Bread Bunny Vegetable Tray
My mom clipped this idea from a magazine in 1994, and through all the recipe-book-purges and re-organizations, it somehow made it through the years. And of all the recipes in the world, 18-yaer-old me deemed this one necessary to make a copy of and take with me to college. And now it’s in my cookbook, Plant-Based Cooking for Kids! I even made a YouTube video showing how to shape your bunny.
I’ve made this countless times for Easter or springtime parties. It’s an absolute hit, with kids and adults alike. I mean, who doesn’t love homemade bread and cuteness? You can use any homemade bread recipe you love, or even storebought frozen bread dough that has been thawed.
You can also make a sweet version! I’ve surrounded it with fruit, and put yogurt in the middle for dipping (a chocolate hummus or the homemade nutella from my cookbook would also be yummy).
Swap out your chocolate bunnies for this wholesome hare! And take a picture and tag me when you do!
For another fun Easter recipe (although not as healthy as this one) check out these adorable Easter Nest Cookies.
Step by step instructions to make a wholesome Easter (or anytime!) snack board that is sure to impress and please.
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups additional whole wheat flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 TBSP yeast
- 1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener
- 1 3/4 cup warm water (not hot)
- vegetables of choice such as carrot sticks, peas in pod, celery, cucumbers, baby tomatoes, bell peppers
- dip such as homemade vegan ranch, guacamole or hummus
- leaf lettuce for lining pan and tummy for dip
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Mix the 3 cups flour, yeast, salt, and vital wheat gluten together with a whisk in a large bowl.
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Mix maple syrup and water together in a liquid measuring cup, then add to the dry ingredients until mixed well.
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Let sit for 20 minutes to let the flour absorb some of the water.
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Next, add 1 cup of additional flour, and then 1/4 cup at a time of even more until it's firm and sticky. I find 1.25 cups of flour is perfect (after the original 3 cups). You want it sticky and not stiff and dry, but still able to hold it's shape to give the bread structure.
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Knead for 5-10 minutes either by hand or with the dough hook of a stand mixer. Dough should be stretchy.
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Cover the bowl with a wet towel and put it in a warm place. Let it rise for 45 minutes, or until doubled in size.
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After rising, shape the bunny (follow instructions below and watch the youtube video in the blog post).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Divide the loaf in half. Cut one half into 1/4 and 3/4 portions. Shape the 3/4 portion into an egg shape for the body. Place it on the baking sheet.
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Shape the 1/4 portion into a head and set it above the body. Pinch the dough together at the neck.
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Take the other half of the loaf and cut it into four equal parts. Form two of the quarters into ears by rolling each piece into a long rope, about 16 inches long. Fold it in half and place at the top of the head for the ears.
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With one of the remaining two quarters, make feet by dividing the dough in half and patting into two oval shapes for the feet. Place onto the bottom of the bunny body.
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Divide the last piece into 1/3 and 2/3 portions. Divide the 2/3 into two hands and place on the sides of the body. Divide the remaining 1/3 dough into two large balls and one small one for two cheeks and a nose. Place them on the bunny's face. Place two raisins for eyes and slivered almonds for teeth.
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Use clean kitchen scissors to clip twice on the hands, feet, and sides of head for toes and whiskers.
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Using a pastry brush or your fingers, brush everything with the "egg wash." Cover with a large piece of plastic or a damp towel. Let it rise 1 hour until it looks doubled in size. Remove the cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
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Once cool, cut a circle in the tummy and hollow out the bread to form a bowl. Line with a piece of lettuce and fill with dip.
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Line the tray around the bunny with lettuce leaves, and surround with sliced vegetables.
You can also do fruit and a sweet dip, if preferred.
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Bunny ear, anyone?
