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An Easter Tree Is the Spring Decoration We All Need to See Right Now
Updated on May 10, 2022
At times like this, we could all use some Christmas cheer. Sure, the closest holiday is Easter, but does it matter? There’s never a wrong time to be in the giving, joyful spirit.
So perhaps it makes sense that one of Christmas’s most iconic decorations—the tree—isn’t just a December 25 thing anymore. We love the Easter trees that people are posting on Instagram right now!
What’s an Easter Tree?
OK, so Easter trees and Christmas trees are pretty different (but if you want to decorate a Christmas tree with Easter eggs, no one’s going to stop you). Christmas trees are usually upwards of 6 ft. tall, but Easter trees are way smaller—they’re a few branches in a vase—decorated with Easter eggs, ribbons and flowers. They’re cheerful, pastel and super cute.
Turns out, these adorable, pint-sized trees have been a thing for centuries in Germany (where they’re called Ostereierbaum) and Sweden. Today, they’re brightening up kitchen and side tables in homes around the world, and they’re so utterly perfect, we might just have to have more than one.
Looking for ways to decorate this Easter? Check out these ideas that’ll put a spring in your step.
How to Make an Easter Tree
One of the best things about the Easter tree is that it’s equally as easy to set up as it is adorable. The German tradition uses pussy willow branches, but you can probably go grab a few sticks from your backyard trees and plunk them in a vase—just make sure each one has enough “branches” to decorate.
From there, what you do is entirely up to you. Try hanging hand-painted Easter eggs for a personal touch (we love these decorating ideas!), or make your own reusable egg ornaments with no-fuss materials from a craft store. If you’re not feeling that creative, there are plenty of places to buy an Easter tree. No matter how you celebrate the springtime season, these adorable trees are bound to put a smile on your face.
Treats to Put Under the Easter Tree
Marshmallow Easter EggsI've been making these wonderful marshmallow Easter eggs for years. These candies are a big hit with marshmallow lovers. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
This recipe calls for creating your own candy mold using flour and an egg, though you can purchase a silicone egg-shaped mold if you prefer. If you go with a homemade mold, be sure to toss the flour and egg afterward.
Easter Sugar CookiesCream cheese contributes to the rich taste of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They have such nice flavor that you can skip the frosting and just sprinkle them with colored sugar if you like. —Julie Brunette, Green Bay, Wisconsin
These are the cutout cookies I decorate with my nieces and nephews each Easter. I like to bake the cookies ahead of time, and then let the little ones use store-bought frosting, candies and sprinkles to decorate. By the way, there are plenty of ways to make canned frosting taste homemade, if you're willing to experiment a little.
Rhubarb TartHere's a perfect ending to a grilled summer meal! Between the creamy texture, the pretty color and the buttery crust, this recipe is simply delightful. —Emily Seefeldt, Red Wing, Minnesota
Make the most of rhubarb season with this rhubarb dessert. Those who haven't had rhubarb before will love its sweet and tart flavor profile.
Bunny TailsMy granddaughters and I came up with this clever and easy idea for Easter. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Made with just two ingredients—white chocolate and coconut—these bunny tails are as simple as they are charming. You can make this easy Easter dessert a day or two ahead of time for one less to-do on the holiday.
Bird's Nest TreatsI make this birds nest recipe in the spring when the birds are starting to build their own nests. They are so easy to make and disappear fast. —Pam Painter, Poseyville, Indiana
Chow mein noodles probably aren't the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of dessert. But these noodles add a ton of crunch and texture to these bird nests. You can find chow mein noodles in the Asian or international section of your grocery store.
Hippity Hop Bunny CakeThis cute, festive cake will have your guests 'hopping' with happiness! Make the cake ahead and add the decorations close to its debut at your party or special occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
If you have some spare time on your hands, you can't go wrong with making this bunny cake! To prevent the chocolate and other decorations from running into the buttercream, wait to add them until a few hours before you plan on serving the cake.
