Easter Cake Recipe – A Festive & Delicious Spring Dessert
Easter is a time of joy, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious desserts! One of the most cherished traditions is baking a beautiful Easter cake that not only tastes amazing but also looks festive. This Easter cake recipe combines a soft, fluffy sponge with creamy frosting and colorful decorations, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or enjoying a cozy Easter brunch, this cake will bring smiles and sweetness to your celebration. The best part? It’s easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delightful for both kids and adults.
Ingredients (For One 9-inch Layer Cake)
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (300 g)
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225 g)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (225 g)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (480 g)
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Decoration:
- Shredded coconut (optional, for a “nest” look)
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
- Food coloring (pastel shades for frosting or fondant accents)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter & sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs & vanilla – Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Combine wet & dry – Gradually add dry mixture to wet, alternating with milk, until smooth.
- Bake – Divide batter between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool – Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
- Make frosting – Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and cream, whipping until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake – Spread frosting between layers, then frost the top and sides.
- Decorate – Sprinkle shredded coconut on top and add mini chocolate eggs for a festive Easter nest look.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling + Decorating: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 12 slices
Tips & Variations
- Flavor twist: Add lemon zest or almond extract for a spring-inspired flavor.
- Colorful layers: Tint cake batter with pastel food coloring to create a rainbow effect when sliced.
- Carrot cake style: Substitute part of the flour with grated carrots and add warm spices for a seasonal spin.
- Frosting variety: Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy contrast.
Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 40 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum for structure).
- Sugar-Free: Swap sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Dairy-Free: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use almond milk.
- Low-Calorie: Make cupcakes instead of a full cake for portion control.
Serving Suggestions
This Easter cake recipe is the perfect way to end your holiday meal with something festive and delicious. Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee after Easter brunch, or let it be the show-stopping dessert at dinner. Its soft texture, creamy frosting, and playful decoration make it a family favorite year after year.
Bring color, flavor, and joy to your Easter celebration with this beautiful cake!
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make the Easter cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic. Frost and decorate before serving.
Q2: How do I store leftover cake?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
Q3: Can I freeze Easter cake?
Yes! Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Q4: What’s the best frosting for Easter cake?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works best, depending on your flavor preference.
Q5: How do I make it kid-friendly?
Let kids help decorate with sprinkles, jelly beans, or chocolate eggs to make it fun and festive.
