59 Traditional Easter Desserts to Make This Year

Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

No Easter is complete without carrot cake! This is one of my favorite traditional Easter desserts. The fluffy buttery frosting is scrumptious with chopped walnuts stirred in. This cake is the best way to end your Easter dinner. —Kim Orr, West Grove, Pennsylvania

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Hippity Hop Bunny Cake

This cute, festive Easter cake will have your guests ‘hopping’ with happiness! Make the cake ahead and add the decorations close to its debut at your party or special occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easter Meringue Cups

These crunchy meringue shells with a lemon curd filling will make guests stop to “ooh” and “ahh” at your dessert table. Topped with fresh fruit, these traditional Easter desserts are especially pretty when served with a spring meal and fun Easter cocktail. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Marshmallow Easter Eggs

I’ve been making this traditional Easter dessert for years. These candy eggs are a big hit with everyone who loves marshmallows. For another cute and sweet Easter treat, try these homemade Easter cake pops. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania

Lime Divine Tarts

Enjoy a taste of spring with this traditional Easter dessert. These cute lime cups are impressive but easy to make. Hop on these tarts while enjoying these Easter movies. —Ann Yri, Lewisville, Texas.

Easter Lamb Cake

My grandmother started the tradition of making this molded Easter lamb cake when I was little. The memory is so special that I keep the lamb mold in my kitchen next to my cookbooks as a decoration. My tip: Grease this pan like you would grease a Bundt pan. — Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska

Layered Sherbet Dessert

Macaroons and pecans combine in this special layered sherbet dessert. Try garnishing with fresh strawberries and just listen to folks “ooh” and “ahh” when you bring this in! —Kathryn Dunn, Axton, Virginia

Easy Banana Pudding with Cream Cheese

I blend cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping into instant pudding then layer it with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas. Served in a pretty glass bowl, this banana pudding with cream cheese makes for a fancy yet fuss-free dessert. —Edna Perry, Rice, Texas

Peter Rabbit Cake

No bunny will be able to resist a slice of this cute Easter treat. Baked and decorated ahead of time, the coconut-topped cake makes an eye-catching fitting finale to any Easter feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Sour Cream Sugar Cookies

I make these cookies for my family and our neighbors every holiday. The treats stay soft for at least a week, and they look so pretty frosted bright pink and then piped with lacy frosting. —Carolyn Walton, Smoot, Wyoming

Glazed Lemon Chiffon Cake

This fluffy cake is a real treat drizzled with the sweet-tart lemon glaze. —Rebecca Baird, Salt Lake City, Utah

Cupcake Easter Baskets

These cute Easter cupcakes with their mild orange flavor are fun to dress up. As we raised four sons and a daughter, I prepared many, many school lunches and often added these sweet Easter desserts. —Julie Johnston, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

Raspberry Mousse

This raspberry mousse recipe guarantees a creamy, smooth finale to any spring meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Berry Trifle

This Berry Trifle is a delicious salute to summer! I usually serve it during the summer when fresh berries are bountiful, but you can also prepare it with frozen cherries and light cherry pie filling during cooler months. —Brenda Paine, North Syracuse, New York

Rhubarb Tart

The rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I’ll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Easter Sugar Cookies

Cream cheese contributes to the rich taste of these melt-in-your-mouth Easter cookies. They have such nice flavor, you can skip the frosting and sprinkle them with colored sugar for a change. — Julie Brunette, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Peeps Sunflower Cake

The inspiration for this cake came from one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower. The yellow peeps make eye-catching flower petals, and I carefully placed chocolate chips in a circular pattern to resemble the seeds in the middle of a sunflower. This cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee

Broken Glass Dessert

When it’s cut into squares, this dessert looks just like stained-glass windows. The buttery graham cracker crust pairs perfectly with the lovely creamy topping. —Kathy Crow, Cordova, Alaska

Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs

I roll out these chocolate Easter eggs when the weather gets warm. The recipe is over 35 years old; my high school economics teacher had us make it as a class project. Sometimes I substitute butterscotch or vanilla pudding for the chocolate. —Julie Warren, Conyers, Georgia

Limoncello Tiramisu

We love everything about this wonderful dessert—from the light lemon flavor and creamy Mascarpone to the crunchy, crushed macaroon on top. We think you’ll enjoy it too.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Baklava

Once you learn how to make baklava, you’ll see it’s not difficult. Even working with phyllo is easier than you’d expect. The results are scrumptious and well worth the effort. Don’t forget to check out our list of Greek Easter recipes. —Judy Losecco, Buffalo, New York.

Strawberry Trifle

I won first prize in a dairy recipe contest with this traditional Easter dessert. You can double the recipe and make two for large groups. —Norma Steiner, Monroe, Wisconsin

Over-the-Top Blueberry Bread Pudding

This delicious Southern blueberry bread pudding boasts out-of-this-world flavor and eye appeal. You just may want to skip the main course and go straight to dessert. It’s a favorite for our summer celebrations. —Marilyn Haynes, Sylacauga, Alabama

Lemon Layer Cake

This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia

Elegant Fresh Berry Tart

This elegant tart was my first original creation. If other fresh fruits are used, adjust the simple syrup flavor to match. —Denise Nakamoto, Elk Grove, California

Plum Streusel Kuchen

This recipe is actually called “platz” in German (meaning “flat”) and has been in my family since before I was born. The fresh fruits of summer make it a favorite, and it’s simply wonderful warm out of the oven. We enjoy this German plum cake with ice cream or whipped cream, too. —Lisa Warkentin, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Easter Bunny Treats

Our whole family has fun making these bunny-riffic treats together. They are just so cute! —Holly Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Banana Pudding Cake

One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe. My family and friends can’t get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina

Contest-Winning Rhubarb Meringue Pie

My husband’s grandmother was an excellent cook, but she didn’t always share her secrets. Luckily, we have her rhubarb pie recipe. I added one of my favorite crusts and a never-fail meringue. —Elaine Sampson, Colesburg, Iowa

Traditional Cheesecake

This recipe for a basic cheesecake tastes great alone or with any number of garnishes. Try serving it with Raspberry Sauce and Sour Cream Topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Bird Nests

This is a fun, kid-friendly recipe I pulled together a few years ago. My kids love helping me make these. —Jessica Boivin, Nekoosa, Wisconsin

Raspberry Moscow Mule Cake

This Moscow mule cake is my favorite cake I’ve ever made from scratch. It’s so moist and flavorful, and it reminds me of my favorite cocktail. —Becky Hardin, St. Peters, Missouri

Strawberry Jam Cake

When I need a cake for a special occasion, this is my go-to recipe because everyone is crazy about it. Every year I make it for a cake raffle we have at work for Relay for Life. It has raised a lot of money for a very good cause.—Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia

Simple Lemon Mousse

This classic, simple lemon mousse recipe is the refreshing dessert you need. Serve it with fresh fruit or eat it alone. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Brandied Apricot Tart

Canned apricots make this golden, buttery tart a wonderful option any time of year. I brush them with preserves and brandy, then sprinkle on almonds for a bit of crunch. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

Incredible Coconut Cake

I found this recipe in a newspaper many years ago and modified it to suit my taste. This is my all-time favorite cake, and my family and friends absolutely love it. —Lynne Bassler, Indiana, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Shortcake

I grew up helping my mom make a lot in our farmhouse kitchen; roasts, soups, pies and strawberry shortcakes. This sunny strawberry shortcake recipe brings back memories of family summers on the farm. —Janet Becker, Anacortes, Washington

Traditional Hot Cross Buns

On Easter morning, our family always looked forward to a breakfast of dyed hard boiled eggs and Mom’s hot cross buns. I still serve these for special brunches or buffets. —Barbara Jean Lull, Fullerton, California

Springtime Beignets & Berries

I’ve always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they’re easy! Sometimes I’ll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado

Bird’s Nest Treats

Easter dessert ideas don’t get any cuter! I make this birds nest recipe in the spring when the birds are starting to build their own nests. They are so easy to make and disappear just as fast. —Pam Painter, Poseyville, Indiana

Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

I make these banana bars with cream cheese frosting whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa

Strawberry Buttermilk Skillet Shortcake

This scratch-made strawberry buttermilk cake is a family favorite. My grandma even carries out our family tradition by making this old-fashioned recipe each summer. —Claudia Lamascolo, Melbourne, Florida