Sour Cream Sugar CookiesI make these cookies for my family and our neighbors every Valentine’s Day. The heart-shaped treats stay soft for at least a week, and they look so pretty frosted bright pink and then piped with lacy frosting. —Carolyn Walton, Smoot, Wyoming
Yes, sour cream desserts are a thing! This underrated ingredient gives this cookie recipe its soft and tender texture.
Lime Divine TartsWinter is prime time for limes, so why not showcase them at your holiday party? These cute cups are impressive but easy to make. —Ann Yri, Lewisville, Texas
These mini tarts use fresh lime juice and zest for an extra-zippy citrus flavor. You can also swap the lime for lemon or orange for a different flavor profile.
Easter Bunny TreatsOur whole family has fun making these bunny-riffic treats together. They are just so cute! —Holly Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
These adorable marshmallow bunnies are a great way to get your kids in the kitchen. You can have your little ones assemble and decorate these bunnies themselves, or get them started by attaching the legs, head and ears for them.
Layered Sherbet DessertMacaroons, pecans and layers of fruity sherbet combine in this beautiful, special dessert. Try garnishing with fresh strawberries and just listen to folks ooh and aah when you bring this in! —Kathryn Dunn, Axton, Virginia
For gorgeous and clear layers, take your time and allow each layer to fully set before adding the next one. Rushing the process will result in uneven layers that bleed into one another.
Lamb CakeMy grandmother started the tradition of making this molded Easter lamb cake when I was little. We continue to make it every Easter. The memory is so special that I keep the lamb mold in my kitchen next to my cookbooks as a decoration. Make sure to grease and flour the mold really well so that the cake does not stick. — Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
This lamb cake has been a staple at my family's Easter celebration for as long as I can remember. It's a classic for a reason!
Easter Egg CookiesMy mother started baking these cookies with me and my eight brothers and sisters when I was a child, and I carried on the tradition with our four youngsters when they were little. Now, my children are grown and can make these cookies with their own tots. —Barbara Neuweg, West Point, Iowa
Get creative when decorating these cookies and experiment with adding food coloring to the glaze. Take it a step further with colored frosting, sprinkles and candies to make these cookies worthy of an Easter basket.
Peeps Sunflower CakeThe inspiration for this cake came from one of my favorite flowers, the sunflower. The yellow peeps make eye-catching flower petals, and I carefully placed chocolate chips in a circular pattern to resemble the seeds in the middle of a sunflower. This cake is easy, but looks quite impressive. —Bethany Eledge, Cleveland, Tennessee
Peeps are the ultimate Easter candy, and this cake turns them into a cheery sunflower. The recipe calls for a boxed chocolate cake mix, but you can use a store-bought or homemade cake if you like.
Easter Meringue CupsThese crunchy meringue shells with a lemon curd filling will make guests stop to "ooh" and "ahh" at your dessert table. Topped with fresh fruit, they're especially pretty when served with a spring meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These dainty meringue cups can be topped with just about anything, but I adore the combination of lemon curd and fresh fruit for Easter. You can buy lemon curd or make homemade lemon curd; both would be delicious.
Easter Basket CupcakesThese cute cupcakes with their mild orange flavor are fun to dress up for Easter. As we raised four sons and a daughter, I prepared many, many school lunches and often added these springtime treats. —Julie Johnston, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
A few candies and some dyed coconut are all it takes to turn some cupcakes into Easter baskets! If you can't find chocolate licorice twists, feel free to substitute strawberry or cherry licorice.
Cheesecake-Stuffed StrawberriesThese luscious cheesecake-stuffed strawberries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Cheesecake doesn't have to be a heavy dessert. This recipe combines strawberries, cream cheese and confectioners' sugar for the flavors of a cheesecake in a light, bite-size treat.
Peter Rabbit CakeNo bunny will be able to resist a slice of this adorable dessert. Baked and decorated ahead of time, the coconut-topped cake makes an eye-catching fitting finale to any Easter feast. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
A large charcuterie board or cutting board covered with plastic wrap are great options for building this cake. That way, you don't have to buy a disposable board from a craft store.
