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Make an unforgettable Easter dinner menu with these egg-cellent appetizers, show stopping entrees, spring side dishes, and sweet desserts.

A collage of photos for Easter dinner.
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Get a Jumpstart on a Great Holiday Meal

I love Easter, and all the wonderful ways it celebrates spring and new beginnings. So many of my favorite foods are in season, making it the perfect time to cook a big family dinner.

With a full day, however, of attending church, hunting for eggs, and opening Easter baskets, I don’t have a lot of time to be in the kitchen cooking. That is why I love to have my Easter dinner menu planned in advance and all of the recipes made or prepped ahead of time. That way, we all get to gather together for a delicious meal that is filled with love.

It may seem intimidating to create an Easter dinner menu, but it is so easy to make the menu your very own. You can have fun with the appetizers or try new side dishes while still including a few must-haves, like my Grandma’s easy ambrosia salad. Don’t even get me started on desserts! Carrot cake is clearly a favorite, but it doesn’t stop there. Think anything spring and you will have a winner.

Not to mention that making a menu in advance will save you from so much stress on the holiday. I start with the menu, then make my grocery list, and finally create a plan-of-attack for cooking, i.e. what can be made in advance versus day-of prep. This makes it so easy to enjoy the holiday and still create a memorable meal for my loved ones.

Planning an Easter Dinner Menu

Let’s talk about what goes into an Easter dinner menu and how to plan one. I like to start by asking myself these questions, because it helps to narrow down how many dishes I will need, what kind of flavors or foods, and if I will have the oven space for everything.

  • How many people will be attending? This simple question actually decides quite a bit. If there are only 4 of you, you won’t need quite as many side dishes or as big of an entree.
  • Who is coming to dinner? Are there any allergies or intolerances you need to be aware of? Always plan on having a few options for those who might not be able to eat everything.
  • What is the entree? This is the first thing I like to decide when making an Easter dinner menu as the entree will end up dictating a lot of what I serve. For instance, if I make honey baked ham, I will skip adding ham to any other dishes and I know my oven will be occupied for most of the day.
  • What can be made ahead of time? I like to make sure I have a good balance of recipes I can make prior to the holiday and ones that can be prepped in advance. The holiday can be so busy with everything else, I want to make sure I am not in the kitchen all day.

FAQs

What is a traditional Easter dinner menu?

While this can vary by households and traditions, typically what is served at Easter dinner includes ham, potatoes, other side dishes such as asparagus, green beans or corn and dinner rolls. Desserts include carrot cake or chocolate eggs. Other popular Easter dishes include lamb, chicken and then variations of potatoes such as cheesy potatoes or mashed potatoes.

What is the most popular meal for Easter?

Baked ham is a traditional Easter menu item. I have three ham recipes that are easy to make including a baked ham recipe, honey baked ham, and crockpot spiral ham.

What is the main dish on Easter Sunday?

A roast is the popular choice! That could include a ham roast, beef roast, pork roast or even chicken depending on your preference.

Appetizers for Easter Dinner

The best way to kick off a fantastic Easter dinner menu is with a small bite, or two, of something delicious to snack on while dinner is being prepped.

Deviled eggs on a white plate.

Traditional Easter Dinner Menu Entrees

As I mentioned above, I typically choose the entree first before deciding on all of the other dishes, because I want to be sure all of the flavors work together and that I have enough room in my oven to accommodate everything. Whatever you choose as the star of the dinner, you really can’t go wrong.

Side Dishes for Easter Dinner

Oftentimes, side dishes get overlooked for the more exciting appetizers and desserts, but I am here to tell you that a well-planned side dish really can make or break a meal. I typically choose how many I will need based on the number of dinner guests, but I usually start with a fruit or vegetable, a casserole, a salad and a roll.

Easter fruit tray in the shape of a bunny.

Fruits and Vegetable Side Dishes

Salads

  • 7 Layer Salad. This overnight salad is a tradition in our family, and should be in yours, as well.
  • Grandma’s Ambrosia Salad. This sweet and tangy salad works beautifully with ham.
  • Pear Salad. I love the sweetness of the pears mixed with pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, feta cheese and topped with a balsamic dressing. 
  • Macaroni Salad. This may feel more casual, but tastes great with ham.
  • Mandarin Orange Salad. The homemade citrus dressing is made for holidays.
  • Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad. The colors of this salad add such a pretty element to the table, and the flavors are just a bonus.
  • Rainbow Honey Lime Fruit Salad. Don’t be afraid to serve fruit as a side, as it adds a lovely sweetness to any menu.

