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Tag: Seasonal baking

  • Easter Baking Ideas Beyond Hot Cross Buns

    Easter Baking Ideas Beyond Hot Cross Buns

    Hot cross buns are a given at Easter…and they’re lovely! There are such a huge range of flavours available these days, but sometimes it’s nice to think a little outside of the box (within the Easter realms). If you’re hosting, or simply want something a little more memorable, it’s nice to have a few Easter baking ideas that feel unmistakably seasonal without being overly themed.

    Chocolate…marzipan…a little nostalgia (and a little tradition).

    These three recipes strike that balance. They work beautifully on a relaxed spring table, like the one I shared in my Easter table setting ideas, and pair naturally with my alternative Easter lunch ideas if you’re planning the full day.

    We’ll make:

    • Mini Egg brownie squares
    • No bake Creme Egg cheesecake
    • A lighter simnel cake with toasted marzipan

    All clearly Easter, just done with a bit of restraint!

    Choosing the Right Dessert from These Easter Baking Ideas

    Let’s be honest, as much as I could eat all three, you don’t really need them. So which one should you go for?

    If you’re hosting a larger lunch, the Creme Egg cheesecake makes a generous centrepiece.

    Keeping things smaller? The brownies slice easily and work well with coffee.

    Or, if you enjoy something slightly more traditional, the simnel cake brings that unmistakable Easter flavour without feeling heavy or dated.

    Think about:

    • How many people you’re serving
    • How much oven space you have
    • Whether you want something you can make ahead

    Easter baking should add to the day, not complicate it.

    Woman in her 30s sprinkling crushed Mini Eggs onto brownie batter in a square tin in a bright modern kitchen.
    Sprinkling Mini Eggs onto Brownie Batter

    1. Mini Egg Brownie Squares

    Chocolatey, slightly fudgy and topped with crushed Mini Eggs (who doesn’t love Mini Eggs…) for colour and crunch.

    They’re familiar for a reason, and they work!

    Ingredients

    200g dark chocolate
    180g unsalted butter
    250g caster sugar
    3 large eggs
    100g plain flour
    30g cocoa powder
    150g Mini Eggs, roughly crushed

    Equipment

    • Medium saucepan
    • Heatproof bowl
    • Whisk
    • 20cm square baking tin – a sturdy square brownie tin helps you get clean, even slices
    • Baking parchment
    • Spatula – a silicone spatula makes folding the mixture easier without overmixing
    • Cooling rack

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 180°C fan.
    2. Melt chocolate and butter together in a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water until smooth.
    3. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar.
    4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until glossy (make sure the mixture has cooled sufficiently before you do this!)
    5. Fold in flour and cocoa gently.
    6. Pour into lined tin and scatter crushed Mini Eggs over the top.
    7. Bake 25–30 minutes until set at the edges but slightly soft in the centre.
    8. Cool fully before slicing.

    Serve on a large wooden serving board for a relaxed feel – this works really well for casual Easter desserts.

    2. No Bake Creme Egg Cheesecake (my favourite of these Easter baking ideas!)

    The minute Creme Eggs arrive in the shop, you know that Easter is on its way! (for me, that’s usually the minute Christmas is over)

    This dessert is unmistakably Easter. Rich chocolate base, creamy filling, and halved Creme Eggs pressed gently into the top.

    Indulgent, yes. But styled simply, it feels grown up rather than novelty.

    Ingredients

    For the base:
    200g digestive biscuits
    100g unsalted butter, melted

    For the filling:
    300g full fat cream cheese
    100g icing sugar
    1 tsp vanilla extract
    300ml double cream
    6 Creme Eggs, chopped

    To decorate:
    3 to 4 Creme Eggs, halved

    Equipment

    Method

    1. Crush biscuits into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter.
    2. Press firmly into lined tin and chill 30 minutes.
    3. Beat cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth.
    4. Whip cream separately until soft peaks form.
    5. Fold cream into cream cheese mixture.
    6. Stir through chopped Creme Eggs.
    7. Spoon onto chilled base and smooth.
    8. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
    9. Decorate with halved Creme Eggs before serving.

    Serve on a simple glass cake stand to let the colours stand out – this clear glass cake stand elevates even a no bake dessert.

    Woman serving slice of Creme Egg cheesecake with biscuit base to her friend at pastel Easter table in natural daylight.
    A relaxed Easter dessert moment sharing Creme Egg cheesecake at a pastel spring table.

    3. Lighter Simnel Cake with Toasted Marzipan

    Simnel cake is traditional Easter baking, and comes steeped in tradition. But, it doesn’t need to be dense or overly decorated.

    This version keeps the almond flavour and marzipan layer, but feels lighter.

