Easter is up there with the greatest when it comes to occasions to get baking for. There’s something for every baker: hot cross buns and simnel cakes for the traditionalists, miniature egg nests and Easter rabbit-themed creations for little bakers, the perfect excuse to add chocolate to every bake for the chocoholics, and creative twists on the classics for the rule-breakers. Whatever you’re looking to bake this Easter, we’ve got a recipe for you in this collection of traditional (and not-so-traditional) bakes.
Easter Simnel Cake
Heady with spice and rich with dried fruit, this Simnel cake recipe from Mary Berry’s Baking Bible is one for the true traditionalists. Topped with a sweet and nutty almond paste, it is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea over the long Easter weekend.
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Classic Hot Cross Buns
Hot cross buns are the undisputed star of the Easter baking season and one of the most satisfying things to make from scratch. Making up a batch will fill your house with the scent of freshly-baked and warmingly-spiced dough, and instead of the ever-flatter versions available in supermarkets, you’ll enjoy fluffy, round buns. This recipe is a classic take, but for less traditional twists, try James Morton’s iced variety, or Nadiya Hussain’s berry versions.
And if you find yourself in the remarkable position of having any leftovers, turn them into this Hot Cross Bun Bread and Butter Pudding.
Bunny Hug Biscuits
Perfect for making with family, these five-ingredient lemon biscuits make an adorable addition to your Easter celebrations.
Fitwaffle’s Chocolate Egg Cheesecake
Complete with a buttery digestive biscuit base, and eye-catching topping of whipped cream and mini chocolate eggs, this indulgent vanilla cheesecake is the perfect no-bake Easter dessert.
Hot Cross Mug Cake
Fancy a hot cross bun without the fuss? This easy microwave mug cake featuring raisins, spice, and gooey chocolate orange eggs comes together in mere minutes.
Easter Biscuits
These sugar-coated, lemon-flavoured biscuits are the perfect thing to make with children. Cut them into whatever shapes you fancy and customise them with icing or sprinkles. For more Easter biscuit inspiration, try these Hot Cross Biscuits.
Easter Nests
There’s something about these delightful chocolate and cereal nests that little and big cooks alike can’t resist.
Creme Egg Cupcakes
Creme. Egg. Cupcakes. This recipe from Primrose Bakery Everyday is the ultimate bake for fans of this classic Easter confection. The cupcake base is a dense and rich brownie mix, whilst the marshmallow icing is sweet, sticky and finished with a Creme Egg.
Fitwaffle’s Gooey Easter Egg Brownies
Another bake for the Creme Egg lovers, in this recipe you’ll make an easy, fudgy brownie base and top with it with gooey easter eggs.
Jane’s Patisserie’s Mini Egg NYC Cookies
These chunky NYC-style cookies from Jane’s Patisserie offer that illusive, perfect balance between crisp edges and a gooey centre. Better still, they’re studded with everyone’s favourite mini Easter treat.
Cookie Cheesecake
This over-achiever of a traybake includes no less than a buttery biscuit base, creamy cheesecake filling and a cookie topping. The drizzle of milk chocolate and scattering of mini coloured chocolate buttons makes them perfect for Easter.
Jane’s Patisserie’s Easter Flapjacks
Classic flapjacks are dressed up for Easter with a healthy drizzle of chocolate on top and plenty of hidden chocolate chips and easter treats inside.