Casseroles

Rolls

  • The BEST Lion House Rolls. I love all of my rolls, but these are hands-down one of my very favorite homemade rolls.
  • Parker House Rolls. These are so sweet and fluffy, and are spread with honey butter inside before baking and after while still warm.
  • The BEST Dinner Rolls. All you need is 7 ingredients to make these fluffy rolls.
  • Perfect Potato Rolls. These denser rolls are perfect with ham and go so well with an Easter dinner menu.

Easter Dessert Recipes

The real star of the show is always dessert, in my opinion, and an Easter dinner menu is the perfect time to make something truly special. Classic carrot cake is always a favorite, as well as anything lemon, colorful, or fruity.

Easter Egg Layer Cake
Easter menu planning printables.

Free Printable Easter Menu Template

The Full List of Easter Dinner Recipes

Click on the links below to find the recipes for all of the delicious Easter dinner menu items mentioned above.

Deviled eggs on a white plate.
Easy Deviled Eggs Recipe
These easy deviled eggs are a classic, easy appetizer that has delicious sweet and smoky flavor. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, parties and more. 
Total Time: 25 minutes
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fruit and cheese platter on circle board
Fruit and Cheese Platter Recipe
Learn how to assemble an amazing fruit and cheese platter for your next party. Pick your favorite fruits, cheeses and fillers to make your platter the star of the show!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Charcuterie board on the counter.
Charcuterie Board Recipe
A charcuterie board is a simple way to make the BEST spread for a large crowd! Add your favorite meats, cheeses, crackers and more. This cheese board makes the perfect appetizer and will definitely be a hit at your next party!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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bacon ranch deviled eggs on a white plate
Bacon Ranch Deviled Eggs
Flavorful deviled eggs with bacon and ranch seasoning. These bacon ranch deviled eggs are the perfect party appetizer that is always a crowd pleaser!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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Antipasto platter on a wooden board.
Italian Antipasto Platter
Learn how to make this easy no-cook Italian Antipasto platter. Loaded with cold meats, cheese, and marinated vegetables, it’s the perfect small-bites dish for entertaining a crowd. Quick to put together and simple to customize, you’ll enjoy making this platter again and again!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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spinach dip in bread bowl
Knorr Spinach Dip
This Knorr spinach dip is what easy entertaining is all about! A thick creamy dip that comes together in minutes, is loaded with flavor and gets better the longer it sits.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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french onion dip in glass bowl
French Onion Dip
Homemade French onion dip is a rich, cool, and creamy dip brimming with fresh flavors from the aromatics and herbs! It comes together in minutes and is great for serving guests or preparing snacks for a night in!
Total Time: 5 minutes
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vegetables in cup with dip
Veggie Cups
Individual veggie cups are a great way to serve a crowd for a change from the usual veggie platter. An assortment of crisp colorful veggies divided into cups that hold your favorite dip is so much fun to eat!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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caprese bruschetta on plate
Bruschetta Caprese
Bruschetta Caprese is a summer appetizer made with a slice of lightly toasted bread, fresh ripe tomatoes, basil, and good quality mozzarella tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. It's a simple appetizer that comes together in minutes and is always a crowd favorite!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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a close up of a cheese ball with crackers
Cream Cheese Ball
Hands down one of the easiest and yummiest recipes to serve at your next holiday party! This easy cheese ball recipe is always a huge hit!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Spinach artichoke dip on a tortilla chip.
Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip
Served creamy, cheesy, and hot! This baked spinach artichoke dip comes together in minutes and can be made ahead. Pop it in the oven until golden and bubbly to turn this easy dip into an instant crowd pleaser!
Total Time: 35 minutes
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bruschetta recipe
Bruschetta Recipe
Toasted baguette slices topped with a fresh tomato and basil mixture. So delicious and easy to whip up. You'll be making this homemade bruschetta all summer long!
Total Time: 15 minutes
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bowl of dill dip on a white plate with fresh veggies
Dill Dip Recipe
The best vegetable dip that's light, healthy and packed with flavor. Perfect with fresh veggies or pita chips. You'll love this skinny dill dip recipe! 
Total Time: 5 minutes
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bacon wrapped dates on plate
Bacon Wrapped Dates Recipe
Delicious bacon wrapped dates made with just 3 simple ingredients. This easy appetizer is the perfect balance of sweet and savory! 
Total Time: 40 minutes
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cheese ball bites on white plates
Cheese Ball Bites
Cheese ball bites are flavorful appetizers that are perfect for snacking or serving at parties. These mini cheese balls are loaded with everyone's favorite ingredients, and they are incredibly simple to make.
Total Time: 35 minutes
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caprese skewers
