We will all give a collective acclaim! That spring has (semi-officially) sprung? I was driving around town with a big silly grin on my face; A web of blooming trees and budding daffodils makes me almost sick. The only thing I love about warmer weather are warm-weather recipes — and this combination of light and refreshing desserts is a perfect starting point for Easter menu… or Mother’s Dayor an outdoor family dinner just to celebrate the outdoor season on a Tuesday night.
Very few things indicate a pretty season Pavlova or Panna cotta, and these easy Easter desserts are delicious and gorgeous. Be prepared to deal with a severe case of spring fever.
Keep scrolling to find 20 easy Easter desserts that will brighten up any brunch.
Lemon Ricotta Poundcake with Lemon Sliced Candy
Why we love it: This special lemon ricotta pie comes from the wonderfully creative mind of one of my best friend’s moms. It’s light, soft, sentimental and nostalgic – like all the best baked goods.
Hero composition: When life gives you lemons, save it all for this cake.
Get the recipe for Lemon Ricotta Poundcake with Lemon Sliced Candy.
Lemon ice cream Vegan bar from The First Mess
Why we love it: Maybe it’s just me, but the lemon bar is the epitome of spring. These are naturally gluten-free and completely vegan, meaning everyone can enjoy a slice at your Easter table. Plus, I love how the richness of the crust contrasts with the coconut cream filling.
Hero composition: Soft Medjool dates give the skin a bit of a fruity flavor, so you can enjoy a treat without the sugar.
Get the recipe for Lemon ice cream Vegan bar.
Carrot cupcakes, gluten-free
Why we love it: Growing up, I was fixated on the fact that carrot cake has to be healthy — I mean, there’s a vegetable in the name, right? Of course, I already know that most recipes call for a cup of sugar (sometimes more) and rely on industrial seed oil to create a moist patty. And while everything goes well and well with time, these incredibly delicious cupcakes use apple sauce, flax eggs, coconut oil, and other food ingredients to create delicious cupcakes. Great.
Hero composition: A teaspoon of cinnamon is all you need to have these cozy cupcakes.
Get the recipe for Carrot cupcakes, gluten-free.
Blueberry, Ginger & Coconut Parfait Ice Cream
Why we love it: This little parfait is delightful with the addition of ginger. Have you ever seen anything sweeter? We wouldn’t know if you sprinkled some granola on it and had breakfast.
Hero composition: A dash of chiffonade basil adds the perfect fresh flavor to brighten up your blueberries.
Get the recipe for Blueberry, Ginger & Coconut Parfait Ice Cream.
White Chocolate, Raspberry and Pistachio Cookies from Hummingbird High
Why we love it: Elevate your everyday chocolate chip cookie with these early spring cookies. The combination of white chocolate, raspberries, and pistachios adds an unexpected twist to this Easter dessert.
Hero composition: The orange peel is unexpected, but once you take a bite – absolutely brilliant.
Get the recipe for White Chocolate, Raspberry and Pistachio Cookies.
Unbaked mango and cardamom cake with savory pistachios
Why we love it: When the weather is warm all around, you can bet I’m doing it all non-baked desserts. This dish gets its edible beauty from layers of mango puree, cookies, and the most delicious cardamom ice cream you’ll ever dip your fork in. Bonus: it’s easier than it looks.
Hero composition: A beautiful cake deserves a beautiful pia topping.
Get the recipe for Unbaked mango and cardamom cake with savory pistachios.
Berry Pavlova With Lemon Ice Cream From Pretty Plate
Why we love it: How decadent is this stall? Luckily, it just seems complicated to create – this elegant dessert is as simple as it is an absolute performer. Seasonal berries add a tart flavor that pairs great with lemon whipped cream.
Hero composition: Nothing tastes better than lemon curd.
Get the recipe for Berry Pavlova With Lemon Ice Cream.
Earl Gray Panna Cotta from Hummingbird High
Why we love it: Take a bite of this panna cotta and you’ll feel your stress levels plummet thanks to an Earl Gray spread. This traditional Italian dessert offers a pleasant and familiar taste that can be easily substituted with the tea of your choice, like delicate jasmine or rich matcha.
Hero composition: It repeats: give it to Earl Grey.
Get the recipe for Earl Gray Panna Cotta.
Strawberry Charlotte from Pastry Affair
Why we love it: You’ll need pretty much both a strawberry and a ladybug for this gorgeous cake, which is possibly the loveliest embodiment of spring. The best part? You’ll have leftover strawberry mousse to enjoy once assembled!
Hero composition: Don’t mix up the AP-recommended baking powder — the former will make your vanilla cake soft and fluffy.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Charlotte.