    Ingredients

    200g unsalted butter
    180g light brown sugar
    3 large eggs
    200g self raising flour
    100g ground almonds
    1 tsp baking powder
    1 tsp mixed spice
    150g mixed dried fruit
    Zest of 1 orange
    200g marzipan

    Equipment

    • 20cm round cake tin
    • Electric mixer
    • Spatula
    • Rolling pin
    • Pastry brush – this makes glazing the top much neater

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 170°C fan.
    2. Cream butter and sugar until pale.
    3. Beat in eggs gradually.
    4. Fold in flour, ground almonds, baking powder and spice.
    5. Stir in fruit and orange zest.
    6. Spoon half into lined tin.
    7. Roll out half marzipan and lay over batter.
    8. Add remaining mixture and smooth.
    9. Bake 60–75 minutes until golden.
    10. Cool, brush with apricot jam and top with thin marzipan circle.
    11. Lightly toast under grill until just golden.

    If you’re a minimalist, keep decoration low key. But if you love marzipan and want to pay respect to tradition, then go all out with a few marzipan balls!

    Couple in their 40s glazing marzipan topped simnel cake in a bright home kitchen.
    A relaxed spring baking moment glazing a classic marzipan topped simnel cake in natural daylight.

    Make Ahead and Storage for These Easter Baking Ideas

    All three of these Easter baking ideas can be prepared in advance:

    • Brownies – These keep well for two days in an airtight container.
    • Cheesecake –The cheesecake benefits from being made the day before and kept chilled.
    • Simnel cake – This keeps for several days wrapped tightly, making it ideal if you want to bake earlier in the week.

    Planning ahead leaves you free to focus on your table and guests.

    Easter Baking Ideas: Frequently Asked Questions

    What are traditional Easter baking ideas?

    Traditional Easter baking includes simnel cake, hot cross buns and marzipan topped fruit cakes. Modern variations often include chocolate egg based desserts.

    Can I make Easter desserts ahead of time?

    Yes. Cheesecakes and brownies are ideal for preparing the day before. Simnel cake can be baked several days in advance.

    What makes a bake feel Easter themed?

    Chocolate eggs, marzipan, spring flavours and subtle pastel decoration all signal Easter without needing heavy themed decorations.

    Easter Baking Ideas That Feels Seasonal, Not Overdone

    The best Easter baking ideas feel recognisable but not exaggerated:

    1. A little chocolate nostalgia.
    2. A nod to tradition.
    3. A fresh spring table to sit around.

    You don’t need everything piled high with decorations. Just choose one recipe, bake it properly, and serve it simply!

    If you’re planning the wider celebration, you’ll find everything gathered in my Easter guide.

    And for more relaxed seasonal hosting inspiration throughout the year, explore the Food & Entertaining collection where gatherings are designed to feel manageable rather than overwhelming.

  • Easy Valentine’s Desserts That Feel Special

    Easy Valentine’s Desserts That Feel Special

    Valentine’s desserts can feel like a lot. Overly elaborate recipes, heart-shaped moulds you’ll never use again (!), and the sense that if you’re not piping chocolate or tempering something, you’ve somehow missed the point.

    But just like decorating, I think desserts work best when they feel intentional rather than overdone. Plus, let’s be honest…how many of us have the time to temper chocolate?!

    A good Valentine’s dessert doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to feel a little indulgent, a little thoughtful, and different enough from an average weekday pudding (that’s if you’re lucky enough to have pudding every day of the week!) to mark the occasion.

    These are the kinds of Valentine’s desserts I come back to. Simple, comforting options that feel special without taking over your evening. And they’re even nicer when served on a softly styled table, like the look I shared in my subtle Valentine’s decor ideas.

    Chocolate is a classic for a reason

    Chocolate brownie dessert pots with raspberries, strawberries, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream
    Rich chocolate brownie dessert pots served with berries, cream and vanilla ice cream.

    Chocolate is deeply tied to Valentine’s for a reason – and I’m a notorious chocoholic. It works, it’s familiar, and it instantly feels like a treat.

    Brownies, chocolate pots and soft-centred puddings all fall into that sweet spot where effort feels worthwhile but not exhausting. Even a good-quality shop-bought dessert can feel elevated when it’s plated properly and served with something fresh alongside.

    But if you want to try something simple yourself, why not give these a go?

    Easy Valentine’s dessert 1: Chocolate brownie dessert pots

    These are rich, comforting and forgiving, and they work just as well for two people as they do for a small group.

    Equipment

    Ingredients (serves 2 generously or 4 small portions)

    To serve (optional):

    • Double cream or vanilla ice cream
    • Fresh red berries

    Method

    1. Heat the oven to 170°C fan.
    2. Melt the chocolate and butter together gently until smooth (if using a saucepan, make sure to use a bain-marie), then leave to cool slightly.
    3. Stir in the sugar, followed by the eggs one at a time, mixing until glossy.
    4. Fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
    5. Divide the mixture between small ovenproof ramekins, filling each about two thirds full.
    6. Place on a baking tray and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The tops should look set, but the centres should still feel soft when gently pressed.
    7. Leave to rest for a few minutes before serving.

    These are intentionally soft in the middle. Slight underbaking is part of the charm, and if you’re anything like me, the gooier, the better.

    To add the Valentine’s touch, why not dress with some fresh strawberries or raspberries? (or any red berries of your choice!)