Caprese Kabobs
Caprese kabobs are an easy, no-cook, make-ahead and delicious appetizer for any party! Your guests will love these bite-sized caprese skewers filled with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and balsamic glaze.
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Sliced beef tenderloin on a white plate.
Beef Tenderloin Recipe
Impress your guests with this easy and elegant roast beef tenderloin recipe cooked to perfection. It yields a buttery, juicy roast with a seasoned outer crust cooked in low heat until meltingly tender. Then a compound butter made of garlic, mustard, and rosemary is smeared overtop until the flavorful juices melt right into the meat!
Total Time: 27 minutes
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Sliced honey baked ham.
Honey Baked Ham
Tender, moist, and smothered in a sweet and tangy glaze, this honey baked ham with a candy-like caramelized outer crust is a must-try for your next special gathering. This unforgettable recipe is easy to make with a few simple ingredients and just a bit of prep time!
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
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spiral ham
Slow Cooker Spiral Ham
Just 5 minutes of prep for tender, juicy crockpot spiral ham every time! You will never fix it any other way again. This is the perfect recipe for holiday meals! 
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
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Oven Baked Ham
This oven baked ham is so easy to make and is great for beginners. You only need 5 simple ingredients and about 5 minutes to prep. It's the perfect dish for the holidays! 
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
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whole roasted chicken in a cast iron pan
Whole Roasted Chicken
Learn how to roast a chicken in the oven in just one hour! This recipe is juicy and flavorful, with perfectly crispy skin. 
Total Time: 1 hour
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sliced pork tenderloin on white plate
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Delicious herbs are rubbed into the meat to make this herb crusted pork tenderloin so delicious and flavorful. It's easy to make and roasted to perfection in the oven with tender and juicy results. 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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sliced pork tenderloin on a plate with green beans
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Only 5 simple ingredients and done in less than 30 minutes. Tender and juicy on the inside, with a flavorful seared outside.
Total Time: 27 minutes
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Easter fruit tray in the shape of a bunny.
Easter Fruit Platter
Impress everyone at your family gathering with this bright, beautiful, and delicious Easter fruit tray! A bunny rabbit made with fresh fruit and berries is just about the cutest thing you'll ever eat. Serve with a tasty fruit dip on the side!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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bacon wrapped asparagus
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Deliciously roasted asparagus wrapped in crispy bacon slices. This bacon wrapped asparagus is one of my favorite side dish recipes that pairs perfectly with tons of dishes. And cooked in only 20 minutes, too!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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roasted balsamic carrots in white bowl
Balsamic Roasted Carrots
Balsamic roasted carrots are possibly the easiest way to jazz up your carrot side dish with just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. They're beautifully caramelized carrots with a delicate balsamic flavor!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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green beans
Green Beans
Perfectly tender, flavorful and fresh green beans that make an amazing side dish recipe. Learn how to cook them 2 ways – sautéed or roasted in the oven.
Total Time: 15 minutes
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glazed carrots recipe
Glazed Carrots Recipe
Perfectly caramelized glazed carrots that are crispy and have a hint of sweetness. Require only 3 simple ingredients and can be made on the stove, oven or crockpot!
Total Time: 25 minutes
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bowl of parmesan roasted broccoli
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli Recipe
This parmesan roasted broccoli is the best broccoli ever! Such a simple, yet tasty side dish. Perfectly crispy and full of flavor!
Total Time: 30 minutes
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roasted asparagus recipe
Roasted Asparagus Recipe
Perfectly seasoned oven roasted asparagus that's fresh, healthy and delicious. This simple side dish makes a great addition to any meal! 
Total Time: 15 minutes
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roasted zucchini and squash on plate
Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Bring out the natural sugars and flavors of roasted zucchini and squash using high heat and a simple seasoning blend. A quick and easy way to get a perfectly roasted veggie side dish all summer long! 
Total Time: 30 minutes
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creamed corn
Crockpot Creamed Corn
This slow cooker creamed corn is made with a secret ingredient to give this classic dish a twist! Super creamy, rich and has amazing flavor. 
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
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roasted vegetables
Roasted Vegetables
Delicious baked vegetables coated in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and flavorful spices. Perfectly crispy and roasted to perfection. These oven roasted veggies are always on repeat!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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roasted potatoes in white bowl
