40 Best Spring Desserts That Taste Like the Rainbow
Strawberry tarts, rhubarb pie, and creamy cheesecakes!
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Some things just smell like springtime—like blooming flowers or freshly cut grass. But let's not forget about the wonderful smell of freshly baked lemon shortbread cookies or a strawberry rhubarb pie! Yes, there's something so exciting about whipping up these fresh spring desserts. Not only are they full of seasonal flavor, but they're also easy to make and perfect for the warm spring weather.
Take Ree Drummond's pink lemonade sheet cake, for example: the crowd-pleasing treat is an adorable pink take on the classic spring drink. There are other lemon dessert recipes and strawberry recipes, too. Plus, some fun twists on carrot cake that are sure to become your new family favorites. Of course, there are recipes for Mother's Day desserts, Easter treats, and even lemon crinkle cookies that are perfect for taking on a picnic in the park. There are also some ideas for a spring tea party or bridal shower.
Just think how lovely the strawberry shortcakes would be alongside easy lemon cupcakes or how tasty it would be to have a a cup of coffee or tea with a slice of rhubarb bread while enjoying the fresh spring air. Bonus: There's plenty of no-bake treats on this list too, so you don't even need your oven! Once you try one (or two!) of these recipes, you won't imagine any better way to celebrate the spring season.
Lemon Raspberry Cake
Two layers of tender lemon cake, an easy raspberry jam filling, and a fluffy raspberry frosting on the outside make a sweet-tart cake that's just perfect for springtime.
Get the Lemon Raspberry Cake recipe.
Rhubarb Bread
Want an easy way to enjoy rhubarb season? Bake this loaf: It has an easy-to-make batter and a crunchy crumb topping. Top it off with a zesty orange glaze and serve a slice with some coffee or tea.
Get the Rhubarb Bread recipe.
Oreo Icebox Cake
It doesn't get easier than this six-ingredient dessert! You don't even need to turn on the oven to make it. Simply layer Oreos, a sweetened cream cheese filling, and fresh raspberries.
Get the Oreo Icebox Cake recipe.
Carrot Cake Bars
Instead of cream cheese frosting on top, these carrot cake bars are swirled with cream cheese in the batter for an even prettier look! It's a good thing it makes a big batch, because they're sure to disappear.
Get Ree's Carrot Cake Bars recipe.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
There's no need to turn on the oven with this no-bake dessert. The strawberry filling sets up nicely thanks to a combination of cream cheese, whipped cream, and Jell-O.
Get the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Perfect Pound Cake
You can make Ree's pound cake any time of year, but it's particularly delicious when served up with fresh spring strawberries and whipped cream. The light lemon flavor will make you smile!
Get Ree's Perfect Pound Cake recipe.
Pink Lemonade Sheet Cake
To give this cake its flavor, the cake batter is made with lemon juice and lemon zest and the frosting is made with strawberry jelly and even more lemon. Don't forget the freeze-dried strawberries on top!
Get the Pink Lemonade Sheet Cake recipe.
Raspberry Cream Pie
You only need a couple of minutes to prep this no-bake pie. That means it's easier than ever to enjoy every bite of the Oreo crust and creamy raspberry filling.
Get Ree's Raspberry Cream Pie recipe.
Blondies
If rich, fudgy brownies sounds too heavy for spring, try making blondies instead. Their butterscotch flavor and nutty pecans are great for graduation parties, picnics, and outdoor potlucks.
Get the Blondies recipe.
Lemon Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread gets a spring refresh thanks to burst of lemon. Topped with a light glaze, these cookies are perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert for brunch.
Get the Lemon Shortbread Cookies recipe.
Carrot Cake Trifle
The classic spring dessert takes on a new form as a towering trifle! Perfect for an Easter celebration or potluck, it features layers of tender, spiced carrot cake sandwiched between whipped cream cheese topping, decadent pudding, and crushed speculoos cookies.
Get the Carrot Cake Trifle recipe.
Classic Lemon Meringue Pie
This beautiful pie is piled high with lots of whipped toasted meringue. But it's the tart lemon curd filling that really makes it taste like a slice of sunshine.
Get the Classic Lemon Meringue Pie recipe.
Hummingbird Cake
Despite its name, this comforting cake doesn't include the singing spring bird, but rather the flavors of ripe banana and crushed pineapple. The two layers of dense cake are sandwiched and topped with decadent cream cheese frosting for a sweet-as-nectar flavor!
Get the Hummingbird Cake recipe.
Lemon Blueberry Cake
If we had to pick two flavors that epitomize spring, it would be lemon and blueberry—both of which are key to this bright cake! This quick cake features lots of lemon zest, plump blueberries, and pillowy cream cheese frosting.
Get the Lemon Blueberry Cake recipe.
Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Between the buttery cookie crust, the tangy cheesecake filling, and the strawberry swirl, these bars are a celebration of all things sweet. You can stash them in the freezer, then allow to thaw whenever the craving strikes.
Get the Strawberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Looking to add more salads to your diet? Try this potluck favorite! This delightful treat appeals to both kids and adults thanks to its savory-sweet pretzel crust, creamy cheese filling, and delightful strawberry Jell-O topping.
Get the Strawberry Pretzel Salad recipe.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
The sweetness from the strawberries help to balance out the tartness from the rhubarb in this classic spring pie. For even more sweetness, add some turbinado sugar to the top of the crust.
Get the Strawberry Rhubarb Pie recipe.
Carrot Cake Cheesecake
This carrot cake-inspired cheesecake is perfect for those who believe the cream cheese frosting is the best part. Don't worry—you’ll still get that spiced, nutty carrot cake flavor from the crust.
Get the Carrot Cake Cheesecake recipe.
Lemon Crinkle Cookies
Pack these bright and lemony cookies for a sunny afternoon in the park. They'd be even better with a glass of lemonade!
Get the Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Pink stalks of rhubarb give this cake a pretty geometric pattern that's sure to impress. Make it for your next springtime dinner party and serve with ice cream if you prefer.
Get the Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake recipe.
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