Easter Nest TorteIn this delectable dessert, a luscious cake layer nestles rich mousse and chocolate "twigs." Your guests won't be able to get enough of this unique Easter nest cake recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
The mousse layer makes this chocolate cake recipe surprisingly light. When it comes to the chocolate wrapping and "twigs," take your time and allow the chocolate to fully set before removing the wax paper.
Strawberry Cookie CupsI learned to bake beside my mom and grandmother. When I was on break from college, I knew just how to entertain myself: I made cookies. Sharing this recipe with my mom and grandmother was a proud moment.—Andrea Zulauf, Livonia, New York
This recipe turns regular cookies into mini flower cups that hold a cream cheese frosting. I always keep a few of these strawberry cups (without the frosting) in my freezer for when I need a pick-me-up.
Mini Blueberry Bundt CakesThese pretty little blueberry cakes are topped with a yummy lemon-flavored glaze. The recipe makes 12 tiny cakes, so one batch gives you plenty of sweet treats to share with friends. —Cathy Isaak, Rivers, Manitoba
Blueberries and lemons are a classic spring flavor combination that's practically expected at Easter. Use fresh blueberries instead of frozen for the best flavor and texture.
Coconut NestsLooking for an Easter activity that kids will enjoy assembling and eating? Try these sweet birds nest cookies. They're a snap to make and call for just a few ingredients. —Tonya Hamrick, Wallace, West Virginia
These coconut nests are an excellent spring craft to make with your kids. Our recipe calls for white candy coating, but you can swap it for semisweet chocolate for a different look and taste.
Citrus CheesecakeThis beautiful layered cheesecake takes a bit longer to make, but the end result is so worth it! Citrus seems to be the perfect ending for an Easter meal, and the bright flavors really shine in this dessert. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Impress your Easter guests with this sunny citrus cheesecake. It features lemon, lime and orange layers, plus a sour cream topping. Slices of fresh citrus make this cheesecake a showstopper from all angles.
Rainbow StrawberriesDip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Who says chocolate-covered strawberries are just for Valentine's Day? Brightly-colored candy coating transforms this classic dessert into an Easter-themed treat.
Carrot CupcakesTo try to get my family to eat more vegetables, I often hide nutritional foods inside sweet treats. Now we can have our cake and eat our vegetables too! —Doreen Kelly, Roslyn, Pennsylvania
Carrot cake is a quintessential spring dessert. This cupcake version has all of the flavor and texture foodies expect from carrot cake in an individual serving.
Cheesecake PopsThis is a very quick, easy and fun dessert for any occasion. The possibilities are endless with these cute bites. Customize them for any occasion by using different toppings. —Evelyn Moore, Elk Grove, California
This make-ahead spring dessert will be a lifesaver on the busy holiday. Store the decorated pops in your fridge for up to three days, then bring them out when it's time for sweets.
Marbled Orange FudgeThis decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
Fudge gets a citrus makeover in this Creamsicle-inspired recipe. I've gifted this fudge to friends for a few holidays and received rave reviews.
Lemon Butter CookiesThese tender cutout cookies have a slight lemon flavor that makes them stand out from the rest. They're very easy to roll out compared to other sugar cookies I've worked with. I know you'll enjoy them as much as we do. —Judy McCreight, Springfield, Illinois
For even more lemon flavor in these cookies, mix turbinado sugar with fresh lemon zest and use the mixture in place of the colored sugar that the recipe calls for. It will still have a yellow tint but will pack a better punch of lemon.
White Chocolate Easter Egg CandiesCandy making can be easy! Have kids help roll the candies in sprinkles, colored sugar or jimmies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
These mini Easter eggs are so easy that you don't even need your stovetop. If you find the mixture getting too sticky to shape after a while—especially if you're making this recipe with kiddos—pop the mixture back into the fridge to firm up a bit.
Lemon CakeThis citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of applause. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia
Does anything scream "spring" like fresh lemon? I think not. This layer cake includes fresh lemon in the batter, the frosting and as a topper. You can usually find edible flowers at farmers markets, specialty grocery stores, flower shops and, of course, online.