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Rosemary roasted potatoes are perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside and tender and fluffy on the inside. These delicious herb roasted potatoes are as easy to make as they are addicting! 
Total Time: 45 minutes
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7 layer salad in a glass bowl.
7 Layer Salad
This beautiful retro 7 layer salad is one that everyone still can't get enough of! Layers of crisp lettuce, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, cheese, and a creamy tangy homemade dressing come together to form the perfect light lunch or side salad for all your family gatherings!
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
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pear and pomegranate salad
Pear Salad
Fresh pear salad filled with mixed greens, juicy sliced pears, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, feta cheese and topped with a balsamic dressing. This is the perfect salad to serve at your holiday dinner this year! 
Total Time: 5 minutes
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macaroni salad
Macaroni Salad Recipe
Savor this easy macaroni salad, featuring noodles, veggies, and a creamy, tangy dressing bursting with flavor. This recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished potluck favorite!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Mandarin orange salad in a white bowl.
Mandarin Orange Salad
This mandarin orange salad is fresh, sweet and loaded with flavor. It is topped with an amazing homemade orange salad dressing that you can't live without!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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bowl of apple cranberry spinach salad
Apple Cranberry Spinach Salad
Apple cranberry spinach salad filled with greens, crisp apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, feta cheese and a delicious honey dijon dressing. An easy salad recipe that's full of flavor!
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Rainbow Honey Lime Fruit Salad Recipe ...filled with fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, grapes and blueberries. Topped with a honey lime glaze. This fruit salad is very easy and very tasty!
Honey Lime Fruit Salad
Rainbow honey lime fruit salad filled with fresh strawberries, oranges, bananas, grapes and blueberries. Then topped with a delicious honey lime glaze. 
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Potatoes au gratin in a white baking dish.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a cheesy cream sauce topped with an extra layer of cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. Classic potatoes au gratin is made with humble ingredients, can be made ahead, and is a budget-friendly way to feed a crowd!
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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corn casserole
Corn Casserole
Creamed corn casserole is a classic holiday side dish that's so easy to make and takes only 5 minutes of prep! Soft, creamy and extremely comforting. This recipe is a big family favorite!
Total Time: 55 minutes
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dipping a fork into a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Only takes 10 minutes to prep and is made with only a few simple ingredients! Pure comfort in a bowl and tastes absolutely amazing.
Total Time: 2 hours
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green bean casserole served with wooden spoon
Green Bean Casserole Recipe
This green bean casserole is a classic Thanksgiving side dish that everyone loves! Tender green beans covered in a creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with cheese and crispy fried onions.
Total Time: 30 minutes
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Scalloped potatoes and ham in a white baking dish with spoon.
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Please your crowd this holiday season with a side dish of cheesy scalloped potatoes and ham! It's made with layers of thinly sliced tender potatoes and diced ham in a rich creamy white sauce topped with cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Spoonful of funeral potatoes on a white baking dish.
Funeral Potatoes
A creamy, cheesy hash brown casserole topped with crispy buttery cornflakes then baked to perfection! Funeral potatoes are a simple yet classic comforting side dish perfect for holiday menus, Sunday dinners, and anytime in between!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Scalloped potatoes recipe
Scalloped Potatoes
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic and staple at any holiday dinner. They are creamy, cheesy and absolutely delicious! Your guests will go crazy over this recipe!
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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lion house rolls on pan
Lion House Roll Recipe
These lion house rolls are hands-down my very favorite homemade roll recipe! Soft, fluffy and have a nice buttery taste. Perfect for the holidays or anytime you want an amazingly, delicious roll with dinner!
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Close up of parker house roll with butter on top.
Parker House Rolls
Buttery, fluffy, and irresistible is what these Parker House rolls are famous for! They are spread with honey butter inside before baking and brushed with more while still warm!
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
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Dinner rolls in a baking dish.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
The absolute best dinner rolls you'll ever make! Super soft and fluffy with amazing flavor. Easily made with just 7 simple ingredients!
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
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Potato rolls on baking sheet.
