007 when I decided to make a Bunny Cake for the young children across the street. Julien and Gabrielle Simard, ages 4 and 2, were like family to us. I made the first Bunny Cake and invited the only other children on the block, Ethan and Abby Rogers. Our friends, the Peters and little Lorna also attended. Baking the cake and having the egg hunt has continued to grow each year for 17 years. The party now includes appetizers and drinks for children and their parents. A few parties have had 13 children and their parents attend! 

 

My husband, Jamie, is the egg aficionado, hiding 250 eggs. His part includes telling the older ones to leave the easy eggs where they are and to all children “don’t chase the cats!” Newly planted pots of spring flowers create pretty hiding places. The party is always on Palm Sunday or Easter weekend in our backyard.  

 

During Covid, I made bunny cupcakes and took them to the children to continue the tradition. There have been three variations of the Bunny Cake – the cute little resting bunny, the cupcakes and the fun bunny with a big bow tie which has been baked the most over the years. The cake is a white cake with seven minute cooked icing, dyed coconut and candies for decoration. The children enjoy getting to tell me which part of the bunny they want to eat!

Over the years, there have been many families coming and going with the Peters coming every year. Their children, now in high school and college, look forward to the party each Easter. This year their daughter, Kate who is now 17, was “the sweep” finding eggs left behind in their hiding places.  What started out as a little party in 2007 has become a fun tradition on our street with old and new friends and families coming each spring!