    Small portions make everything feel more considered for easy Valentine’s desserts

    No-bake vanilla cheesecake dessert cups topped with raspberries and chocolate shavings
    Simple no-bake vanilla cheesecakes finished with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings.

    One of the easiest ways to make dessert feel elevated is to keep portions on the smaller side (if that’s something you can manage, I’m a dessert queen and could eat doubles!) But individual desserts feel thoughtful and allow you to enjoy something rich without it becoming heavy.

    This is especially nice if you’re cooking together or preparing dessert earlier in the day. It feels calmer and takes away the stress before the celebration itself.

    Easy Valentine’s dessert 2: No-bake vanilla cheesecake for two

    Any type of cheesecake is my absolute favourite! This is a reliable, make-ahead dessert that sets softly and works beautifully in glasses or small dishes.

    Equipment

    Ingredients (serves 2)

    • 75g digestive biscuits
    • 35g unsalted butter, melted
    • 200g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
    • 75ml double cream
    • 40g icing sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    To finish:

    • Fresh berries, chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

    Method

    1. Crush the biscuits finely and mix with the melted butter.
    2. Press into the base of two dessert glasses or small bowls and chill for 15 minutes.
    3. Whip the cream to soft peaks.
    4. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla until smooth.
    5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
    6. Spoon over the bases, smooth the tops and chill for at least one hour.

    This cheesecake is designed to be soft and spoonable rather than firm.

    Just like with the brownie pots, why not cut the sweetness of the cheesecake and add the Valentine’s edge with some fresh red berries? (strawberries or raspberries are the obvious choice, but you can pick any you fancy!) You could also try some grated dark chocolate, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder if you want to add a chocolatey kick.

    Buy it, then spruce it up for an easy Valentine’s dessert

    Chocolate-dipped strawberries and heart-shaped biscuits topped with nuts and freeze-dried berries
    Chocolate-dipped strawberries and heart-shaped biscuits, perfect for a relaxed Valentine’s dessert.

    Let’s be honest, most of us are short on time leading busy lives, and not everything needs to be homemade. Valentine’s is about atmosphere as much as effort, and a shop-bought dessert can work beautifully with a little thought.

    Brownies, chilled desserts, or a box of good chocolates feel completely different when plated properly, served with fresh fruit, or finished with a dusting of icing sugar.

    It’s a lovely option if dessert is the final part of the evening and you don’t want to be clearing the kitchen while candles burn in the background. You can also have fun with your partner creating it together if you wish!

    Easy Valentine’s dessert 3: Chocolate-dipped strawberries and biscuits

    This is more of an assemble-and-enjoy dessert, and it works perfectly for a relaxed evening.

    Equipment

    • A heatproof bowl
    • A saucepan or microwave (for melting the chocolate)
    • A spoon or fork for dipping
    • Baking paper or a reusable silicone mat
    • A plate or tray for setting

    Ingredients

    • 150g milk or dark chocolate
    • Fresh strawberries
    • Plain biscuits or shortbread
    • Optional toppings such as chopped nuts or freeze-dried berries

    Method

    1. Melt the chocolate gently until smooth – don’t forget the bain-marie method if you’re using a saucepan.
    2. Dip the strawberries and biscuits into the chocolate, letting any excess drip off.
    3. Sprinkle with toppings if using.
    4. Leave to set on baking paper in the fridge.

    Pile everything onto a plate and just help yourselves!

    Easy Valentine’s desserts as part of the evening, not a performance

    Some of the nicest Valentine’s desserts are very low-key. Warm brownies eaten on the sofa. Cheesecake made earlier in the day. Chocolate shared between courses rather than saved for the end.

    Dessert doesn’t need to be the centrepiece of the evening. It just needs to fit the mood you’re creating.

    Candles lit, music playing, and something sweet that feels comforting rather than impressive often wins every time.

    Some of these also double as sweet little presents, alongside the ideas in my Valentine’s gift guide.

    How I like to do easy Valentine’s desserts

    For me, the best Valentine’s desserts are comforting rather than flashy. Chocolate-heavy, easy to prepare, and enjoyable without too much fuss.

    Some years that means baking, and having fun prepping with your partner (or for your partner!) Other years it means buying something good and focusing on how it’s served. Either way, it’s about choosing something that fits the evening rather than forcing the evening to revolve around dessert.

    A little indulgence, done well, is more than enough.

    A selection of easy Valentine’s desserts including chocolate brownie pots, no-bake cheesecakes and chocolate-dipped strawberries
    A selection of simple Valentine’s desserts designed to be shared and enjoyed.

    More Valentine’s ideas to explore

    If you’d like a little more Valentine’s inspiration, you’ll find my full Valentine’s Day Guide brings together decorating, food and simple ways to mark the season without going over the top.

    For more easy, relaxed recipes you can return to beyond Valentine’s, the Food and Entertaining section has plenty of everyday ideas designed to feel special without being complicated. You’ll also love my relaxed Mother’s Day menu you can prep ahead.