As Easter approaches, thoughts turn to springtime celebrations and, of course, delicious desserts! Whether you’re planning a grand feast or a cozy gathering, this collection of easy Easter dessert ideas offers something for every taste and skill level.
From delightful no-bake options to charmingly decorated cakes, find inspiration to create a sweet ending that will be the highlight of your Easter festivities.
Recipes
1. Carrot Cake Cookies
These delightful cookies are a twist on the classic carrot cake. They’re packed with carrot flavor, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with chopped nuts and raisins. Topped with a simple cream cheese frosting, they’re a delicious and festive Easter treat.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 12 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, baking sheets | 12 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and raisins.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Serve with: A cup of hot tea or coffee.
2. Lemon Bars
These bright and tangy lemon bars are perfect for a springtime celebration. They feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a layer of sweet and lemony filling. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 35 minutes | Dessert | American | Baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the butter, 2 cups flour, and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, 1/4 cup flour, and baking powder until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar and cutting into squares.
Serve with: A glass of chilled lemonade or iced tea.
3. Bird’s Nest Cookies
These adorable cookies are made with crispy chow mein noodles that are shaped into nests and filled with melted chocolate chips. Top them with candy eggs or mini marshmallows for a whimsical Easter dessert.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 0 minutes | Dessert | American | Microwave-safe bowl, spoon | 5 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 6 cups chow mein noodles
- Candy eggs (such as M&M’s or Cadbury Mini Eggs)
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chow mein noodles until fully coated.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto parchment paper and shape into nests.
- Place candy eggs in the center of each nest.
- Allow the cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm.
Serve with: A glass of milk or hot cocoa.
4. No-Bake Cheesecake with Fruit Compote
This creamy cheesecake requires no baking, making it a breeze to prepare. It features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth and decadent cheesecake filling. Top it with a fresh fruit compote for a burst of flavor and color.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 0 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, springform pan | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mixed berries (for compote)
- 1/4 cup sugar (for compote)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a springform pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- For the fruit compote, combine the berries, 1/4 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened.
- Let the compote cool before spooning it over the cheesecake.
Serve with: A glass of sparkling wine or a cup of coffee.
5. Easter Bunny Rice Krispie Treats
These fun treats are sure to be a hit with the kids. Made with Rice Krispie cereal, marshmallows, and butter, they’re shaped into adorable Easter bunnies and decorated with candy eyes, sprinkles, and coconut for the bunny’s tail.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 5 minutes | Dessert | American | Saucepan, mixing bowl, cookie cutters | 6 |
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) package marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Food coloring (optional)
- Icing and sprinkles (for decorating)
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture.
- Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Once cool, use bunny-shaped cookie cutters to cut out the treats.
- Decorate with icing and sprinkles as desired.
Serve with: A glass of milk or fruit punch.
6. Carrot Patch Cupcakes
These cupcakes are not only delicious but also adorable. They’re moist carrot cake cupcakes topped with a cream cheese frosting that’s piped into little carrot shapes. Nestled in the “dirt” made with crushed Oreos, they’re a playful and festive dessert.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 20 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, muffin tin, piping bag | 10 |
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to make the cake)
- 1 can chocolate frosting
- 1 package Oreo cookies, crushed
- Candy carrots (or make your own with orange and green icing)
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions and bake in a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Frost the cupcakes with chocolate frosting.
- Sprinkle the crushed Oreos on top to resemble dirt.
- Place candy carrots on top of the “dirt.”
Serve with: A cup of hot tea or coffee.
7. Deviled Egg Chicks
Deviled eggs are a classic Easter appetizer, but you can give them a fun twist for dessert. Fill the egg whites with a sweet deviled egg filling (think vanilla pudding or whipped cream cheese) and decorate them with carrot slices for beaks and black sesame seeds for eyes to create adorable chicks.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 10 minutes | Appetizer | American | Saucepan, mixing bowl | 7 |
Ingredients:
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Carrot (for beaks)
- Black olives (for eyes)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Hard boil the eggs, then let them cool and peel them.
- Cut a small slice off the bottom of each egg so they stand upright. Carefully slice off the top third of each egg and set aside.
- Scoop out the yolks and place them in a bowl.
- Mash the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the bottom of each egg.
