14 Old-Fashioned Easter Desserts for a Classic Holiday Menu
There are cakes and pies galore!
While it’s always fun to try a new twist on something for the holidays, there’s something to be said about going for the tried-and-true, grandma-approved recipes that have been passed down in recipe boxes for generations. Those first bites of old-fashioned Easter desserts send you down memory lane, like the joy of an Easter egg hunt or meeting that big bunny for the first time.
If you want that same sugar rush you felt as a kid, then you’ve come to the right place! This list of classic Easter cakes, pies, and other Easter treats proves that dessert is way sweeter than anything you’ll find in a basket full of plastic eggs. Think: Ree Drummond’s carrot cake or hot cross buns—both recipes pulled from her mom’s trusty recipe book. She wouldn’t want to celebrate without them!
There’s something here for everyone. If you’re a lemon or coconut dessert lover, this is your holiday to shine! You’ll also find rhubarb and strawberries if you’ve started to see them spring up at your supermarket. And of course, there’s something for the chocolate fans out there, too. (It’s not a holiday in the Drummond household without Ladd’s favorite chocolate pie, after all.) The great part about old-fashioned Easter dessert recipes is that you can’t go wrong with any of them. So pick one and hop to it!
Carrot Cake
Ree has her mom’s friend to thank for this family favorite. You can make it as a layer, Bundt, or sheet cake. But regardless, don’t skimp on the cream cheese frosting.
Get Ree's Carrot Cake recipe.
Coconut Cream Pie
With a buttery pie crust, a silky coconut custard, and whipped cream on top, there are few pies that evoke as much joy and nostalgia than this stunner.
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
Strawberry Shortcakes
Sweet strawberries really don’t need much to make them shine. Stack slices with fresh whipped cream and tender shortcakes for the best seasonal treat there is.
Get the Strawberry Shortcakes recipe.
Lemon Bars
You can never go wrong with lemon bars. Ree’s recipe is the perfect balance of buttery crust and tart citrus filling. All they need is a dusting of powdered sugar!
Get Ree’s Lemon Bars recipe.
Rhubarb Pie
Spring means rhubarb! And that means it’s time to celebrate the best sweet-tart flavor there is. You’ll love the flaky, sugar-topped crust.
Get the Rhubarb Pie recipe.
Bird’s Nest Cookies
If you've never made bird's nest or haystack cookies, the main ingredient may seem a little odd at first: chow mein noodles! But trust the recipe because the result is pure sweetness.
Get Ree’s Bird's Nest Cookies recipe.
Easter Bread
This Easter showstopper takes the cake... er, bread? With tender dough, colorful eggs, and a sweet glaze, it’s a once-a-year treat that is worthy of a celebration.
Get the Easter Bread recipe.
Lemon Meringue Pie
This pie looks fancy, but it's actually easier to make than you think. Plus, the crust and lemon curd filling can be prepared in advance.
Get the Lemon Meringue Pie recipe.
German Chocolate Cake
There are chocolate lovers, and there are coconut lovers. If you happen to be both, then a slice of this classic will make you hop with joy! It’s worth the effort for a special holiday.
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Hot Cross Buns
You really can’t get more traditional than these! They’re lightly sweetened, full of warm spices and raisins. The icing on top really pulls them together.
Get Ree’s Hot Cross Buns recipe.
Lemon Pound Cake
It’s not a proper list of old-fashioned recipes without at least one Bundt. This classic is bright and tender. Don’t be shy with that glaze, either!
Get Ree’s Lemon Pound Cake recipe.
Coconut Layer Cake
If you love coconut, this is the layer cake for you. It’s pure coconut flavor in the cake, in the frosting, and around the sides for good measure.
Get Ree’s Coconut Layer Cake recipe.
Chocolate Pie
If you’re like Ladd, there’s nothing quite like this “good ol' basic, can't-go-wrong, everyone-loves-it, super-easy-to-make, been-around-forever pies,” says Ree. Serve it plain or get creative with the toppings!
Get Ree’s Chocolate Pie recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake
Classic homemade cheesecake is always impressive. It’s perfect for a holiday celebration, especially when topped with seasonal, sweet strawberries.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Broccoli Salad
Greek Lemon Potatoes
Strawberry Pavlova
Pull-Apart Garlic-Herb Biscuits