Smart Carrot Italian Ricotta Almond Cake
Why we love it: It doesn’t get much easier than this one-bowl cake—it doesn’t even require a stand mixer! The texture is a departure from the traditional Italian recipe Nonna made, immediately updating this delicious classic dessert.
Hero composition: A little almond extract infuses your cake with a complex sweetness.
Get the recipe for Italian Almond Ricotta Cake.
Springy Blueberry Lemon Bread from Pinch of Yum
Why we love it: There’s nothing better than polishing up a meal or starting the day with a slice of soft and thick sweet bread. It couldn’t be easier to make than this loaf of lemon bread (10 ingredients including the topping!) and the perfect addition to a warm and sunny Easter brunch.
Hero composition: Blueberries and lemons are the signature flavor combination of spring. Using both the juice and the zest will add a bit of freshness to your fruit.
Get the recipe for Springy Blueberry Lemon Bread.
Easy Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes from Minimalist Baker
Why we love it: In fact, can’t you smell the sweet vanilla scent wafting through the oven? One tablespoon of vanilla extract may sound like we’re overdoing it, but trust me: it’s perfect.
Hero composition: Because cupcakes themselves are so versatile, this recipe recommends a variety of frostings you can use. My choice? Nothing says spring like a frosted strawberry pale pink.
Get the recipe for Easy Vegan Vanilla Cupcakes.
Lavender Vanilla Bean Cake from Pastry Affair
Why we love it: I like a cake that balances the impressive but reaches to perfection. This double layer cake has a light floral taste and delicate aroma.
Hero composition: The lavender milkshake gives this cake a light floral tone without being too overpowering. It’s a delicately delectable way to combine these beautiful flavors.
Get the recipe for Lavender vanilla bean cake.
Lavender Pistachio Madeleines
Why we love it: Raise your daily madeleine game with chopped pistachios and lemon glaze. It is guaranteed to be a winning combination. If you’ve ever needed motivation to buy a madeleine pan, this is it.
Hero composition: Can’t get enough lavender in your life? Hardly the same.
Get the recipe for Lavender Pistachio Madeleines.
Cherry Almond Tart
Why we love it: There’s something so cozy and comforting about a rustic tart. It’s impressive without feeling fancy.
Hero composition: There’s something so cozy and comforting about a rustic tart. And if you’re the type of person who dreads the thought of making a pastry, adding puff pastry to this dessert means you won’t have to go through the trouble of making it yourself in no time.
Get the recipe for Cherry Almond Tart.
Pots de Créme . Salted Caramel
Why we love it: Decadent, creamy and eerily easy.
Hero composition: Who was the first genius to cover their salted caramel, thank you.
Get the recipe for Pots de Créme . Salted Caramel.
Blood Orange Amaretto Mascarpone Trifles
Why we love it: This vibrant dessert is as fun as it is made and makes fun substitutions on its own so you can have those creative dessert juices.
Hero composition: The addition of a liqueur makes these sundries more decadent and mature.
Get the recipe for Blood Orange Amaretto Mascarpone Trifles.
Blood orange upside down cake
Why we love it: An upside down cake is a simple way to make a dessert that looks impressive and is sure to please the crowd, even if these days the crowd consists only of your immediate family.
Hero composition: Use those blood oranges until there are no more left in the store.
Get the recipe for Blood orange upside down cake.
Strawberry Tiramisu from Bakers Royale
Why we love it: Try your next tiramisu with this strawberry confection. Have you ever seen anything of such a lovely nature? This recipe requires you to make ladyfingers from scratch, which makes it a real baking feat and not as difficult as it seems.
Hero composition: Mascarpone adds a touch of perfection to the stickyness to balance out the silky and nutty custard.
Get the recipe for Strawberry Tiramisu.
Hummingbird Cake from Brown Eyed Baker
Why we love it: LaPastries are one of the most festive dessert options around, and this stunning treat is absolutely phenomenal. It brings the tropics right to your kitchen table in flavors like pineapple and pecans.
Hero composition: While I love every hummingbird-shaped cake I come across, I can’t help but dip my fork first into the cream cheese frosting that has really rotted.
Get the recipe for Hummingbird Cake.
Raspberry pistachio cake with lemon glaze
Why we love it: Check out this elegant upgrade to your everyday olive oil pie. It’s sweet, light, airy and absolutely delicious.
Hero composition: When it comes to almond extract, you’ll know as soon as you taste it. It has a wonderfully strong marzipan flavor that pairs perfectly with fruit.
Get the recipe for Raspberry pistachio cake with lemon glaze.
This post was originally published on March 18, 2016, and has since been updated.