Marzipan Cups with Currant JellyThese bite-size beauties look and taste gourmet, but they're easy to make and boast a delicate almond flavor. The hidden jelly surprise and pretty nut accent make them a nice addition to any treats tray. You can make them in advance and freeze them for up to three months, if you like. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Marzipan is a smooth mixture of ground almonds, sugar, corn syrup and egg whites that is often used in baked goods as a filling. Since marzipan is quite sweet, these cups include tart red currant jelly to balance the flavor.
Chocolate Easter EggsI roll out these chocolate Easter eggs when the weather gets warm. The recipe is over 35 years old; my high school economics teacher had us make it as a class project. Sometimes I substitute butterscotch or vanilla pudding for the chocolate. —Julie Warren, Conyers, Georgia
Although these chocolate eggs are just as cute as decorated Easter eggs, you definitely don't want to hide them around your house! The chocolate-covered pudding eggs will last up to two weeks, but only when they're stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Peeps HouseCreate a sweet house for your favorite Easter basket treat. Use pastel candies to decorate the roof and nest. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Take inspiration from a gingerbread house this Easter. With graham crackers, frosting, Peeps and candy, your kid can assemble a little chicken coop that can double as a sweet treat and Easter dinner centerpiece.
Jelly Bean CookiesIt's a family tradition for my grandmother and me to make these colorful cookies every year for the holidays. —Cheyenne Fink, Pleasantville, Pennsylvania
This cookie recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover Easter candy (because who doesn't have a ton of leftover jelly beans?). Use small jelly beans for the best results, though regular size ones will also work.
Orange Sugar CookiesI make these citrusy cookies for parties and special occasions, and we always get to eat the ones that don't come out perfectly. Eventually I had to start making extra "mistakes" to keep my family happy! —Myrrh Wertz, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Don't skip chilling the cookie dough once it's mixed; it will make it much easier to roll and stamp out your shapes. Speaking of shapes, you can use any cookie cutter you'd like. A tulip, bunny, chick, egg and carrot are all great options for an Easter cookie tray.
Meringue BunniesThese cute meringues are a great addition to your table when entertaining at Easter. Enlist the kids to help shape the bunny rabbits. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
There are a ton of meringue tips out there for anyone who feels intimidated by this light and airy dessert. My go-to tips are to make extra sure there is no egg yolk in your whites, and that your stand or hand mixer and bowl are completely clean and dry. Any fat in your egg whites or on the whisks will affect the whipping of the whites.
Raspberry Coconut BallsMy family loves Hostess Zingers, especially the raspberry flavor coated with coconut, inspiring this treat to make for school bake sales. We can make about four dozen in 30 minutes, and they sell out fast! —Pam Clark, Wheaton, Illinois
These raspberry coconut balls start with store-bought vanilla wafers to save you a ton of time and effort. Despite the shortcut, this recipe is special enough for Easter, thanks to the inclusion of raspberry and rum extract.
Nutty Rice Krispie CookiesMy mom and I used to prepare these Rice Krispie cookies for Christmas every year. Making them with just the microwave means they're super easy and fun to mix with the kids. —Savanna Chapdelaine, Orlando, Florida
These cookies aren't really cookies at all! This recipe combines melted white baking chips, peanut butter, marshmallows and Rice Krispies for a crunchy, nutty bite that you won't be able to get enough of.
Cake BallsOur cake balls recipe transforms a simple box of cake mix into irresistible bite-sized treats with just four simple ingredients. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different cake and frosting flavors!
For cleaner (and easier) decorating, pierce a cake ball with a wooden skewer or toothpick before dipping it into the candy coating. Alternatively, you can use a fork or two to lift the cake pop out of the candy coating and tap off the excess.
Peanut Butter EggsGet the kids involved in making these chocolate and peanut buttery treats, well worth the sticky fingers! —Mary Joyce Johnson, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
Trust me when I say these homemade peanut butter eggs are so much better than the brand-name ones you'd find at the store. Feel free to skip the icing and sprinkles, they're completely optional.
