Description

The Cuddly Cocoa Panda Cake is a delightful chocolate cake shaped and decorated to look like an adorable panda bear. With rich, moist cocoa layers and smooth buttercream or ganache accents, this cake captures both charm and indulgence. Ideal for birthdays, themed parties, or a sweet surprise for panda enthusiasts, it’s as fun to decorate as it is to eat. Keywords: panda cake, cocoa bear cake, animal birthday cake, chocolate panda cake, cute kids cake

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup hot water or coffee (for richness)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
For the Buttercream Frosting:
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
2–4 tbsp milk or cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Black gel food coloring
Optional: cocoa powder (for tinting brown if preferred over black)

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Instructions

Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (plus one 6-inch round for ears if making 3D). Mix dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Add wet to dry, then mix in hot water or coffee. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then milk and vanilla. Divide and tint one portion black (or dark cocoa) for panda features.
Assemble the Cake:
Stack and fill cake layers with frosting. Frost the entire cake in white or off-white buttercream.
Pipe or sculpt black frosting to create the panda’s eyes, ears, nose, and arms.
Use a small round cake for 3D ears, or create fondant accents.
Chill before serving to hold shape and make clean slices.

Notes

Add mini chocolate chips or crushed cookies inside for texture.
Use fondant or Oreo cookies for easy eyes and ears.
This cake can be adapted for cupcakes or a sheet cake layout.
Details

Nutrition

Calories: 470
Sugar: 42g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg