30 Easter Baking Ideas for Cakes, Cookies & Spring Desserts
If Easter baking is your love language, you’re definitely in the right place. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but spring flavors, pastel candy, and a good excuse to turn the oven on just make me happy. Easter is one of those holidays where I always find myself baking a little extra, sneaking tastes along the way, and somehow ending up with way more desserts than we technically need. From carrot cake classics to bright lemony treats and fun, festive bakes, this is the kind of baking that makes the kitchen smell incredible and keeps everyone wandering in to see what’s coming out of the oven next.
What I really love about this roundup is how realistic it feels. These are the kinds of recipes I actually make for Easter. Some can be baked ahead so I’m not rushing around on the morning of, others look impressive without being fussy, and there are plenty of fun options that kids get excited about helping with. I always try to have a mix of easy bars and cookies, a couple of pretty cakes for the table, and something chocolatey that disappears first. With a good mixing bowl, my stand mixer, and a stack of baking sheets, I’m usually set for most of these recipes.
I’ve also leaned into tools I already use all the time, like a trusty 9×13 pan for bars, muffin tins for cupcakes and muffins, and parchment paper because clean-up matters. If I’m feeling extra festive, I’ll pull out spring cookie cutters, pastel sprinkles, or silicone molds, but none of it is required. These are the kinds of Easter baking ideas meant to be shared with family, packed up for gatherings, and enjoyed slowly with a cup of coffee once the house finally quiets down.
Why You’ll Love these Recipes
- They’re a mix of classic Easter bakes and fun, festive treats, so there’s something here for every kind of celebration.
- You’ll find plenty of make-ahead options, which means less last-minute stress and more time enjoying the day.
- From bright lemony desserts to rich chocolatey favorites and all the carrot cake you could want, the flavors feel perfectly spring-ready.
- These recipes are great for sharing, whether you’re hosting Easter brunch, bringing a dessert to family dinner, or setting out a sweet table.
- Many of them use simple pantry ingredients, so you don’t need a special shopping trip just to get baking.
- There’s a nice balance of quick, easy bakes and a few showstoppers when you feel like making something extra special.
- Kid-friendly options are sprinkled throughout, making it easy to get little helpers involved in the kitchen.
- Everything here feels cozy, homemade, and celebratory without being fussy or overcomplicated.
Classic Easter Favorites
These are the bakes people expect to see at Easter and instantly recognize.
1. Classic Carrot Cake
This is one of those bakes that just feels right for spring. It’s cozy, comforting, and somehow still light enough to fit perfectly on an Easter table. I love how it comes together with simple ingredients but ends up tasting like something you’d proudly serve to guests. The warm spices, the soft, tender crumb, and that generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top make it hard to resist sneaking an extra slice. It’s the kind of cake I make when I want something reliable, nostalgic, and guaranteed to make everyone happy.
GET THE RECIPE2. Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
These are perfect when you want all the cozy flavors you love, but in a smaller, grab-and-go form. They bake up soft and fluffy, with just the right amount of spice, and that swirl of cream cheese frosting on top makes them feel extra special without any extra effort. I love how easy they are to serve, especially for holidays or gatherings, and they always disappear fast. They’re simple, classic, and one of those treats people reach for without even thinking twice.
GET THE RECIPE3. Carrot Cake Muffins
These are one of my favorite things to bake when I want something that works for breakfast, snacking, and dessert without feeling over the top. They’re soft, lightly spiced, and packed with that cozy carrot cake flavor, but in a way that feels a little more everyday and practical. I love making a batch ahead of time so there’s something easy to grab during busy mornings, and they’re just as good with a cup of coffee as they are tucked into a lunchbox or served on a brunch table.
GET THE RECIPE4. Carrot Cake Cruffins
These are such a fun twist and always get people talking the second they see them. You get all those warm, spiced flavors you expect, but wrapped up in flaky, buttery layers that feel a little extra special. I love making these when I want something that looks impressive without needing a ton of decorating. They’re perfect for Easter brunch, tearing apart while they’re still warm, and watching everyone go back for just one more because they’re that good.
GET THE RECIPE5. Carrot Cinnamon Bundt Cake
This one feels like a centerpiece the moment it hits the table. It’s cozy, softly spiced, and has that beautiful shape that makes it look like you put in way more effort than you actually did. I love how it slices so nicely and feels perfect for feeding a crowd without any fuss. It’s the kind of bake that works just as well for Easter brunch as it does for an afternoon coffee break, and there’s something about that cinnamon-carrot combo that makes everyone linger a little longer for dessert.
GET THE RECIPE6. Vanilla Cupcakes with Pastel-Colored Frosting
These are one of those simple bakes that somehow steal the show. They’re soft, fluffy, and the perfect blank canvas for a swirl of pastel frosting, which instantly makes them feel festive and fun. I love how easy they are to customize with different colors or sprinkles, especially if kids are helping in the kitchen. They’re sweet without being over the top, easy to serve, and always one of the first things to disappear from the dessert table.
GET THE RECIPEFun & Festive Easter Treats
Bright, candy-filled, and perfect for kids, parties, and Easter dessert tables.
7. Easter Cookie Bars
These are my favorite kind of holiday treat because they’re easy, festive, and don’t require any fancy decorating. Everything comes together in one pan, and once they’re baked, you can load them up with pastel candies and sprinkles to really lean into the Easter vibe. I love that they’re simple to slice and share, which makes them perfect for parties, school events, or just leaving on the counter for little hands to grab.
GET THE RECIPE8. Mini Eggs Brownies
These are one of those treats that feel extra fun without being complicated. You get a rich, fudgy brownie base, and then those crunchy little chocolate eggs on top add the perfect festive touch. I love how they instantly say Easter without needing any decorating skills at all. They’re easy to cut, easy to share, and somehow always one of the first things to disappear from the tray.
GET THE RECIPE9. Easter Rice Krispie Treats
These are one of those treats that instantly feel like Easter the second you set them on the counter. They’re soft, gooey, and packed with all the fun extras that make this time of year so festive. I love how easy they are to pull together, especially when I need something cute without turning the oven on. Between the colorful sprinkles, melty chocolate, crunchy candy pieces, and those iconic marshmallow chicks on top, they’re playful, nostalgic, and always a hit with kids and adults alike. Perfect for parties, bake sales, or just because Easter baking should be fun.
GET THE RECIPE10. Oreo Dirt Chocolate Cheesecake with Peeps
This one is pure Easter fun and definitely a showstopper on the dessert table. It’s rich, chocolatey, and creamy in the best way, with that classic Oreo crust everyone loves, but then it gets taken to the next level with all the festive toppings. I love how it looks a little playful and over-the-top, like something kids get excited about and adults secretly love just as much. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop, stare, and immediately ask for a slice, and it’s perfect when you want something that feels special and very on-theme without being fussy.
11. White Chocolate Easter Cookies
These are the kind of cookies that feel a little extra special without being complicated. The browned butter gives them that warm, bakery-style flavor, while the white chocolate and pastel candies make them instantly Easter-ready. I love how soft and chewy they are in the middle with just enough golden edge, and the sprinkles on top make them look like they came from a cute bakery case.
12. Chocolate Candy Easter Cookies
These are such a fun, no-fuss Easter cookie and always a hit. They’re soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, and pressing the candy into the tops makes them feel festive without any decorating stress. I love that freezing the dough helps them bake up perfectly every time, and you can easily switch up the candy colors to match your Easter spread.
13. Mini Easter Cheesecake Tarts
These feel so pretty and special, but they’re actually a lot more approachable than they look. The buttery pastry shells paired with that creamy, lightly tangy filling make them feel like something you’d see in a bakery window, especially once you add a pop of pastel color on top. I love making these for Easter because they’re perfectly portioned, easy to dress up with little chocolate eggs or flowers, and they look beautiful on a dessert table without needing any extra fuss.
Fresh & Springtime Bakes
Light, bright flavors that feel just right for Easter and spring baking.
14. Lemon Oatmeal Cookies
These are such a nice change from the usual cookie lineup and feel perfect for spring. They’ve got that soft, chewy texture from the oats, with a bright lemon flavor that keeps them light and fresh instead of heavy. I love how they’re sweet but not too sweet, which makes them just as good with an afternoon coffee as they are on a dessert table.
GET THE RECIPE15. Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake
This one always feels like spring on a plate. The lemon keeps it bright and fresh, the blueberries add little bursts of sweetness, and that bundt shape makes it look effortlessly impressive. I love how it slices beautifully and feeds a crowd without any decorating stress. It’s perfect for Easter brunch or dessert, and it’s one of those cakes that tastes just as good the next day, if it lasts that long.
GET THE RECIPE16. Lemon Blueberry Cake
This is one of those cakes that just feels happy. It’s soft, light, and packed with fresh lemon flavor, with blueberries scattered through every slice. I love how it looks simple but still special, especially once it’s on the table alongside all the Easter treats. It’s perfect when you want something bright and springy that balances out all the richer desserts, and it always seems to disappear faster than expected.
GET THE RECIPE17. Lemon Loaf Cake with Lemon Glaze
This is one of those bakes that feels both cozy and fresh at the same time. It’s soft, buttery, and packed with lemon flavor, then finished with that sweet-tart glaze that soaks right in. I love how easy it is to slice and serve, which makes it perfect for brunch, dessert, or sneaking a piece with coffee in the afternoon.
GET THE RECIPE18. Lemongrass Lime Cookies
These are such a fun surprise cookie and a nice change from the usual Easter flavors. They’ve got that soft, buttery texture you want, but with a fresh, citrusy twist that makes them feel light and a little unexpected. I love how the lemongrass adds something subtle and fragrant without being overpowering, and the lime keeps everything bright. They’re the kind of cookie people can’t quite put their finger on, but keep reaching for anyway.
GET THE RECIPE19. Blueberry Muffins
These are one of those bakes that just feel comforting and familiar in the best way. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with juicy blueberries, which makes them perfect for Easter brunch or a relaxed spring morning. I love how easy they are to make ahead, and they’re just as good warm from the oven as they are grabbed on the go with a cup of coffee.
GET THE RECIPEEasy Crowd-Pleasers Everyone Loves
These are the reliable, familiar bakes that disappear fast at Easter gatherings.
20. Brookies
These are the kind of treat that make everyone happy because you don’t have to choose. You get the fudgy richness of a brownie paired with the chewy, buttery goodness of a cookie all in one bite. I love making these for Easter because they’re easy, familiar, and always disappear fast. They’re perfect for cutting into squares, stacking on a platter, and watching people light up when they realize they get both desserts at once.
GET THE RECIPE21. Peanut Butter Brownies
These are one of those desserts that never last long once they hit the table. The rich, fudgy brownie base paired with that creamy peanut butter swirl is such a classic combo, and it always feels a little extra special without being complicated. I love how easy they are to slice and share, which makes them perfect for Easter gatherings, bake sales, or just keeping on the counter for sneaky treats throughout the day.
22. Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
This is one of my favorite desserts to bring out when I want something warm, cozy, and guaranteed to impress with very little effort. It bakes up soft and gooey in the middle with golden, crisp edges, and serving it straight from the skillet makes it feel extra fun and shareable. I love how everyone can scoop out a piece while it’s still warm, especially with a little ice cream on top.
23. Double Dark Chocolate Pecan Drop Cookies
These are for the serious chocolate lovers and they never disappoint. They’re rich, soft, and deeply chocolatey, with just enough crunch from the pecans to balance everything out. I love how they feel a little bakery-style without any extra effort, and they’re perfect when you want something that stands out among all the lighter spring desserts.
24. Brown Butter & Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
These are such a cozy, comforting twist on a classic cookie. The browned butter adds that warm, almost caramel-like flavor, and the banana makes them soft and extra flavorful without being overpowering. I love how they feel a little nostalgic and a little special at the same time, like something you’d bake when you’ve got ripe bananas on the counter and feel like treating everyone.
GET THE RECIPE25. M&M Cookies
These are one of those cookies that instantly make people smile. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with colorful candies that make them feel perfect for Easter without any extra decorating. I love how easy they are to bake and how well they travel, which makes them great for sharing with family, friends, or school events.
26. Cannoli Cookies
These are such a fun twist on a classic and always feel a little unexpected in the best way. They’ve got that soft, tender texture with a hint of sweetness that reminds you of traditional cannoli flavors, without being heavy. I love how they add something different to an Easter dessert spread and feel just a bit special without being fussy.
Brunch & Dessert Table Showstoppers
Perfect for Easter brunch spreads or a more grown-up dessert moment.
27. German Chocolate Bundt Cake
This one feels rich, nostalgic, and perfect when you want a cake that really delivers. It’s deeply chocolatey, topped with that classic coconut-pecan goodness, and the bundt shape makes it look impressive without needing any decorating skills. It slices beautifully and feels right at home on an Easter dessert table alongside lighter spring treats.
28. Greek Yogurt Banana Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Glaze
This is one of those bakes that makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while it’s in the oven. It’s soft and moist thanks to the yogurt, perfectly banana-forward, and that brown sugar pecan glaze on top takes it from everyday to something really special. I love making this when I want a treat that works for brunch, snacking, and dessert all in one. It feels cozy and homemade, but still nice enough to put out on an Easter table.
GET THE RECIPE29. Rich Molten Chocolate Cake
This is the kind of dessert that feels a little dramatic in the best way. Breaking into that soft cake and seeing the warm, melty center never gets old, and it always makes people pause for a second before grabbing a fork. I love serving this when I want something rich and indulgent that still feels simple and elegant. It’s perfect for Easter dinner or a more grown-up dessert moment, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
30. Danish Pastries with Cream Cheese & Cherries
These feel like something special you’d expect to see at a lovely brunch spread. The flaky pastry, creamy filling, and sweet cherries come together in a way that feels bakery-worthy without being overcomplicated. I love how they work just as well for Easter morning as they do for dessert later in the day. They’re pretty, comforting, and the kind of treat people linger over with a second cup of coffee.
GET THE RECIPEEaster baking always feels a little extra special to me, and this collection is full of the kinds of recipes I genuinely love making and sharing this time of year. It’s a mix of cozy classics, bright spring flavors, and fun, festive treats that don’t take themselves too seriously. Pick one or two, or go all out and bake a few favorites to share with family and friends.
