36 Best Spring Dessert Recipes

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/27/20
No bake strawberry icebox cheesecake recipe

The Spruce / Cara Cormack

With new leaves filling out the trees and the arrival of fresh blossoms, spring is a time of reawakening. The crisp air invigorates us after a long, cold winter, and we're ready to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. What better way to celebrate than with mouthwatering seasonal desserts. Think fresh spring fruits, pastels, and gorgeous presentations. 

Add one or more of these sweet and refreshing desserts to a special occasion menu or bake one just for fun!

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  • 01 of 36

    Deconstructed Strawberry Shortcakes

    strawberry shortcake deconstructed with strawberry coulis and vanilla biscuits

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Delight your guests with a deconstructed strawberry shortcake. It's even better than the classic version!

  • 02 of 36

    Angel Food Cake

    angel food cake
    Leah Maroney

    A light and delicate angel food cake is a fabulous dessert. Frost the cake with a fluffy frosting or top slices with lemon curd or fresh berries. It's an excellent foundation for a springtime dessert.

  • 03 of 36

    Hummingbird Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

    Classic hummingbird cake recipe

    The Spruce / Ulyana Verbytska

    What better way to celebrate the return of the hummingbirds than with this amazing hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting! This cake has long been a favorite celebration cake. Pineapple, bananas, and pecans are among the ingredients.

  • 04 of 36

    No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cheesecake

    No bake strawberry icebox cheesecake recipe

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    This fabulous no-bake strawberry icebox cheesecake tastes as good as it looks! It's hard to believe this scrumptious cake isn't baked.

    Continue to 5 of 36 below.
  • 05 of 36

    Classic Victoria Sponge Cake

    Victoria sponge cake

    The Spruce

    If you watch the Great British Baking Show (or Bake-Off), you've no doubt seen this elegant cake. Broaden your baking horizons with this authentic classic Victoria sponge cake recipe.

  • 06 of 36

    Lemon Crème Brulée

    lemon creme brulee

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    This lemon crème brulée is an excellent choice for a party or special dinner. Creme brulée can be prepared a day in advance, an advantage if you're planning a big dinner party. Sprinkle the desserts with sugar and torch them just before serving.

  • 07 of 36

    Cheesecake Baklava

    Cheesecake Baklava
    Anita Schecter

    This creative dessert is a combination of cheesecake and baklava. The pistachio cheesecake filling is wrapped in honey syrup-drenched phyllo. If you're looking for an impressive dessert, you can't go wrong with this cheesecake baklava.

  • 08 of 36

    Easy Strawberry Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

    Strawberry Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Strawberries are one of America's favorite spring fruits. This easy strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting is a spectacular cake mix creation.

    Continue to 9 of 36 below.
  • 09 of 36

    Hot Cross Buns

    homemade hot cross buns
    Leah Maroney

    Orange zest and raisins add sunny flavor to these traditional homemade hot cross buns.

  • 10 of 36

    Pineapple Pound Cake

    pineapple pound cake

     Diana Rattray

    Crushed pineapple goes into the cake and the topping of this magnificent pound cake. The list of ingredients is not long, and this pineapple pound cake will earn you rave reviews! 

  • 11 of 36

    Strawberry Rhubarb Crumb Cake

    Strawberry rhubarb cake recipe

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    Bake this delectable cake with fresh spring strawberries and rhubarb. Serve it as a coffee cake for brunch or breakfast, as a dessert cake, or take it along to a potluck. The buttery crumble topping finishes the strawberry rhubarb crumb cake beautifully.

  • 12 of 36

    Affogato

    Affogato Italian Espresso Dessert
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Serve coffee and dessert at one time with this deliciously easy affogato recipe. The Italian treat pours hot espresso over vanilla ice cream, and the key is to make it in frozen glassware. No espresso machine? Use a stovetop espresso maker or brew the strongest coffee you can.

    Continue to 13 of 36 below.
  • 13 of 36

    Strawberry Cheesecake

    strawberry cheesecake sliced on a plate

    The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney 

    A classic strawberry cheesecake is always a hit. Inside the graham cracker crust is a filling of cream cheese and ricotta. Make a fresh strawberry compote, let everything cool, and add the topping for a showstopping dessert.

  • 14 of 36

    Strawberry Angel Food Cake

    Strawberry Angel Food Cake

    ​The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga

    Strawberry angel food cake is as delicious as it sounds, and it's a lovely addition to any spring affair. The recipe bakes a single sponge cake in a tube pan, then cuts it into two pieces. You'll then show off your culinary skills by constructing the layers of sweet, airy cream cheese frosting and fresh berries.

  • 15 of 36

    Lemon Pound Cake

    Lemon Pound Cake

    The Spruce

    Show off your baking skills with this stunning lemon pound cake. The finished cake is infused with sweet and tart lemon syrup. It doesn't need frosting, but feel free to serve it with a drizzle of lemon sauce or lemon curd.

  • 16 of 36

    Cherry Dump Cake

    Cherry Dump Cake

    Kristina Vanni

    The color pink just seems to signal spring so this cherry dump cake is perfect to pull together. Angel food cake mix, cherry pie filling, almond extract, and sliced almonds are mixed together in a cake pan and baked. Slice into squares and top with a dollop of whipped cream.

    Continue to 17 of 36 below.
  • 17 of 36

    No-Bake Cool Whip Cheesecake

    No-Bake Cool Whip Cheesecake

    Leah Maroney 

    These individual no-bake cheesecakes combine cream cheese and Cool Whip topping for a rich and fluffy treat. Top them with fresh berries, slices of kiwi, chunks of pineapple, or other favorite fruit. You can make these up to two days in advance and store them tightly wrapped in the refrigerator. Add the fruit just before serving.

