As a baker, I look forward to spring flavors every year, and this year the longing was intense! I was yearning to leave winter recipes behind and embrace all the light and bright flavors of spring. I bake a lot of cakes, and there happen to be plenty of holidays and occasions during the spring season that call for a cake. But there’s a whole array of incredibly tasty desserts that work well with the fresh flavors of spring, and I often have to remind myself to branch out and enjoy those too.
Even if you aren’t celebrating anything in particular or you’re looking for fun baking projects to whip up this season, I’ve rounded up some of our best desserts for your confectionery needs. We’ve got a cobbler, a couple of extra-delicious pies, sandwich cookies, fruity tarts, and whoopie pies, all of which are excellent ways to take advantage of the season’s freshest gifts. So many spring berries and fruits lend themselves well to dreamy fillings and delightful flavor combinations (I’m looking at you, strawberry-rhubarb), and I, personally, can’t wait to bake up as many sweet treats as I can this season.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Biscuit Cobbler
Spring brings fresh gems like strawberries and rhubarb. These two flavors together are a seasonal classic—they’re great together in everything from cakes to galettes to cobblers: sweet, jammy berries and bright, tangy rhubarb for a filling that bubbles into glossy perfection in the oven. This cobbler is topped with buttery biscuit rounds and is served warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful spring treat. Make this for Mother’s Day or after picking a fresh basket of berries at a U-pick farm.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Rhubarb Biscuit Cobbler.
Honey Lemon Cheesecake
This luscious cheesecake comes to us from The Antique Sandwich Co. in Tacoma, WA. In 1973, Arlene Herridge opened an antiques shop in a former grocery store. To keep shoppers satiated, Arlene’s daughter, Tamie, and her daughter-in-law, Shirley, started selling sandwiches in the back. More than 50 years later, the nostalgic spot is better known for its delicious food options than vintage, and this creamy signature sweet is still one honey of a find. Flavored with tons of fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and sweet honey, this cheesecake is a rich treat for any spring occasion.
Get the recipe for Honey Lemon Cheesecake.
Flower Fruit Tarts
What could be better than polishing off a spring garden party or Sunday brunch with adorable flower tarts? All you need is your favorite pie dough (homemade or store-bought) and mini muffin tins. The flower shapes are pressed into the muffin tin so that the petals are flat against the pan, making a perfectly shaped flower cup! Here we’ve used lemon curd and raspberry jam, but feel free to fill them with whatever fruity jams and preserves you’d like.
Get the recipe for Flower Fruit Tarts.
Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies
We love carrot cake around Easter time, and you can enjoy them in a myriad of delicious ways that aren’t just roasted or in a salad. We love carrot cake around Easter time, but in our opinion, carrots are one of spring’s best crops. So why not enjoy carrot cake flavored treat all season long too? This cookie dough is easy to whip up and is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, plus pecans and finely grated carrot. With luscious cream cheese frosting sandwiched in the middle, they’re a great way to use up those carrots you picked up at the farmers’ market.
Get the recipe for Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies.
Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie
This isn’t your average pie, mainly because the crust is essentially a basket of crunchy and marshmallowy meringue. This classic midcentury American dessert is, as Jocelyn Delk Adams puts it, "like a reverse lemon meringue pie." Instead of a traditional crust, the sweet meringue, baked until crispy, takes its place. It’s light, it’s sweet, and it’s also a great gluten-free bake. It’s filled with sweet-tart lemon filling and then topped with freshly whipped cream and a pile of macerated strawberries.
Get the recipe for Strawberry-Lemonade Angel Pie.
Double-Strawberry Pie
Another pie we absolutely love to make as soon as strawberries are in season is this Double-Strawberry Pie. You can find this pie at Sugaree's Bakery in New Albany, Mississippi, but they’ve shared the recipe with us so you can also bake one up for yourself. Bursting with strawberry flavor and an almost too-flaky crust, this old-school recipe features a jammy strawberry purée with whole strawberries stirred in. Once baked, it’s topped with a pile of fresh whipped cream.
Get the recipe for Double-Strawberry Pie with Classic Crust.
Lemon Tart
Sometimes a delicious dessert doesn’t have to be fancy. This simple Lemon Tart is an elegant way to round out a meal or the perfect thing to serve with a cup of tea on a spring afternoon. It starts with a simple tart crust, and the filling is easily whisked together. To jazz it up a little, serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries. Whip this up for a brunch, a spring party, or an average weekend afternoon.
Get the recipe for Lemon Tart.
Blueberry Whoopie Pies
Imagine soft and tender cookies studded with blueberries with dreamy mascarpone filling sandwiched between. Well you don’t have to only imagine it because you can make these fun whoopie pies yourself! Berries and cream are a classic warmer weather dessert, and these little pies are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic pairing. They’re a tasty sweet treat for a picnic, an easy and simple dessert after a spring dinner, or the perfect sweet bite to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