Toffee Brownie Trifle

This decadent combination of pantry items is a terrific way to dress up a brownie mix. Try this trifle with other flavors of pudding or substitute your favorite candy bar. It tastes great with low-fat and sugar-free products, too. —Wendy Bennett, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Audrey’s Lemon Meringue Bars

We are always trying to find new ways to use the fruit from our lemon tree. My 13-year-old daughter, Audrey, decided to combine two of my lemony favorites: lemon bars and lemon meringue pie. After several intense hours in the kitchen (and warding off her horde of brothers), these delicious lemon meringue bars were born. —Monica Fearnside, Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Rhubarb Crumble Ice Cream

This rhubarb crumble ice cream combines two of my favorite Easter desserts into one fantastic creation! If you close your eyes, it actually tastes like you’re taking a bite of fresh rhubarb crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Throw this into a waffle cone and enjoy a classic springtime treat! —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta

Carrot Spice Thumbprint Cookies

Carrot cake is a family favorite, and these delicious cookies taste just like it with shredded carrots, dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, cinnamon and cloves. And they’re topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Who could resist? Each cookie is like eating a piece of carrot cake, but with no fork needed! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Yogurt-Ricotta Cheesecake

I have always liked Italian ricotta cheesecakes, but they have too much sugar for me. This version is diabetic-friendly, and my family couldn’t even tell! Serve this cheesecake with sugar-free strawberry ice cream topping and fresh strawberries. Looking for more recipes? Learn how to make Italian Easter pie. —Diane Shipley, Mentor, Ohio

Grandma’s Carrot Cake

My grandma was very special to me. She had a big country kitchen that was full of wonderful aromas any time we visited. This was one of her prized cake recipes, and it continues to be a favorite from generation to generation. —Denise Strasz, Detroit, Michigan

Shortbread Lemon Tart

For a change from ordinary lemon bars, we added orange peel to both the crust and filling and turned the recipe into a tart. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Easter Nest Torte

In this traditional Easter dessert, a luscious cake layer nestles rich mousse and chocolate “twigs.” Your guests won’t be able to get enough of this unique Easter nest cake recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Berry Tartlets

Bring spring flavors together in these delectable miniature tarts. Raspberries and blueberries both work well with the whipped cream and lemon curd mixture or choose your favorite berries instead. —Mary J. Walters, Westerville, Ohio

Hummingbird Cake

This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It’s also one of our favorite Easter desserts. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Million-Dollar Pound Cake

Through the years I’ve tried many recipes, and I can honestly say this million-dollar pound cake is the best! It has a very fine, rich texture that makes it unusually smooth. That texture, plus fantastic flavor, makes this pound cake a special treat each time we serve it. —George Dunn, Jasper, Texas

Homemade Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

This light and airy yellow cake is moist but not too sweet, and the caramelized rhubarb topping adds tangy flavor and visual appeal. We like it served with strawberry ice cream. —Joyce Rowe, Stratham, New Hampshire

Sunny Citrus Cheesecake

This beautiful layered cheesecake takes a bit longer to make, but the end result is so worth it! Citrus seems to be the perfect ending for an Easter meal, and the bright flavors really shine in this dessert. Explore these easy Easter desserts for simpler ideas.—Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

Raspberry Lemon Cake

Want a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant lemon raspberry cake packed with refreshing citrus flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it’s definitely a winner with me. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin

Easter Egg Cookies

My mother started baking these cookies with me and my eight brothers and sisters when I was a child, and I carried on the tradition with our four youngsters when they were little. Now, my children are grown and can make these cookies with their own tots. —Barbara Neuweg, West Point, Iowa

Lemon Blueberry Bread

Of all the quick breads we had growing up, this beautifully glazed berry-studded loaf is the best! The lemon glaze adds a lustrous finish and locks in moisture. —Julianne Johnson, Grove City, Minnesota

Blue-Ribbon Butter Cake

I found this buttercake recipe in an old cookbook I bought at a garage sale and couldn’t wait to try it. I knew it had been someone’s favorite because of the well-worn page. —Joan Gertz, Palmetto, Florida