  • 18 of 36

    Pineapple Upside-Down Cheesecake

    Pineapple Upside Down Cheesecake

     Kristina Vanni

    Combine two all-time favorites in one delicious dessert. A luscious cheesecake is topped with the makings of a pineapple upside-down cake, making for a festive finish to any springtime celebration.

  • 19 of 36

    Torta Della Nonna

    Torta Della Nonna

    Anita Schecter

    The flavor of lemon in the custard filling gives this Italian dessert a springtime feel and the name of the torte reflects the simplicity of the recipe. A sweet pastry crust envelopes a lemon creme, and pine nuts are sprinkled over top before baking, creating a nice crunch. A simple but elegant dessert for any spring occasion.

  • 20 of 36

    Instant Pot Flan

    Instant Pot flan, or creme caramel, in a dessert dish.
    Diana Rattray

    This Instant Pot version of the classic Spanish dessert flan cooks in less than 10 minutes, though you do need to plan ahead as it must chill in the refrigerator for four hours before you serve it. The light caramel custard makes a sweet finish to any meal.

    Continue to 21 of 36 below.
  • 21 of 36

    Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

    Bisquick Strawberry Shortcake

     Leah Maroney

    Strawberry shortcake is always a favorite way to enjoy strawberries, but spending the time making biscuits from scratch isn't always desirable. This recipe uses Bisquick mix to speed up the process while creating a traditional style shortcake. A homemade whipped cream adds the finishing touch.

  • 22 of 36

    Lemon Cupcakes With Lemon Frosting

    Dairy-Free Vegan Lemon Cupcakes

    The Spruce

    These yummy lemon cupcakes with lemon frosting are the perfect dessert for a spring event. Garnish the cupcakes with shredded or grated lemon zest for a beautiful presentation.

  • 23 of 36

    Blueberry Buckle

    Blueberry Buckle

    The Spruce 

    Bake this blueberry buckle with fresh, early season blueberries. It's an excellent everyday snack cake perfect for a coffee get-together or breakfast.

  • 24 of 36

    Lemon Fudge

    lemon fudge
    Elizabeth LaBau

    This recipe for lemon fudge combines white chocolate with the bright and vibrant flavor of fresh lemon zest. This melt-in-your-mouth candy is a must for any spring fling.

    Continue to 25 of 36 below.
  • 25 of 36

    Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

    Lemon Cream Cheese Bars

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    These pretty pastel lemon cream cheese bars are sure to impress your friends and family. A delicious shortbread crust made with brown sugar and pecans provides a crunchy base for these bright, cheerful bars.

  • 26 of 36

    Strawberry Cupcakes

    Strawberry cupcakes recipe

    ​The Spruce 

    Chopped strawberries and fresh puree are featured in these moist and colorful strawberry cupcakes.

  • 27 of 36

    Classic Rhubarb Custard Pie

    Classic Rhubarb Custard Pie (With Crust Recipe)

    The Spruce / Cara Cormack

    This classic rhubarb custard pie features a creamy rhubarb filling. Use homemade pie pastry or a frozen crust.

  • 28 of 36

    Homestyle Banana Pudding

    banana pudding
    Diana Rattray

    Celebrate spring with this classic Southern favorite: homemade banana pudding.

    Continue to 29 of 36 below.
  • 29 of 36

    Key Lime Pie With Meringue Topping

    Key Lime Pie

    Diana Rattray

    This homemade key lime pie with meringue topping is a delicious departure from the typical sweetened condensed milk and graham cracker crust pie.

  • 30 of 36

    The Ultimate Lemon Drizzle Cake

    The Ultimate Lemon Drizzle Cake

    The Spruce / Tara Omidvar

    A fabulous lemon syrup flavors the ultimate lemon drizzle cake. Make it with or without ground almonds.

  • 31 of 36

    Classic Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

    Lemon Meringue Pie

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    No spring dessert list would be complete without a classic lemon meringue pie recipe. The tart fresh lemon filling is topped off with a fluffy sweet meringue.

  • 32 of 36

    Raspberry and Blueberry Bundt Cake

    Raspberry and Blueberry Cake (Red, White, and Blue Cake)

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

    Bake this raspberry and blueberry bundt cake with the combination of blueberries and raspberries or use strawberries instead of raspberries. 

    Continue to 33 of 36 below.
  • 33 of 36

    Pavlova

    Australian pavlova recipe

    The Spruce 

    This fluffy, elegant meringue dessert gets its name from the ballerina Anna Pavlova. It's one of New Zealand's national dessert. Fill the center of the Pavlova meringue with freshly whipped cream and fresh spring berries.

  • 34 of 36

    Tres Leches Cake

    tres leches cake
    Leah Maroney

    This scrumptious tres leches cake is a dessert with Latin American roots. The cake gets its name from the three kinds of milk used: evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream.

  • 35 of 36

    Easy Strawberry Shortcut Cake

    Easy Strawberry Shortcut Cake

    The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

    This pretty cake is basically an all-in-one easy strawberry shortcake. A cake mix makes it a snap to prepare. Mashed fresh strawberries make it a fabulous cake for a spring celebration. Garnish the cake with extra strawberries and a few mint leaves.

  • 36 of 36

    Strawberry April Fool

    strawberry fool
    Kristina Vanni

    Add this easy strawberry April Fool dessert to your spring party menu. Whipping cream and pureed strawberries team up in the dessert while Greek yogurt lightens the mixture and balances the flavors.