Potato Rolls
These homemade potato rolls are so tender and soft with an amazing flavor. The perfect dinner roll for any occasion!
Total Time: 3 hours
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Easter cake with eggs on top.
Easter Cake
A colorful vanilla cake topped with whipped buttercream and decorated with toasted coconut and mini Cadbury eggs. This Easter egg layered cake is the perfect showstopper for your Easter celebration!
Total Time: 2 hours
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close up of easter cake pops
Easter Cake Pops
These Easter cake pops are simply adorable, super tasty, and easy to whip up in time for this year's Easter celebrations! A bouquet of cake pops would make an adorable centerpiece and an easy way for guests to grab one to go!
Total Time: 1 hour
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best carrot cake with toasted coconut
Carrot Cake
This carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in made in one bowl and only a wooden spoon is required! Super moist and has the perfect amount of sweetness. The best dessert to make for Easter Sunday or any celebration!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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chocolate egg nest
Chocolate Egg Nest Treats
These chocolate egg nest treats are made with chocolate, butterscotch and mini Cadbury eggs. An adorable treat for Easter and Spring! These are no-bake and this recipe only take minutes to make!
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Stacked carrot cake cookies with frosting.
Carrot Cake Cookies
Soft, moist, and filled with the sweetness and warm spices of a classic carrot cake, these carrot cake cookies are the perfect bite-sized sweet treat especially when topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting!
Total Time: 37 minutes
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Cadbury Cupcakes Recipe with Caramel Frosting - a rich chocolate cake filled with Cadbury eggs and topped with a creamy and delicious caramel frosting. These are amazing!
Easter Cupcakes
A rich chocolate cupcake filled with Cadbury eggs and topped with a creamy and delicious caramel frosting. These Cadbury Easter cupcakes are amazing and one of my favorite Easter desserts!
Total Time: 50 minutes
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bite taken from carrot cupcake
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
Delicious carrot cake cupcakes that are super rich, soft and topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting.  These adorable cupcakes make the perfect Easter treat!
Total Time: 40 minutes
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COCONUT MACAROONS -one of the easiest cookies to make! You only 6 ingredients and one bowl!
Coconut Macaroons
Easy coconut macaroons that are soft, chewy and full of coconut flavor. So simple to make…you only need 6 ingredients and one bowl! You can make them plain or dip them in chocolate for an added touch. 
Total Time: 23 minutes
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Caramel Carrot Cake
This caramel carrot cake is an easy fuss-free dessert that is a real crowd pleaser! Simple to make and deliciously moist, it’s topped with silky caramel cream cheese frosting.
Total Time: 50 minutes
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Cream Cheese Mints
With just 4 ingredients, these classic melt-in-your-mouth sweet cream cheese mints can be made to suit all kinds of special occasions from Christmas, to Easter, to weddings, and more!
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
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Layered pistachio dessert on plate.
Pistachio Dessert
For a cool and creamy dessert that is as easy as it is impressive try this delicious Pistachio Dessert! Layers of shortbread, cream cheese, pistachio pudding, and whipped topping come together to create this perfectly light treat.
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
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slice of lemon cake with fork
Lemon Poke Cake
This lemon poke cake is moist, light, airy, and exactly what you want to sink your fork into when Spring comes calling! Made with 5 ingredients, this easy-to-make cake is perfect for Easter, backyard parties, or as a weeknight dessert!
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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lemon cake mix cookies on pan
Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
Easy lemon cake mix cookies made with just 5 simple ingredients. These delicious Spring cookies are bursting with fresh lemon flavor! 
Total Time: 20 minutes
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Fruit tart in a white dish.
Fruit Tart Recipe
Each bite of this fresh fruit tart is a mix of crumbly sweet crust, smooth and decadent custard and juicy fresh berries! This is the perfect refreshing treat for warmer weather!
Total Time: 3 hours
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mini fruit tart recipe
Mini Fruit Tarts
Delicious mini fruit tarts made with a buttery shortbread crust, creamy vanilla custard and topped with fresh fruit. The perfect bite-sized sweet treat for spring and summer! 
Total Time: 1 hour
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Cake Pop Bouquet
A cake pop bouquet is a simple and fun way to make an edible arrangement everyone will love! Cake pops are an easy no-bake dessert to make and the whole family can get involved in the kitchen!
Total Time: 1 hour
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stack of rainbow jello on plate
Rainbow Layered Jello
Rainbow jello is an impressive dessert that’s fun to eat and loved by the whole family. Three simple ingredients are all you’ll need to create this fun and colorful dish. It’s sure to be a hit at your next party!
Total Time: 4 hours
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