As the snow melts and flowers bloom, it’s time to trade in your winter comfort foods for sweet treats that scream spring. What better way to welcome the season than with a delightful array of Easter desserts? From classic cookies to creative trifles, we’ve got 20 mouthwatering recipes to make your Easter celebration a sugary success. Whether you’re hosting an egg-stravagant brunch or just looking for a sweet treat to brighten up your day, these easy-to-make desserts are sure to impress.
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of spring-inspired sweets, featuring everything from show-stopping cupcakes to simple sugar cookies. So grab your mixing bowl and let’s get cracking on some delicious Easter dessert recipes!
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
These sweet and tangy bars combine the brightness of lemon with the sweetness of blueberries, all wrapped up in a creamy cheesecake crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into prepared baking dish.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in blueberries and lemon juice.
4. Pour cheesecake mixture over crust and bake for 35-40 minutes or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
5. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies Recipe
Brighten up your Easter celebration with these adorable sugar cookies shaped like eggs!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
4. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions, depending on how large you want your cookies to be.
5. Roll out each portion of dough into a thin circle. Use an egg-shaped cookie cutter or a glass to cut out eggs.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Allow cookies to cool before decorating with colored sugar or sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist carrot cake cupcakes filled with the warmth of spices and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting – a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add grated carrots and heavy cream; mix until combined.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Combine all ingredients; beat until smooth. Top cupcakes with frosting and enjoy!
Mini Easter Trifles with Berries and Custard
Delight your guests with these adorable mini trifles, perfect for Easter celebrations. Layered with fresh berries, creamy custard, and crunchy cookies, they’re an easy and impressive treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 6 ounces pound cake, cut into cubes (about 1 inch)
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup whipped cream
– 1/2 cup crushed cookies (e.g., chocolate sandwich or wafers)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. In separate glasses or small cups, create layers by alternating:
– A layer of cubed cake
– A spoonful of whipped cream
– A few fresh berries
3. Top each trifle with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle crushed cookies.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional berries if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! Assemble the trifles just before serving.
Chocolate Nest Cupcakes with Candy Eggs
Treat your loved ones to a sweet surprise this Easter! These decadent chocolate cupcakes are topped with a fluffy nest of meringue and adorned with candy eggs, creating a delightful springtime treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Candy eggs and meringue mixture (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine cocoa powder and milk. Stir until smooth.
4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to chocolate mixture, whisking until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before topping with meringue and candy eggs.
Meringue Mixture:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup egg whites
– 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Whisk ingredients together until stiff peaks form. Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with candy eggs.
Strawberry Shortcake Parfaits
A classic dessert gets a modern twist with these layered parfaits, featuring sweet strawberries, creamy whipped cream, and tender shortcake biscuits.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 6-8 shortcake biscuits (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Cut the shortcake biscuits into 1-inch cubes and place half of them in the bottom of glasses or parfait dishes.
3. Spoon half of the whipped cream over the biscuits.
4. Add half of the sliced strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
5. Repeat the layers, starting with the remaining biscuit cubes, then the remaining whipped cream, and finally the remaining strawberries.
6. Sprinkle the tops with granulated sugar.
Cooking Time: None – this is a no-bake dessert!
Tips:
– Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
– You can customize the parfaits by adding other toppings, such as chocolate shavings or chopped nuts.
– Prepare the whipped cream and assemble the parfaits just before serving.
Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Create a delightful twist on traditional Rice Krispie treats by incorporating the colorful and marshmallow-y goodness of Peeps!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup chopped Peeps (assorted colors)
– Optional: sprinkles, edible glitter, or other mix-ins of your choice
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
2. Add marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
4. Quickly add Rice Krispies cereal to the pot and stir until well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Fold in chopped Peeps for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Press mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Allow to cool and harden before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None! These treats are cooked on the stovetop, so no oven is required.
Pastel M&M Blondies
Brighten up your day with these colorful Pastel M&Ms Blondies, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 and 1/2 sticks of unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup Pastel M&Ms
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Stir in Pastel M&Ms.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easter Bunny Butt Cookies
These adorable cookies are perfect for Easter celebrations! They’re soft, chewy, and oh-so-cute with their bunny-inspired design.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and oats. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into bunny butt shapes (about 2-3 inches long).
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
White Chocolate Raspberry Tart
A sweet and tangy combination of white chocolate and fresh raspberries comes together in this easy-to-make tart.
Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
6. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval.
