Easter Dessert Recipes | Sweet Treats to End Your Holiday Feast

Easter is a time of renewal and joy, and nothing makes the celebration sweeter than indulging in delicious desserts. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, a grand feast, or a cozy gathering, a memorable dessert will certainly complete the meal. From classic cakes to decadent pies, these Easter dessert recipes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Here are some of the best Easter dessert ideas to bring a burst of flavor to your holiday table.

1. Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake is a classic Easter dessert that never goes out of style. With its warm spices, moist texture, and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for celebrating the season.

Ingredients for the cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, and oil until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and walnuts.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. For the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Frost the cooled cakes and serve.

2. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon meringue pie is a zesty, sweet dessert with a perfect balance of tart lemon curd and fluffy meringue topping. It’s the perfect spring dessert and a favorite for Easter.

Ingredients for the crust:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the lemon filling:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the meringue:

  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup sugar

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie crust according to package directions, then set aside.
  2. For the filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add water, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and cook until thickened.
  3. Whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then stir in lemon juice, zest, and butter.
  4. Pour the lemon filling into the baked crust and set aside.
  5. For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
  6. Spread the meringue over the lemon filling, sealing the edges. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  7. Let the pie cool before serving.

3. Hot Cross Buns

These soft, spiced buns are perfect for Easter. Traditionally served on Good Friday, hot cross buns are made with dried fruit, cinnamon, and a cross on top, making them a wonderful addition to any Easter spread.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup currants or raisins
  • 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar (for cross)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add warm milk, butter, eggs, and currants. Mix to form a dough.
  2. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, then let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
  3. Shape the dough into buns and place them on a baking sheet. Let them rise again for 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the buns with egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
  5. To make the cross, mix icing sugar with a little water to form a thick paste. Pipe a cross on each bun.
  6. Serve warm.

4. Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut cream pie is a rich, creamy dessert with a velvety filling and a toasted coconut topping. It’s the ultimate Easter treat for coconut lovers.

Ingredients for the crust:

  • 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the filling:

  • 2 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large egg yolks, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

For the topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup toasted coconut

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie crust and set it aside to cool.
  2. For the filling, combine coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  3. Gradually whisk the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then return it to the pan and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut. Pour into the baked crust and refrigerate until set.
  5. For the topping, beat heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled coconut filling and garnish with toasted coconut.
  6. Serve chilled.

5. Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a fresh, fruity, and light dessert perfect for Easter. With its layers of sweetened strawberries, whipped cream, and sponge cake, it’s an easy yet impressive treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 sponge cake or shortcake biscuits
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with sugar and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to release their juices.
  2. Whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  3. Slice the sponge cake or shortcake biscuits in half. Layer with strawberries and whipped cream.
  4. Top with additional strawberries and serve immediately.
Easter cake decorated with pastel-colored candy eggs, white chocolate drizzle, and sprinkles, set on a cake stand with flowers in the background.

Conclusion

Easter desserts are the perfect way to end your holiday celebration with sweetness and joy. Whether you choose the classic flavors of carrot cake, the citrusy tang of lemon meringue pie, or the creamy richness of coconut cream pie, these desserts will surely delight your guests and create lasting memories. These recipes are simple yet indulgent, allowing you to enjoy the season with your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen. So, go ahead and treat yourself and your guests to these delicious, festive desserts that will make Easter 2025 extra special. Happy Easter, and enjoy the sweet moments!

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