Strawberry Lemon CupcakesMy granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Spring cupcakes are a go-to for Easter celebrations for a reason. They are already portioned out and use seasonal flavors that really pop. This recipe uses fresh lemon and strawberries for a sweet-tart combination.
Bird NestsThis is a fun, kid-friendly recipe I pulled together a few years ago. My kids love helping me make these. —Jessica Boivin, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Parents should melt the baking chips on the stove before sitting their kiddos down to assemble and decorate. While this recipe calls for Peeps and M&M's eggs, you can use any Easter candy you have on hand.
Rainbow Jello CubesThese perky gelatin cubes are fun to serve and to eat! I vary the colors to match the occasion—pink and blue for a baby shower, school colors for a graduation party, and so on. Kids of all ages snap them up. —Deanna Pietrowicz, Bridgeport, Connecticut
I've made these rainbow Jell-O cubes for countless holidays, changing up the gelatin flavors and colors depending on the season. While it's not 100% required, I strongly recommend using a clear glass 13x9-inch baking dish so you can see all those beautiful layers.
White Velvet CutoutsWe make and decorate these cutouts for different holidays and give lots of them as gifts. Last year, we baked a batch a week before Christmas to be sure we'd have plenty to give and plenty for ourselves, too. These rich cookies melt in your mouth. —Kim Hinkle, Wauseon, Ohio
I know you've heard of red velvet, but have you heard of white velvet before? These unique cookies are made with cream cheese in the dough for a soft and tender crumb. Just be sure the butter and cream cheese are softened before creaming them with the sugar.
Bunny BarkMy kids love to help make this adorable bunny bark every year for Easter. Swirling the candy with festive colors is their favorite part. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
When you're tight on time, turn to this easy-peasy bark recipe. It takes just 30 minutes to assemble this adorable Easter candy!
Bunny Cinnamon RollsA tube of cinnamon roll dough and a little imagination make these adorable bunnies almost too cute to eat! They’re sure to appeal to “somebunny” at your house this Easter. —Jenni Sharp, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Those hosting an Easter brunch have to make these adorable bunny cinnamon rolls. For the best results, pick a great brand of store-bought cinnamon rolls.
Coconut SnowballsMy grandmother made these coconut snowballs for years. They store nicely in the refrigerator so you can keep them on hand for drop-in holiday guests. —Yvonne Schaney, Alliance, Ohio
When you're looking for a no-bake dessert, you can't go wrong with these snowballs. The texture is reminiscent of a truffle with a tropical flavor profile.
Magic WandsThese fun and colorful wands don't need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
These sweet and salty pretzel wands can double as a snack and a dessert. If white chocolate isn't your thing, use semisweet or dark chocolate instead.
Surprise Carrot CakeA cousin gave me this carrot cake recipe. It's a wonderful potluck pleaser with its "surprise" cream cheese center. My husband and our two young children love it, too! —Lisa Bowen, Little Britian, Ontario
Wow your family with this cream cheese-stuffed carrot cake. Though it looks impressive, this cake is deceptively easy to make. Simply add half of the carrot cake batter to a greased Bundt pan, spoon on the cream cheese mixture and top with the remaining batter.
Fruit TartIt's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
Fresh fruit is never a bad idea when it comes to spring desserts. This recipe calls for a fruit salad-like assortment, but you can customize the toppings with your favorite blend of fruits. A mix of berries makes the most of spring fruit.
Easter Treats FAQ
What's the most popular Easter treat?
Easter candy is by far the most popular sweet treat for this holiday. Creme eggs, peanut butter eggs, jelly beans and chocolate bunnies are among the most common additions to Easter baskets in the United States. If you like, you can even find out which Easter candy is most popular in your state (spoiler: Cadbury creme eggs are the most common pick!).
What kinds of Easter treats are there besides candy?
There are so many Easter treat options beyond candy! Some of my favorites include cutout cookies, mini pies and tarts, and meringue.
How can I make Easter treats ahead of time?
You can make many Easter treats ahead of time. Bake a cake, cupcakes or cookies up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container either in the fridge or on the counter, depending on the recipe. Save any recipes using fresh fruit for Easter day.
