Easter treats that you can make in advance!

Easter is a time for family, fun and of course delicious treats but let’s be honest nobody wants to spend the entire Easter weekend stuck in the kitchen especially when there are Easter egg hunts to supervise and chocolate to eat. That’s why make ahead Easter treats are an absolute lifesaver. 

Here are some of the best Easter treats you can make ahead of time!

Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are an Easter staple and the good news is they can be made in advance. You can bake them a few days before and store them in an airtight container or even freeze them for up to a month. Simply warm them in the oven or microwave before serving. If you’re feeling fancy brush them with a little honey or apricot jam for that freshly baked shine.

Easter Sugar Cookies

Decorated sugar cookies are a perfect Easter treat and they hold up well when made ahead of time. You can bake and decorate the Easter Sugar Cookies a week in advance and store them in an airtight container. For even longer storage, freeze the undecorated cookies and add the icing closer to Easter for a fresh look.

Chocolate Easter Nests

These adorable treats made with melted chocolate and cornflakes or Shredded Wheat are not only easy to make but also last for days. Easter nests were always my favourite treats to make and eat when I was a child. Simply mix the cereal with melted chocolate, shape into nests and pop them in the fridge to set. Once hardened add mini eggs for decoration. Store them in an airtight container for up to a week.

Simnel Cake

Simnel cake, a fruitcake with layers of marzipan is traditionally enjoyed at Easter and is perfect for making ahead. In fact like most fruitcakes it actually tastes better when given time to mature. Make it a week or two before Easter, wrap it well in parchment and foil and store in an airtight tin. You can add the final layer of marzipan decoration just before serving.

No Bake Mini Egg Cheesecake

A creamy, indulgent no bake cheesecake is a great Easter dessert that can be made in advance. Simply prepare the base and filling then let it chill in the fridge overnight or even up to two days. Add toppings such as fresh fruit, Easter eggs, or chocolate shavings just before serving.

Easter Rocky Road

Easter Rocky road is always a crowd pleaser and its make ahead nature makes it even better! Melt chocolate, mix in mini marshmallows, biscuits, and mini eggs, then let it set in the fridge. You can prepare it up to a week before and keep it in an airtight container for a fuss free Easter treat.

Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a moist and flavourful cake that actually improves after a day or two. Bake it a few days before Easter, store it in the fridge and frost it with cream cheese icing just before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for longer storage.

Fudge or Chocolate Bark

Both fudge and chocolate bark are perfect for making ahead because they store well in the fridge or even at room temperature in an airtight container. Mix in some Easter themed sprinkles, mini eggs, or crushed biscuits for a festive touch. These also make lovely homemade gifts if you're visiting family and friends.

Tips for Storing Your Make Ahead Easter Treats!

Always let baked goods cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Use airtight containers to keep treats fresh.

Freeze items like cakes, buns, and cookies if making them more than a few days in advance.

Add final decorations (like icing or fresh fruit) closer to serving time for the best appearance and texture.

Are you planning on making any Easter treats?