Easter is the perfect time to host a lavish dinner for family and friends. Just as important as the dinner, though, is the dessert. Lemon, carrot, and coconut desserts are the most traditional options, but you can always go out on a limb to cater to your guests. Check out these 20 delicious desserts for inspiration!

Traditional Easter Desserts

1. Robin's Egg No-Bake Cheesecake

cheesecake with robins eggs on it

Cheesecake is one of those classic desserts you just can't live without. This year, you can transform your ordinary cheesecake into an Easter dessert worthy of any family gathering. This no-bake robin's egg cheesecake contains all the festive trappings of the holiday without any of the hassle.

2. Lemon Meringue Pie

close up of lemon meringue pie

Easter isn't quite complete without a lemon meringue pie gracing the table. Lemon is a popular Easter flavor, and with delicious desserts like this, why shouldn't it be? You won't need very many ingredients to whip up this creamy pie, and you have the option of making your own flaky pie crust from scratch.

3. Hot Cross Buns

hot cross buns with icing on them

As far as traditional Easter desserts go, hot cross buns top the list in many countries. This bread is made with an assortment of spices, including nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, and is topped with a glaze sweetened with vanilla. This dessert is often enjoyed in England, Canada, and Australia; regional variations of the recipe can be found online.

4. Chocolate-Covered Eggs

decorated chocolate covered eggs on a plate

You love to decorate Easter eggs, but now you can actually eat them! These chocolate-covered eggs are marshmallow creme wrapped in melted chocolate, and you can draw whatever design you'd like on them. Prep only takes about one hour, and you'll be left with two dozen eggs for you and your family to enjoy.

5. Thumbprint Cookies

a thumbprint cookie with a Hershey's Kiss in the middle

Sugar cookies often make an appearance during the holidays, but Easter calls for something a little different. Why not prepare some delicious thumbprint cookies? It's easy to live life to your tastes with a cookie you can stuff with raspberry jam, milk chocolate chips, or melted white chocolate.

6. Carrot Cake

slice of carrot cake on plate

Carrot cake is as popular as lemon meringue pie at Easter. This delectable dessert, with its cream cheese frosting plus carrot and cinnamon flavors, delivers dessert-lovers everything they're looking for.

7. Tsoureki

tsoureki bread

If you'd like to try a scrumptious dessert from another part of the world, you could make this traditional Greek bread. Tsoureki is a sweet bread made with eggs, yeast, flour, and butter. It's often seasoned with anise or given a nice zesty tang with grated lemon or orange. The bread also yields about 24 servings, so everyone can enjoy a slice.

8. Easter Macarons

red and white macarons on a plate

We're not talking about macaroons -- we're talking about macarons! Macarons are delicate cookies made from almond flour and meringue. The fillings differ in flavor, and this recipe for Easter macarons calls for white chocolate mint ganache. You can decorate them to resemble Easter eggs in order to make them more festive.

9. Coconut Cream Pie

a close up slice of coconut cream pie

No list of Easter dessert recipes would be complete without coconut cream pie. You'll be able to create this creamy treat in under 30 minutes, saving you precious moments when you need them most. Top everything off with sweetened, flaked coconut to provide your pie with an added dose of its signature flavor.

10. Carrot Patch Brownies

A carrot cake sure is nice for Easter dessert, but you could bring the entire patch to your table with these amazing carrot patch brownies. Coat a strawberry in white chocolate and place it atop a moist brownie. Add some robin eggs for a garnish, and your dessert will look like it was made at a five-star bakery!

11. Strawberry Trifle

strawberry trifle in dish

With just seven ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a delicious strawberry trifle made from heavy whipping cream, vanilla yogurt, and sour cream. Sliced strawberries and orange zest amp up the fruity factor.

12. Cassata Siciliana

cassata dessert

This Italian cake is a classic Easter dessert made with ricotta cheese, dark chocolate, and candied fruit. You can further decorate with royal icing.

13. Easy Jam Tarts

overhead shot of jam tarts

Try making these jam-filled versions of the well-loved butter tarts. In under one hour, you can make 12 tarts stuffed with the marmalade or fruit of your choice. It's not hard to see why these flaky pastries are so popular in England!

Vegan And Gluten-Free Desserts

14. Cream-Stuffed Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

vegan strawberry shortcake cupcakes

Holidays should include everyone, which is why we've included some yummy Easter desserts perfect for those with dietary restrictions. These strawberry shortcake cupcakes, for example, are gluten-free and vegan. Strawberry filling and strawberry purée turn these ordinary cupcakes into a berry explosion you'll love! Top with rainbow sprinkles, and you'll have a wonderful spring dessert.

15. Fruity Peeps

fruity peeps with natural food colouring

Break out the animal cookie cutters for these fruity peeps that take only 30 minutes to prepare. Freeze-dried fruits like blueberry, banana, and pineapple help create the colored powder, and you'll only need two ingredients to make the actual bodies. This is another Easter dessert that's great for vegans and gluten-free dieters. Cookie cutters in the shape of eggs or chicks are best for this recipe.

16. Almond Coconut Bites

paleo almond and coconut bites

This five-ingredient vegan, gluten-free, and Paleo Easter dessert is one you can make in 20 minutes. Roll some almonds, dates, and almond butter together for chewy clusters you and all your guests can enjoy. This recipe yields about 16 servings, so you can easily place the bites in a bowl alongside another dessert or create a second batch to ensure everyone gets a serving.

17. Raspberry Sweet Rolls

raspberry sweet rolls on pan

Here's a recipe for vegan, gluten-free raspberry sweet rolls! These ooey-gooey rolls are slathered in a powdered sugar glaze and stuffed with a wonderful raspberry filling. The recipe yields about 16 servings, and you can keep them in the fridge for up to three days, so all your guests are guaranteed a helping.

Vegan Desserts

18. Vegan Lime Squares

vegan lime squares garnished with lime

Those looking for a delicious, healthy dessert will love these vegan lime squares. With just a few ingredients and not even an hour of your time, you'll have 16 squares. Top with a natural green coloring made from avocado and silken tofu and garnish with thinly sliced lime.

19. Chocolate Easter Egg Nests

easter dessert that looks like a chicken nest

These vegan chocolate Easter egg nests replicate the look of a garden by using raw ingredients such as coconut and almond flakes. Press your thumb into the middle of each cupcake to create a nest, and place a few robin's eggs in the middle. Stick everything in a cupcake holder for an adorable touch.

20. Cinnamon Bunny Cookies

cinnamon bunny cookies

Easter time means bunnies, and that's exactly what this cookie recipe delivers. You can actually make them in a few different ways; you can shape the dough into bunny heads or use a stencil to do the work for you. Either way, these cookies and sugar-free and vegan, so all of your guests will be able to enjoy them. You won't need very many ingredients, and depending on the size of your cookie cutters, the recipe will yield 14 to 16 cookies.

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