18 Easter Desserts That Are Better Than Candy

By Jenn Segal

This Easter, leave the chocolate bunnies and jelly beans for the kids and treat yourself to something extra special with these Easter desserts.

Key Lime Pie

Made with ordinary limes, this “Key lime” pie tastes every bit as authentic as the real deal — plus it’s easier to make.
Carrot Cake

Sugar, spice, and everything nice—that’s exactly what this carrot cake is made of! You’ll love the perfect blend of warm spices, the irresistible texture, and of course, the rich cream cheese frosting.
Classic New York Cheesecake

This easy, foolproof cheesecake recipe creates a dense, rich, and creamy dessert with irresistible flavor—perfect for any occasion and sure to impress.
Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon-Walnut Swirl

From Zingerman’s Bakehouse, a rich and buttery sour cream coffee cake with a sublime cinnamon-nut swirl.
Cheesecake Bars

Dense and creamy with a hint of lemon and a crisp graham cracker crust, these cheesecake bars are an easy and delicious alternative to NY cheesecake.
Pound Cake

Looking for the perfect pound cake? This is the one! Enjoy it on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries.
Chewy, Gooey Golden Rice Krispie Treats

These toasty, golden, and caramel-y Rice Krispie Treats are made with brown butter and a secret ingredient.
Lemon Bars

Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or just a quiet afternoon tea, these lemon bars with a buttery shortbread crust and luscious lemon filling are as pretty as they are delicious!
Sticky Toffee Banana Cake

This warm and comforting banana cake is loved by kids and adults alike.
Double Chocolate Biscotti

These crisp double chocolate biscotti are tailor-made for dunking into coffee, warm milk, or hot chocolate.
Blondies

This blondie recipe is pure magic: dense, fudgy, packed with chocolate chips, and so easy you’ll want to make it every week!
Coconut Cream Pie

Layers of creamy coconut custard, pillowy whipped cream, and heaps of toasted coconut all in a buttery shortbread crust—this coconut cream pie is pure dessert bliss!
Ricotta Cheesecake

Torn between an American or Italian-style cheesecake? This dessert offers the best of both worlds, combining the creamy richness of American cheesecake with the lighter, drier texture of Italian ricotta cheesecake, all nestled in a ground almond crust.
Chocolate Babka

Indulge in the ultimate homemade babka—flaky, buttery dough swirled with rich chocolate and baked until golden.
Baklava

Make the best baklava with layers of buttery, flaky phyllo, spiced walnuts, and a fragrant honey syrup that soaks into every delicious bite.
Marble Cake

With swirls of tender vanilla and fudgy chocolate cake, marble cake looks fancy but its flavor is pure old-fashioned goodness.
Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake

Adapted from Melissa Weller, this chocolate chip ricotta cake has a rich flavor and an impossibly moist texture.