Easter in the UK is not just about chocolate eggs—it's a time for celebrating the arrival of spring with a variety of delicious baked goods and festive dishes. From fragrant spiced buns to rich fruit cakes and buttery biscuits, traditional Easter treats bring warmth and nostalgia to the holiday table.

Hot Cross Buns – The Ultimate Easter Classic

No British Easter is complete without hot cross buns—soft, spiced, and studded with dried fruit, marked with a signature cross on top. Originally baked to symbolize the end of Lent, these buns have become a staple throughout spring. While the classic version remains a favourite, modern twists include chocolate, orange zest, or even savoury variations with cheese and herbs.

Rum & Raisin Hot Cross Buns Recipe by Natalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)
These scrumptious buns have an adult twist as the they have raisins that are soaked in spiced rum. They are a perfect Easter treat. The smell of them baking is absolutely devine. Perfect slathered in proper butter. #hotcrossbuns #baking #cinnamon #baked #sweet #raisins #currents #saltanas #egg #flou…
Vegan Hot Cross Buns Recipe by Sally Strong
I am not keen on dried fruit but have discovered recently I do like them in hot cross buns! I wanted to try to make my own vegan recipe and these came out so tasty!

Simnel Cake – A Sweet Symbol of Easter

This traditional fruitcake, rich with dried fruits, almonds, and warm spices, is topped with a layer of marzipan and decorated with 11 marzipan balls—representing the apostles (excluding Judas). Originally baked by girls in service to gift to their mothers on Mothering Sunday, Simnel cake is now a cherished Easter treat enjoyed across the UK.

Simnel Cake Recipe by Sally Strong
This is a classic Easter Fruitcake for the UK and Ireland. I am not actually the biggest fan of fruitcake, so this will be an Easter treat for my mum and grandma. Keep an eye on the marzipan when it is grilling as it catches quite quickly! (as you can see)!
Easter Simnel Cake Recipe by Joanne
Simnel cakes have been baked in Britain around Easter time since medieval times. It’s lighter and less fruity than a Christmas cake, and with a layer of marzipan in the middle, as well as on the top. The tradition of adding 11 balls of marzipan symbolizes Jesus’s disciples; Judas is left out, it bei…

Easter Biscuits – Buttery and Fragrant Delights

In the West Country, Easter biscuits are a favourite seasonal bake. These delicate, crumbly cookies are flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg, and currants, often finished with a sprinkle of sugar. Traditionally gifted to guests on Easter Sunday, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea.

Easter biscuits 🍪 🐣 Recipe by Yui Miles
Yummy Easter cookies to enjoy for The Easter Weekend Holiday. #easter #easterbiscuits #yummytreat
Mini Egg Easter Cookies Recipe by Natalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)
Perfect for Easter, these soft gooey cookies are stuffed with mini eggs and flavoured with vanilla. Delicious! I like to make a smaller batch of six, but they are substantial in size. I find this is the perfect amount for a sweet treat for our family. If you wish to make a larger yield however simpl…

Chocolate Nests – A Fun Treat for All Ages

A simple yet beloved Easter sweet, chocolate nests are made by mixing melted chocolate with crispy rice cereal or crushed cornflakes and shaping them into little "nests." Topped with mini chocolate eggs, they are a fun and easy treat that children love to make.

Easter Bird’s Nests Recipe by Sadaf Jabeen
#easter21 #easterspecial Easter is a Christian festival and holiday for all of us. Today I have created Easter birds nest to surprise my kids and make them extra happy in holidays. Used vermicelli ,egg shape chocolate and chocolate butter frosting. It was super yummy,let’s head to the kitchen and co…
My Easter Nest Eggs 💜 Recipe by Maureen 😀
I made 2 because there is only me and my son here still isolating but on the day the kids all come to see me there will be plenty. Just a very easy recipe. #Treats #Easter

Lamb-Shaped Cakes and Easter Bakes

Across Europe, many countries bake cakes in the shape of lambs or rabbits, symbolizing renewal and spring. Inspired by this tradition, many British bakers create Easter-themed cakes and cupcakes, often decorated with pastel-coloured icing, sugar flowers, and edible eggs.

Easter bunny milk rolls with red bean Recipe by Nadine Schweitzer
As it’s Easter soon I was inspired to make Easter themed milk bread. I shaped my dough to resemble Easter bunnies. These can be left plain or filled with whatever you like i.e chocolate, red bean paste, black sesame paste, cheese etc. This is an easy recipe and a fun way to get the kids and whole fa…
Easter bunny Bread Recipe by @thebellyrulesmind
Great recipe for Easter bunny Bread.

A Feast to Welcome Spring

Beyond the sweet treats, Easter Sunday is also a time for a festive meal, often featuring roast lamb, spring vegetables, and fresh-baked bread. The holiday is a beautiful blend of culinary traditions that reflect the joy and renewal of the season.

Spring time salad with harissa chicken Recipe by Yui Miles
I love salad with some fruit and I bought some delicious blackberries from the market so paired them up with salad and harissa chicken #salad #springtimesalad #chickenharissa #healthylunch
Rosemary & Garlic Studded Roast Lamb Shoulder 🧄 🌿 Recipe by Sonia
#cookingwithherbs My favourite roast and a real treat, we only have it very occasionally as it’s so expensive. I haven’t given exact timings as this will depend on the size of your joint and your oven strength.

Whether you’re baking classic hot cross buns, experimenting with new flavours, or simply indulging in chocolate eggs, Easter is a wonderful time to celebrate with food. So, which Easter treat will you be making this year? 😊

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