Easter always brings out my inner kid—the one who still believes in candy-filled surprises, pastel frosting, and desserts that look like they were made by woodland creatures. Cupcakes, especially, turn into little edible art projects this time of year.
I’ve made ones that look like bunny butts, tiny nests, and even blooming tulips. Whether you’re baking for kids, family, or just your own sweet tooth, these cupcakes will make your table (and your taste buds) light up.
1. Bunny Ears Vanilla Cupcakes
Soft vanilla cake hides beneath fluffy white frosting, topped with marshmallow ears dipped in pink sugar. I snip large marshmallows diagonally to get the ear shape just right.
A dusting of coconut gives a fuzzy bunny finish. They always disappear first on the dessert table.
2. Garden Gnome Cupcakes
Imagine a whimsical garden gnome perched atop a cupcake, complete with a red hat and charming smile. These cupcakes are a delightful nod to garden folklore, bringing a playful touch to your Easter celebrations.
The base is a rich chocolate cupcake, topped with a swirl of bright green buttercream that mimics lush garden grass.
3. Robin’s Egg Speckled Cupcakes
A soft blue buttercream swirl is only the beginning. I flick a cocoa-water mixture over the tops using a toothbrush for that speckled eggshell look—messy but satisfying.
A few candy eggs in the center, and suddenly, it looks like spring flew right into your kitchen.
4. Easter Basket Cupcakes With Candy Grass
Licorice ropes make perfect basket handles, but it’s the green-tinted coconut “grass” that steals the show.
I usually pile jellybeans or foil-wrapped eggs on top, though once I used mini marshmallows for a pastel surprise. No matter what you use, they end up looking too cute to bite.
5. Chick Hatching Cupcakes
Frost your cupcake yellow, then press in two eyes, a candy beak, and cracked fondant pieces to mimic a shell. The effect is somewhere between cartoon and storybook.
Lemon cake adds the perfect citrusy zing underneath. You can pipe tiny “feathers” if you’re feeling extra.
6. Pastel Rainbow Swirl Cupcakes
Three shades of buttercream, spooned into one piping bag and swirled together, make a magical multicolor topper. It reminds me of cotton candy skies after an early spring storm.
I stick with classic vanilla cake underneath to let the frosting shine. A dusting of edible glitter never hurts.
7. Peeps Marshmallow Topped Cupcakes
There’s no subtlety here—just a bold swirl of frosting and one neon marshmallow chick or bunny on top. Some people groan, but secretly? They love it.
These scream Easter in the loudest, pinkest way possible, and that’s exactly why I bake them.
8. Mini Egg Surprise Inside Cupcakes
You bite in, and—surprise!—a candy egg is hiding in the center. I hollow out a bit after baking, drop in the egg, then frost as usual. It’s like a mini treasure hunt in dessert form.
Chocolate cake pairs best with the sweet candy shell crunch.
9. Cross Cupcakes With Buttercream Flowers
Simple crosses piped over soft green frosting, surrounded by tiny pastel flowers, it’s a peaceful design that fits well on an Easter brunch table.
I use a fine tip for the detail work. Almond cake underneath gives it a delicate touch that’s not too sweet.
10. Coconut Nest Cupcakes
Toasted coconut plus a few candy eggs creates a rustic bird’s nest right on top of the frosting. Chocolate cake works beautifully here—it mimics the dark nest color and complements the crunch.
These always remind me of little forest scenes from picture books.
11. Lemon Chick Cupcakes
Bright lemon cake and zingy frosting pair with candy eyes and an orange beak to make a chirpy little chick face.
I press in sprinkles for feather texture and sometimes pipe little wings on the sides. Light, fun, and full of personality.
12. Lamb Face Cupcakes
White frosting piped in tight spirals makes the fluffiest little wool coat. Add candy eyes, a tiny pink nose, and marshmallow ears, and suddenly you’ve got a whole flock.
Vanilla or coconut cake fits the theme. These are a favorite with younger kids.
13. Tulip Petal Cupcakes
Petal tips help you layer buttercream to resemble blooming tulips in every shade of spring. The trick is using just enough pressure to give each petal movement.
I’ve made these with lemon, almond, and lavender cake bases—anything floral pairs well with the look.
14. Bunny Butt Cupcakes
From behind, of course! A round mound of frosting makes the bunny’s body, while fondant feet and a mini marshmallow tail complete the illusion.
Chocolate cake underneath gives it that “burrowing in dirt” feel. Silly, but always a crowd-pleaser.
15. Spring Garden Cupcakes With Candy Carrots
Little piped leaves, candy carrots, and chocolate “dirt” on top turn these into garden plots you can eat. I once added edible flowers and couldn’t stop smiling.
Carrot cake is the obvious match here, but spice cake works great too.
16. Butterfly Topped Cupcakes
Make delicate wings out of melted candy melts or use store-bought wafer butterflies. I like piping a simple swirl of frosting in soft colors, then setting the butterfly on top like it just landed.
Light and airy flavors like strawberry or vanilla feel right.
17. Jellybean Flower Cupcakes
Arrange jellybeans in a ring for petals, then place a single yellow one in the center to finish the bloom.
It’s simple enough for kids to help with and looks incredibly cute when grouped together. White cake or funfetti works best so the colors pop.
18. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Nest Cupcakes
Dip strawberries in melted chocolate, let them cool, then set them on top of piped chocolate frosting “twigs.” I build the nest with a star tip and finish with pastel sprinkles.
Beneath it all? A rich, moist chocolate cupcake that ties everything together.
19. Cadbury Creme Egg-Filled Cupcakes
Bake a full-size creme egg inside each cupcake, and you’ve got a gooey, decadent center that surprises every time.
I keep the frosting minimal. Just a swirl of chocolate buttercream or whipped ganache. One of these is enough to satisfy any Easter sweet craving.
20. Glittery Sugar Sprinkle Cupcakes
Frost in soft pastel shades, roll gently in sparkling sanding sugar, and they shimmer like Easter eggs in the sun.
I’ve made these in pink, blue, lavender, and mint. All are equally charming. Great for when you want something simple, pretty, and fast.