Traditional Easter and Passover Desserts from Around the World

Easter and Passover is a time of celebration, reflection, and, of course, indulgence in delicious confections. Across the globe, different cultures have unique traditional desserts for these special times. Each holiday and its treats have deep-rooted symbolism and centuries of history. From delicate pastries to rich, spiced breads, let’s explore some of the most beloved confections for these holidays from around the world.

Italy

Colomba di Pasqua for Easter

A staple Easter dessert in Italy, Colomba di Pasqua (Easter Dove Bread) is a sweet, yeasted bread similar to Panettone but shaped like a dove. The bread is made with flour, eggs, butter, and candied orange peel, then topped with pearl sugar and almonds.

Why It’s Special: The dove shape symbolizes peace and resurrection, making it a fitting Easter treat.

Almond Cookies (Amaretti di Pesach) – For Passover

These chewy cookies are made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar—perfect for Passover since they’re naturally flourless and kosher.
Flavor Profile: Nutty, sweet, sometimes flavored with citrus or cinnamon.

Middle Eastern Countries

Sephardic Charoset Variations for Passover

While charoset is technically part of the Seder plate, Sephardic versions often resemble a dessert with dates, figs, raisins, nuts, and sometimes with orange blossom water sweet spices blended into a thick paste. Some are rolled into balls or used as fillings for pastries.

Where: Morocco, Iraq, Iran, and other Middle Eastern countries.
Flavor Profile: Sweet, spiced, often sticky and fruity.

Photo Source: Serious Eats / Fred Hardy

Photo Source : Fresh Pressed Olive Oil.

Ma’amoul (معمول) For Easter

A buttery semolina or flour cookie filled with dates, walnuts, or pistachios. It’s a quintessential Easter treat made in the days leading up to the holiday. The intricate mold patterns make them beautiful and celebratory.

Where: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine.

United Kingdom

Hot Cross Buns for Easter

These lightly spiced, yeasted buns are dotted with currants or raisins and marked with a symbolic cross often made with apricot jam on top. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, Hot Cross Buns are believed to bring good luck.

Fun Fact: An old superstition claims that sharing a Hot Cross Bun with a friend ensures your friendship will last the whole year!

Coconut Macaroons for Passover

Chewy, sweet, and naturally flourless, coconut macaroons are a staple of Passover dessert tables. They can be dipped in chocolate for an extra indulgent touch. Rader Product- Coconut

Pro Tip: Make a batch with different flavorings—vanilla, orange zest, or espresso—to add variety to your spread.

Spain & Latin America

Torrijas for Easter

Similar to French toast, Torrijas are slices of bread soaked in milk, honey, and spices, then fried to golden perfection. Popular in Spain and Latin American countries during Holy Week, they offer a comforting, cinnamon-infused sweetness.

Perfect Pairing: A drizzle of warm honey or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Photosource: Babaganosh

Dulce de Leche Matzah Napoleons (Argentina) – For Passover

A layered dessert using matzah and dulce de leche or coconut milk caramel, chilled and sliced like mille-feuille. Popular In: Argentina and Uruguay, where dulce de leche is king. Sprinkle with coconut or crushed nuts for texture.

Germany

Osterlamm (Easter Lamb Cake)

Osterlamm is a charming Easter cake baked in the shape of a lamb, a symbol of Christ in Christian tradition. The cake is often dusted with powdered sugar or covered in chocolate for an extra festive touch. Suggested Products from Rader you can use:

Why It’s Special: Many families continue the tradition of gifting lamb-shaped cakes to children as part of Easter celebrations.

Final Thoughts

From rich, buttery breads to spiced pastries and chocolate confections, Easter and Passover desserts are a delicious way to honor tradition and enjoy the season of renewal. Whatever you’re baking these treats bring people together in celebration.