Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! Whether you’re planning a grand Easter feast or just looking for a few sweet indulgences to enjoy, these 12 Easter desserts will add a festive and flavorful touch to your holiday. From classic carrot cake to fun, pastel-themed goodies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Classic Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is a staple of Easter desserts, known for its moist texture and warm spices. The combination of grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a rich and flavorful cake that pairs perfectly with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting. For an extra special touch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch.
You can also decorate the top with shredded coconut, candied carrot shavings, or even tiny marzipan carrots for a festive look. If you want to make it even healthier, swap out some of the oil for applesauce to keep it moist while reducing fat content.
Easter Bunny Cupcakes
These adorable cupcakes bring the magic of Easter to your dessert table. Start with a moist vanilla or chocolate cupcake base, then top them with fluffy buttercream frosting in pastel shades. The real charm comes from the decorations—use marshmallows cut in half and dipped in pink sanding sugar to create bunny ears, and add mini chocolate chips or candy eyes to give your bunnies personality. A small pink candy for the nose completes the look.
Hot Cross Buns
A beloved Easter tradition, hot cross buns are soft, lightly spiced rolls studded with dried fruit and topped with a signature white icing cross. The dough is enriched with butter, eggs, and milk, making it tender and rich. Traditional versions include raisins or currants, but you can customize them with chocolate chips or orange zest for a unique twist.
The cross on top is typically made from either icing or a flour-based paste that bakes into the bun. These buns taste best when served warm with a pat of butter, and they pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
Easter Sugar Cookies
Sugar cookies are a versatile Easter treat that allows for creativity in both flavor and decoration. The key to perfect sugar cookies is chilling the dough before rolling it out, which helps maintain their shape while baking.
Once baked to a golden perfection, they can be decorated with royal icing in pastel shades, creating beautiful designs of Easter eggs, bunnies, and chicks. Adding a hint of almond or lemon extract to the dough gives them a refreshing twist.
You can also use edible glitter, sanding sugar, or food-safe markers to enhance the designs. Letting kids decorate their own cookies is a fun Easter activity that doubles as a delicious treat.
Lemon Bars
Lemon bars bring a bright and refreshing touch to your Easter dessert spread. A buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base for a smooth, tangy lemon filling made with fresh lemon juice and zest. The secret to achieving a rich yet balanced flavor is to use just the right amount of sugar to offset the tartness of the lemons.
After baking, dust the bars with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. For an extra special presentation, cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters or add a dollop of whipped cream on top
Peeps Rice Krispies Treats
Transforming a classic childhood treat into an Easter delight, Peeps Rice Krispies treats are a fun and colorful dessert. Instead of using traditional marshmallows, melt pastel-colored Peeps to give the treats a vibrant, festive hue. Mix in colorful sprinkles or drizzle white chocolate over the top for added sweetness.
The key to keeping them soft and chewy is to avoid overheating the marshmallow mixture—low and slow is the way to go. You can shape them into eggs, bunnies, or simple squares for easy serving.
Chocolate Nest Cupcakes
Chocolate nest cupcakes are an adorable Easter-themed treat that combines rich chocolate cake with a playful, nest-like topping. Start by baking your favorite chocolate cupcakes, then top them with a swirl of chocolate buttercream. To create the nest effect, sprinkle toasted coconut on top or pipe thin lines of chocolate ganache to resemble twigs.
Finish by placing candy eggs or mini chocolate eggs in the center of the nest for a realistic touch. These cupcakes not only taste delicious but also make a stunning centerpiece for your Easter dessert table.
Strawberry Shortcake
Light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh berries, strawberry shortcake is a wonderful addition to any Easter gathering. The classic version features tender, buttery biscuits layered with sweetened strawberries and whipped cream.
For a modern twist, try using sponge cake or angel food cake instead. The key to a great strawberry shortcake is macerating the berries in sugar before assembling, which enhances their natural sweetness and creates a lovely syrup.
Easter Egg Cheesecake
This eye-catching dessert features a creamy, smooth cheesecake base with a colorful, swirled design reminiscent of Easter eggs. The vibrant marbled effect is created by mixing pastel-colored batters before baking.
For added fun, consider making a no-bake version with a graham cracker crust, perfect for warmer spring days. Top with mini chocolate eggs, sprinkles, or a drizzle of fruit puree for an elegant finishing touch.
Bunny Paw Print Brownies
Turn classic brownies into an Easter-themed delight by decorating them to resemble bunny paw prints. Bake a batch of your favorite fudgy brownies, then cut them into rounds or squares. Use melted white chocolate to create the paw pad shapes, and mini marshmallows for the toes.
This simple yet creative decoration makes brownies extra festive and fun for kids. If you want a more indulgent twist, add a layer of caramel or peanut butter between the brownie and the frosting.
Robin’s Egg Cake
This stunning Easter cake is inspired by the speckled pattern of robin’s eggs. A soft vanilla or chocolate cake is coated in pastel blue buttercream frosting, then splattered with a mixture of cocoa powder and vanilla extract to mimic the egg’s natural appearance.
For a more dramatic effect, add chocolate eggs or edible flowers as decorations. This cake not only tastes amazing but also makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Easter dessert table.
Carrot Cake Truffles
Carrot cake truffles are bite-sized treats that capture all the flavors of a traditional carrot cake in a convenient, no-bake form. Made by combining crumbled carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, these truffles are rolled into balls and dipped in white chocolate.
A sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts on top adds an extra layer of flavor. These make for a great make-ahead dessert and are perfect for Easter baskets or party favors.
Tips for Perfect Easter Desserts
- Use Pastel Colors – Incorporate soft pastel shades in frosting, decorations, and toppings to give your desserts a festive Easter look.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Choose desserts that can be prepared a day in advance to save time on Easter Sunday.
- Get Kids Involved – Simple treats like sugar cookies or cupcakes are perfect for letting kids decorate and join in the holiday fun.
Fianl Thoughts
Easter is the perfect time to indulge in delightful and festive desserts that bring joy to every gathering. Whether you opt for a classic treat like carrot cake or get creative with bunny-themed goodies, these desserts will make your holiday extra special. With a little planning and creativity, you can create a stunning Easter dessert spread that everyone will love. Happy Easter and happy baking!