Spring brings a burst of fresh flavors perfect for sweet treats beyond the typical carrot cake. From tangy citrus to fragrant herbs and berries, these seasonal desserts capture the essence of renewal and growth.
These seventeen springtime sweets will have you celebrating the season with every bite.
1. Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Buttery, crumbly bites of heaven with a zesty lemon punch and delicate floral notes. The lavender isn’t overwhelming – just enough to make your taste buds wonder what that mysterious something-special might be.
Ideal with afternoon tea or as a light after-dinner treat.
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Sweet meets tart in this classic spring marriage of ruby red strawberries and tangy rhubarb. The warm fruit filling bubbles beneath a blanket of crunchy oat topping that’s kissed with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Honey Chamomile Panna Cotta
Silky smooth custard infused with the gentle floral notes of chamomile tea and sweetened with local spring honey. The wobbly, delicate texture melts instantly on your tongue.
Top with fresh berries and a drizzle of additional honey for an elegant dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
4. Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
Forget everything you thought you knew about cake! This Mediterranean-inspired wonder uses fruity olive oil instead of butter for an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
The sweet-tart Meyer lemons add a sophisticated citrus punch that’s more complex than regular lemons. Dust with powdered sugar!
5. Raspberry Mascarpone Tart
Holy mouthwatering masterpiece! A buttery shortbread crust cradles clouds of whipped mascarpone cheese that’s lighter than air yet decadently rich at the same time.
The real showstopper? Those glistening fresh raspberries arranged on top, their sweet-tart flavor perfectly balancing the creamy filling.
6. Earl Grey Tea Cookies With Orange Glaze
Tea time just got a major upgrade! These buttery shortbread-style cookies are infused with the bergamot essence of Earl Grey tea leaves.
The bright orange glaze adds a citrusy pop that perfectly complements the floral tea notes. Small but mighty flavor bombs!
7. Strawberry Basil Sorbet
Who knew herbs belonged in dessert? This ruby-red sorbet combines the sweetness of spring’s first strawberries with the unexpected herbal kick of fresh basil.
The result is refreshingly complex – fruity, sweet, and slightly savory all at once. Dairy-free and impossibly smooth.
8. Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake
Not your grandma’s pound cake! Ricotta cheese creates an incredibly moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days (if it lasts that long).
Bursting with juicy blueberries that pop with sweet-tart flavor in every bite. The lemon zest adds a sunny brightness that cuts through the richness.
9. Rhubarb Custard Bars
Spring’s most underrated vegetable transforms into dessert magic in these layered bars. The bottom shortbread crust provides the perfect buttery foundation for the star attraction.
Pink rhubarb custard filling that’s simultaneously tart, sweet, and creamy. Guaranteed to convert even the most stubborn rhubarb skeptics!
10. Pistachio Rose Water Cake
Transport yourself to a Persian garden with this aromatic wonder! Ground pistachios create a moist, nutty cake with a gorgeous natural green hue – no food coloring needed.
The subtle floral notes from rose water elevate this from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
11. Lemon Thyme Madeleines
These buttery French shell-shaped cookies get a springtime makeover with bright lemon zest and fresh thyme leaves. The herb might sound strange in a sweet treat, but trust me – it’s a game-changer that adds complexity without overwhelming.
The crisp edges give way to tender, cake-like centers.
12. Apricot Almond Galette
Rustic elegance at its finest! This free-form tart features golden apricots nestled in almond frangipane (fancy talk for almond cream) and wrapped in flaky, butter-rich pastry that’s deliberately imperfect.
The apricots turn jammy and intensely flavorful while baking, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty.
13. Coconut Lime Cupcakes
Vacation vibes in cupcake form! These fluffy vanilla cupcakes are infused with lime zest and topped with billowy coconut frosting that’ll transport you straight to the tropics.
The lime curd filling hidden inside each one provides a tangy surprise that cuts through the sweetness.
14. Blackberry Lavender Cheesecake Bars
Move over, boring cheesecake! These sophisticated bars combine the creamy tanginess of classic cheesecake with a blackberry lavender swirl that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect contrast to the smooth filling. Cut into squares for an elegant dessert.
15. Matcha White Chocolate Mousse
Spring green never tasted so good! This airy, cloud-like mousse combines the earthy, grassy notes of premium matcha powder with the sweet creaminess of white chocolate.
The color is completely natural and absolutely Instagram-worthy.
16. Blood Orange Olive Oil Upside-Down Cake
Jaw-dropping gorgeous meets mind-blowing delicious! Thin slices of ruby-red blood oranges caramelize into a stunning mosaic topping that reveals itself when you flip the cake.
The olive oil batter creates an incredibly moist crumb with subtle fruity notes that complement the citrus perfectly. A dollop of whipped crème fraîche will make it a dessert that’s both rustic and refined.
17. Rosemary Honey Ice Cream
Forget vanilla – this sophisticated scoop infuses cream with fresh rosemary sprigs and local spring honey for a flavor that’s both familiar and unexpected.
The herbaceous notes are subtle but transformative. Honey adds depth and complexity you’ll never get from plain sugar.