Seasonal Desserts For Spring

Spring is a wonderful time of year, with flowers blooming, birds chirping, and warmer weather on the horizon. It's also a great time to indulge in some delicious spring desserts! From fruity pies to light and airy cakes, there's no shortage of sweet treats to enjoy this season. Check out our list of 25 spring desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

1. Lemon Bars

These classic citrus bars are a fan favorite, and for good reason! They're sweet, tangy, and perfect for spring. Plus, they're easy to make and can be customized to suit your preferences. Try adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor.

Tips:

• For a thicker lemon filling, use a smaller baking dish
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to avoid a messy appearance

Ideas:

• Add a swirl of raspberry jam to the lemon filling for a pop of color
• Swap out the traditional shortbread crust for a graham cracker crust for a twist on a classic

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter until well combined
3. Press mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 beaten eggs, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of flour until well combined
5. Pour mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until filling is set
6. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars

2. Berry Cobbler

There's nothing quite like a warm, homemade cobbler filled with juicy berries. This recipe is easy to make and can be made with any combination of berries you prefer. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen berries, depending on what's available
• Add a touch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth and spice
• Use a deep baking dish to prevent overflow

Ideas:

• Add a crumb topping made with oats and brown sugar for extra crunch
• Serve with a drizzle of honey or caramel sauce for extra sweetness

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish
2. In a large bowl, combine 6 cups of mixed berries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
3. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and set aside
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined
5. Add in 1/2 cup of milk and 1/4 cup of melted butter, stirring until a thick batter forms
6. Spoon batter over berry mixture, spreading evenly to cover
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden brown
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving

3. Strawberry Shortcake

This classic dessert is perfect for spring, with its fresh strawberries and fluffy cake. Make your own shortcake or use store-bought for an easy shortcut. Top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a beautiful and delicious dessert.

Tips:

• Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor
• Cut strawberries ahead of time and sprinkle with a little sugar to macerate and bring out their sweetness
• Make shortcake ahead of time for easy assembly

Ideas:

• Add a layer of lemon curd between the cake and strawberries for extra tang
• Use a mixture of berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, for a colorful twist

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of cold butter until mixture forms small clumps
3. Stir in 2/3 cup of milk until a soft dough forms
4. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly until dough comes together
5. Pat dough into a 1-inch thick circle and use a 2 1/2 inch biscuit cutter to cut out rounds
6. Place rounds on prepared baking sheet and brush with a little milk and sprinkle with sugar
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden
8. Allow to cool before assembling with whipped cream and sliced strawberries

4. Carrot Cake

This spiced cake is a classic spring dessert, with its bright orange color and fluffy cream cheese frosting. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies! Top with chopped nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture.

Tips:

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture
• Don't overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake
• Allow cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting

Ideas:

• Add raisins or chopped pineapple to the batter for extra sweetness
• Swap out traditional cream cheese frosting for a lemon or orange flavored one for a twist on a classic

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray
2. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined
3. In a separate bowl, mix together 4 beaten eggs, 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce until well combined
4. Stir in 2 cups of grated carrots until mixture is well combined
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined
6. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting

5. Fruit Tart

This elegant dessert is perfect for a spring brunch or special occasion. Decorate with your favorite fruits for a colorful and tasty treat. The combination of a buttery crust, creamy filling, and fresh fruit is hard to resist!

Tips:

• Use a blend of fresh and canned fruits for variety and convenience
• Chill crust and filling for at least an hour before assembling for easier handling
• Brush fruit with a little melted apricot jam or honey for a shiny appearance

Ideas:

• Add a layer of pastry cream or custard underneath the fruit for extra richness
• Drizzle tart with chocolate or caramel sauce for a decadent finish

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9-inch tart pan with cooking spray
2. In a medium bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy
3. Add 1 cup of flour and mix until a soft dough forms
4. Press dough evenly into prepared tart pan and prick bottom with a fork
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden
6. In a separate bowl, beat together 1 package of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until mixture is creamy
7. Spread mixture evenly over cooled crust
8. Decorate with sliced or chopped fruit as desired
9. Chill tart for at least an hour before serving

6. Mini Bundt Cakes

These individual cakes are perfect for spring events and gatherings, and can be customized with a variety of flavors and glazes. Serve with a cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing and indulgent afternoon treat.

Tips:

• Grease bundt pan thoroughly to avoid sticking
• Allow cakes to cool completely before adding glaze or frosting
• Try different glazes, such as citrus or berry, for extra flavor

Ideas:

• Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for extra texture
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a mini bundt pan with cooking spray
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy
3. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, until mixture is well combined
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup of milk, until batter is smooth
6. Spoon batter evenly into prepared bundt pan and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
7. Allow cakes to cool completely before adding glaze or frosting

7. Cranberry Pie

This stunning pie is a great way to showcase winter fruits like cranberries. The bright red hue is perfect for spring, and the sweet-tart flavor is sure to please your taste buds. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on what's available
• Make sure pie is completely cool before slicing to avoid a runny filling
• Make crust ahead of time for easier assembly

Ideas:

• Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the filling for extra warmth and spice
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla custard for extra richness

How To:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 9-inch pie dish with cooking spray
2. In a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 1/2 cups of chopped peeled apples, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon of flour until well combined
3. Pour mixture into prepared pie dish and set aside
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter until mixture forms small crumbles
5. Sprinkle crumble mixture evenly over fruit mixture
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is bubbly and top is lightly golden
7. Allow to cool completely before slicing

8. Fruity Sorbet

This refreshing dessert is perfect for warm spring days, with its light and fruity flavors. Use your favorite fruits to create your own custom flavor, or mix and match for a unique twist. Serve in a waffle cone or cup for a fun and delicious dessert.

Tips:

• Use fresh or frozen fruit, depending on what's available
• Allow sorbet to freeze completely for best texture
• Add a splash of alcohol, such as vodka, to prevent sorbet from becoming too icy

Ideas:

• Add a splash of lemon or lime