7. Pour melted white chocolate over baked tart crust and smooth.
8. Arrange fresh raspberries on top of white chocolate layer.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Coconut Macaroon Nests
These bite-sized treats are a delightful twist on traditional macaroons, with a crunchy coconut exterior and a soft chewy center.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1 large egg white
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg white, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
Brighten up your cookie plate with these sweet and tangy Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies! A burst of citrusy flavor meets a tender, chewy texture in every bite.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 large egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in lemon curd and egg until well combined.
4. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until a dough forms.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Easter Egg Chocolate Bark
Easter Egg Chocolate Bark: A Sweet Treat for Easter Celebrations!
This recipe creates a beautiful and delicious Easter-themed chocolate bark that’s perfect for gifting or snacking on throughout the holiday. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a stunning and tasty treat to share with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup crushed Easter eggs (peeps or other candy)
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Melt the white chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
3. Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Pour the melted white chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Immediately sprinkle the crushed Easter eggs on top of the white chocolate.
6. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
7. Drizzle the melted dark chocolate over the Easter egg mixture in a zigzag pattern.
8. Allow the bark to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before breaking into pieces and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta with Berry Compote
A creamy panna cotta infused with the warmth of vanilla beans, paired with a sweet and tangy berry compote. This Italian-inspired dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp kosher salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and add vanilla bean. Let steep for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Discard vanilla bean.
4. Pour mixture into individual serving cups or a large baking dish. Refrigerate until set, about 4 hours.
5. In a small saucepan, combine berries and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened slightly.
6. Serve panna cotta chilled, topped with berry compote.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time (at least 4 hours)
Mini Egg Fudge
Rich, creamy fudge infused with the sweetness of mini eggs – a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup (100g) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (120g) mini eggs, chopped
Instructions:
1. Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine white chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in salt and chopped mini eggs.
4. Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 of the way full.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Hot Cross Bun Bread Pudding
This sweet treat combines the flavors of traditional hot cross buns with the comfort of a warm bread pudding, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale hot cross bun bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the bread cubes to the mixture and stir until they are evenly coated.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Springtime Pavlova with Whipped Cream
Celebrate the arrival of spring with this light and airy pavlova, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and sweet springtime flavors.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Fresh berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Sift flour and salt over the egg mixture and gently fold until no streaks remain.
4. Spread the meringue mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in a circular shape.
5. Bake for 1 1/2 hours or until the meringue is dry and crisp.
6. Allow the pavlova to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. Whip heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Assemble the pavlova by spreading whipped cream over the cooled meringue, then garnishing with fresh berries.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Bunnies
Transform fresh strawberries into adorable bunnies dipped in rich chocolate – a delightful combination that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
– 1 tablespoon shortening (like Crisco or vegetable shortening)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Optional: edible eyes (like M&M’s or chopped nuts) and a pink nose (like a cherry or a pink candy)
Instructions:
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Dip each strawberry slice into the melted white chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the strawberry.
3. Place the dipped strawberries onto the prepared baking sheet. If using, place edible eyes and a pink nose on each bunny.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
5. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes of dipping and setting.
Enjoy your adorable Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Bunnies!
Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Brighten up your day with these buttery shortbread cookies infused with the brightness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of lavender.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon dried lavender buds
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar.
3. Add softened butter and mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
4. Stir in lemon juice and lavender buds.
5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
6. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or a glass.
7. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Easter-Themed Dirt Cake
Get ready to hop into the Easter spirit with this adorable and delicious dirt cake! This recipe is a fun twist on traditional mud pie, perfect for a springtime celebration.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
– Food coloring (green and brown)
– Easter-themed candies or sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crushed cookies and powdered sugar.
3. Add softened butter and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
4. Press mixture into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
6. Let cool completely.
7. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and milk until stiff peaks form.
8. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, whipping until smooth.
9. Divide whipped cream into two portions: green for grass and brown for dirt.
10. Assemble cake by spreading grass on top of crust, then adding dirt on top.
11. Decorate with Easter-themed candies or sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to delight your taste buds with these 20 delicious and easy Easter dessert recipes! From classic treats like carrot cake cupcakes and strawberry shortcake parfaits, to creative twists like Peeps rice krispie treats and chocolate-dipped strawberry bunnies, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to serve at an Easter gathering or just want to indulge in some springtime baking fun, these recipes are sure to please. So go ahead, get cracking, and make this Easter one to remember with these tasty treats!