There’s something about spring that makes me crave something sweet. Maybe it’s the return of juicy berries, the pop of citrus in just about everything, or even just the simple joy of baking something colorful after a long winter of heavier foods. Compared to the rich, cozy treats you likely gorged on over the colder months, spring desserts are lighter, brighter, and just a bit more fun.
This time of year also happens to be packed with reasons to bake. I don’t know about you, but my spring calendar is booked with Easter celebrations, baby showers, weekend brunches, and sunny afternoons spent with friends outside. Spring is full of gatherings that call for something sweet, and I plan on fully leaning into the excuse to bake.
To help you celebrate the season, I’ve rounded up some of the best spring desserts to make right now. From creamy frozen treats to show-stopping cakes worthy of your Easter table, these recipes are full of bright flavors and cheerful colors that just feel like spring. Whether you are planning a spring soirée or simply craving something sweet, you’ll no doubt find something on this list that will bring a little extra sunshine to your kitchen.
1. Pistachio Cupcakes with Strawberry Buttercream
When you need a dessert for a crowd that will no doubt impress, consider these pistachio cupcakes with strawberry buttercream. They fit perfectly within spring’s color palette while highlighting in-season strawberries. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a dusting of pistachio crumbs for the prettiest presentation.
2. No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Bars
For those days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven, these lemon cheesecake bars are a no-brainer. While they do take a few hours of chill time, you’ll only need about 20 minutes of hands-on prep. Don’t sweat the sweet stuff.
3. Cadbury Egg Brownies
Brownies are my go-to dessert, and I’m loving this colorful spring twist. The simple addition of Cadbury mini candy eggs makes these fudgy brownies feel seasonally appropriate and will be a welcome sight at any spring gathering you’ve got on the calendar.
4. Matcha Mochi Cake
If you can’t get enough matcha this spring, try using it in your baked goods. The satisfying chewy texture of these bars perfectly complements the crisp toasted shredded coconut topping. As a bonus, this addictive sweet treat is completely gluten-free (thanks to rice flour!).
5. Moist Mini Layered Carrot Cakes
Just think how pretty these mini carrot cakes would look on a tiered display as a centerpiece for Easter lunch. The recipe makes 24 mini cakes, so it’s perfect for serving a large group. Plus, they are gluten-free, so more people can enjoy them! You can easily make this recipe dairy-free as well; just swap the milk for your favorite alternative.
6. Spring Flower Pretzel Bites
I don’t know about you, but every year when the glorious pastel M&Ms come out, I stock up. Let’s face it: They are prettier than the classic ones and look adorable atop countless desserts. Case in point? These incredibly easy, three-ingredient pretzel bites that everyone and their mother will be swooning over at any gathering you attend this spring.
7. Soft Lofthouse Style Gluten-Free Sugar Cookies
Bake a batch of these pretty pink gluten-free sugar cookies whenever you need a little extra joy in your day. They take just 30 minutes to whip up—no chill time required. I also love that the buttercream gets its natural pink color from freeze-dried strawberries, making it tastier without artificial dyes. A win, for sure.
8. Lemon Blueberry Cake
Need a fancy dessert for a gathering this spring? This lemon blueberry cake is sure to impress. The cake itself is dotted with fresh blueberries and infused with tart lemony flavor, then sandwiched with layers of blueberry jam-infused cream cheese frosting. Add even more fresh blueberries and lemon zest on top for a simple, springy finish.
9. Vegan Lavender Earl Grey Blackberry Ice Cream Floats
On those late spring days when you’re craving something a bit more refreshing and fizzy, this lavender Earl Grey blackberry ice cream float can’t be beat. You’ll start by puréeing some fresh blackberries with a homemade lavender-infused simple syrup, tea, and lemon juice. Then mix the combination with sparkling water to make a delicious, fruity, and herbal soda to pour over ice cream. Yes, it’s a bit of a process, but the results are definitely worth it.
10. Carrot Cake Cookies
If you crave carrot cake in the spring as much as I do, you’ll love this twist on the classic. These chewy, warmly spiced cookies are perfectly balanced by a brown butter cream cheese filling. I daresay they might just be better than the original.
11. Homemade Mixed Berry Pop-Tarts
Disclaimer: After you make these homemade Pop-Tarts, you’ll never want to go store-bought again. The buttery, flaky pie crust exterior is filled with mixed-berry jam, then coated with berry-flavored icing for the best-tasting toaster pastry you’ll ever have. The fun colors and fruity flavor make them extra on-brand for spring.
12. Mini Key Lime Pies
Need a refreshing pick-me-up after an especially warm spring day? These mini key lime pies will do just the trick. They’re made with an easy graham cracker crust and a creamy, tart filling, all baked in a muffin tin for the perfect mini treat.
13. Strawberry Shortcake Cake
Would it really be a spring dessert roundup without strawberry shortcake? In-season strawberries and freshly whipped cream are layered between fluffy vanilla cake for the most delightful springtime treat. It’s also a great excuse to cross “strawberry picking” off your spring bucket list—just saying.
14. Bird’s Nest Cookies
What better way to celebrate spring than to get really on theme with your baking creations? For instance, these crunchy, chocolatey birds’ nest cookies are just as pretty as they are delicious. And since the recipe calls for just four ingredients and no baking, they come together really quickly.
15. Blueberry Pie
Take advantage of the start of blueberry season in late spring by baking this buttery fruit pie, best served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Store-bought pie crust will help cut down on time in the kitchen—just make sure to brush the top with egg wash for that beautifully golden finish.
16. Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls
For some reason, I always crave cinnamon rolls in the spring—so much that I make them nearly every April. This year, I’m trading in my classic recipe for these strawberry-filled rolls with lemon-infused cream cheese frosting. I imagine this is what Strawberry Shortcake eats for breakfast most mornings.
17. Mini Flower Lemon Tarts
For a dessert that is quintessentially spring, you can’t get much better than these flower-shaped mini lemon tarts. With the help of store-bought pie crust and a flower-shaped cookie cutter, they take less than 20 minutes to make from start to finish. It’s a perfect spring dessert recipe to have on hand for last-minute hosting. And to think, everyone will think you spend hours on them.
18. Raspberry Rose Coffee Cake
Just imagine a slice of this raspberry rose coffee cake alongside a latte—now that’s what springtime dreams are made of. Filled with a vanilla-rose cream cheese mixture and fresh raspberries, then topped with a cinnamon streusel and rose glaze, this dessert feels luxurious but takes less than an hour to make. Honestly, it’s enough to plan a whole springtime brunch around.
19. Easter Saltine Toffee
If you’re the kind of sweet tooth that likes a little saltiness for balance, you’ll love this quick and easy saltine toffee recipe. Six ingredients and five minutes of prep time are all it takes to whip up these addictive bite-sized treats. Top with pastel-colored candies and sprinkles for a fun spring treat for kids and adults alike.
20. Strawberries and Cream Popsicles
Light, refreshing, and full of seasonal flavor, these strawberries and cream popsicles are made for sunny spring days. Blend fresh strawberries with canned coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla for a dessert that’s equal parts fruity and rich. After a quick freeze, you’ve got a balanced treat with bright berry flavor and a smooth, creamy finish that feels just right for warmer weather.
Lauren Barnhill, Contributing Writer
Lauren Barnhill is a freelance writer with a passion for all things fashion, beauty, home, and lifestyle. Beyond The Everygirl, Lauren has written for top outlets including Real Simple, SUCCESS, and BuzzFeed. She is also the voice behind Leisurely, a Substack newsletter all about living an unhurried, intentional life.
