Food
Easter Around the Table: A Global Tour of Traditional Treats
As the world celebrates Easter in its own unique ways, one thing is nearly universal: the joy of sharing delicious food. From sweet breads to seasonal desserts, every culture brings something special to the table. Whether you’re planning a brunch, preparing a feast, or simply love learning about food traditions, here’s a flavourful look at iconic Easter dishes enjoyed across the globe.
Easter Cake Pops – Fun for All Ages
Easter egg cake pops are not only adorable but also easy to make. Use a boxed cake mix, dip them in candy melts, and decorate with pastel sprinkles and mini candies. These are perfect for kids, but adults won’t resist them either.
Colourful Easter Cupcakes – A Festive Finale
If one dessert isn’t enough, why not add Easter-themed cupcakes to your spread? Decorated with candy eggs, jelly beans, and vibrant sprinkles, these cupcakes bring colour and joy to your celebration. They’re fun to make, even more fun to eat, and a guaranteed hit at any party.
Simnel Cake – A Slice of British Tradition
In the United Kingdom, Easter often comes with a slice of Simnel Cake. This fruit-filled, spiced dessert is similar to a holiday fruitcake and is topped with a layer of marzipan. Traditionally, 11 or 12 marzipan balls decorate the top, symbolizing the apostles (Judas is usually excluded). It’s a delicious blend of flavour and symbolism.
Pulla – Finland’s Fragrant Bread
Pulla is a lightly sweet, buttery bread seasoned with cardamom and finished with pearl sugar. Popular during celebrations in Finland, this golden loaf is ideal for Easter brunch. Its warm aroma and soft texture make it a comforting treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.
Polish Babka – Swirls of Celebration
This rich, yeast-based bread is a must-have in many Polish households during Easter. Babka features chocolate or cinnamon swirls and is often part of the traditional święconka basket — a collection of foods blessed on Holy Saturday. With its soft layers and beautiful design, it’s both a spiritual and culinary centerpiece.
Torrijas – Spain’s Sweet Toast
Spain brings its own twist on French toast with Torrijas. Made from stale bread soaked in milk, sweetened, and then fried, this dish is especially popular during Holy Week. Often finished with cinnamon or honey, Torrijas are the perfect mix of crispy, soft, and sweet.
Carrot Cake – An American Easter Essential
In the U.S., carrot cake is synonymous with Easter. Moist, spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, this dessert is as comforting as it is celebratory. Whether served as cupcakes or a full-layer cake, it’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.
Rosquillas – Spanish Easter Doughnuts
Rosquillas de Semana Santa are traditional Easter doughnuts in Spain. Unlike yeasted doughnuts, these are cake-like in texture and coated in sugar. Light, sweet, and perfect with coffee, they’re a staple of springtime celebrations.
Hot Cross Buns – Ancient Symbolism in a Bun
With roots dating back to ancient times, hot cross buns are now enjoyed widely in places like England, Australia, and New Zealand. These spiced buns, marked with a cross, are often exchanged as gifts. Folklore says sharing one ensures friendship for life.
Spanakopita – Greek Easter Savory
This classic spinach pie is a staple in Greek households during Easter. Made with flaky phyllo pastry and filled with spinach, scallions, and herbs, spanakopita is hearty, flavourful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It’s a fresh and savoury balance to sweet holiday dishes.
Easter Bread – Braided Beauty Across Cultures
Braided Easter breads are common across Europe and beyond. Often baked with colourful eggs nestled in the braids, these loaves are symbolic of rebirth and the Holy Trinity. Sweet, festive, and full of tradition, they’re a beautiful addition to any Easter table.
Paska – A Central & Eastern European Delight
Paska bread is a deeply meaningful part of Easter celebrations throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Braided and sometimes elaborately decorated, it’s enjoyed with butter, jam, or hrudka — a traditional sweet cheese curd. Leftovers? Perfect for making unforgettable French toast.
A Feast of Traditions
Easter is more than a single dish or dessert, it’s a celebration of heritage, flavour, and community. From sweet to savoury, these traditional recipes bring together generations and cultures in the most delicious way possible.
So whether you’re baking something new or sticking with your family’s go-to favourite, this Easter, celebrate with love — and a plate full of tradition.