- Place the top of the egg back on at an angle to look like a chick popping out.
- Cut small triangles from the carrot for beaks and tiny pieces of black olive for eyes. Place them on the chicks.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.
Serve with: A refreshing cucumber lemonade.
8. Strawberry Shortcake
Fresh strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and whipped cream come together to create this classic and delicious dessert. It’s a light and refreshing option that’s perfect for a spring celebration.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 15 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, baking sheet | 9 |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a 1-inch thick round and cut out biscuits using a round cutter.
- Place the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the biscuits cool, then split them in half.
- Layer with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
Serve with: A glass of sparkling water with a splash of strawberry syrup.
9. Chocolate-Covered Peeps with Sprinkles
This no-bake treat is simple yet delightful. Dip Peeps in melted chocolate and decorate them with festive sprinkles for a quick and easy Easter dessert.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 minutes | 0 minutes | Dessert | American | Microwave-safe bowl, skewers | 3 |
Ingredients:
- 1 package Peeps marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Colorful sprinkles
Instructions:
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth.
- Insert a skewer into each Peep.
- Dip the Peeps into the melted chocolate, coating them evenly.
- Decorate with sprinkles.
- Place the Peeps on parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set.
Serve with: A glass of milk or a fun Easter-themed mocktail.
10. Coconut Nest Cookies
These chewy cookies are made with oats, coconut, and chocolate chips. They’re shaped into nests and filled with a dollop of Nutella or melted chocolate for a delicious and satisfying treat.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 10 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowl, baking sheet | 5 |
Ingredients:
- 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Candy eggs (such as M&M’s or Cadbury Mini Eggs)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and shape into nests.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Let cool, then place candy eggs in the center of each nest.
Serve with: A cup of hot tea or coffee.
11. Spring Fruit Salad with Honey-Yogurt Dressing
This vibrant fruit salad is a refreshing and healthy option for your Easter dessert. Combine your favorite seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, oranges, and kiwi with a light honey-yogurt dressing.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 0 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowl | 7 |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 2 cups pineapple, cubed
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups kiwi, sliced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the strawberries, pineapple, blueberries, and kiwi.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently to coat.
Serve with: A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water.
12. Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs
These homemade Easter eggs are a fun and delicious alternative to store-bought candy. Made with melted chocolate and a creamy peanut butter filling, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 0 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowl, microwave-safe bowl | 5 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Shape the mixture into egg shapes and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate, coating evenly.
- Place back on the parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate until set.
Serve with: A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
13. Bunny Butt Cake
This playful cake is sure to be a conversation starter. A simple sheet cake is cut and decorated to resemble a fluffy bunny butt, complete with a cotton ball tail and a pink candy melt for the nose.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
30 minutes | 35 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, round cake pans, piping bag | 12 |
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients to make the cake)
- 1 can vanilla frosting
- Pink food coloring
- Coconut flakes
- Marshmallows (for tail)
- Candy melts (for feet)
- Edible markers (for decorating)
Instructions:
- Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions and bake in round cake pans. Allow to cool completely.
- Stack and frost the cakes with vanilla frosting.
- Tint a portion of the frosting pink and use it to create the bunny’s feet and tail.
- Cover the cake with coconut flakes.
- Attach marshmallows for the tail and decorate with candy melts and edible markers to create the feet.
Serve with: A cup of hot tea or a festive Easter punch.
14. Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars combine the flavors of carrot cake and cheesecake for a decadent and delicious dessert. They feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling with grated carrots and spices, and a sweet cinnamon streusel topping.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 45 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, baking pan | 12 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in the shredded carrots.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until combined. Pour into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Drop spoonfuls over the carrot cake batter and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Serve with: A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
15. Mini Carrot Cake Cheesecakes
For an individual twist on the classic cheesecake, try these mini carrot cake cheesecakes. They’re made in muffin tins and feature a graham cracker crust, a carrot cake filling with cream cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.
Recipe
Prep Time | Cook Time | Course | Cuisine | Equipment | No. of Ingredients |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
20 minutes | 25 minutes | Dessert | American | Mixing bowls, muffin tin | 12 |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press into the bottoms of the muffin cups.
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, shredded carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Spoon the mixture over the crusts in the muffin cups.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve with: A cup of hot tea or a chilled glass of sparkling water.