Top 10 Easter cake ideas

1. Easter simnel cake

Celebrate Easter with a truly classic bake. Our simnel cake is packed with dried fruit, spices and mixed peel for a mouthful of delectable flavours. It's topped with 11 marzipan balls to represent the apostles, minus Judas. If you're feeling daring, gently blowtorch the top of the marzipan balls so they turn light golden brown. You can also put it under a hot grill to get the same effect.

For a dairy-free, egg-free version, try our vegan simnel cake, and for more simnel cake recipes, check out our collection. We've got muffins, sharing buns and even a simnel-inspired cocktail to toast the season.

2. Easter nest cake

Chocolate layer cake topped with chocolate mini eggs and creme eggs

Every good chocolate cake deserves a crowning glory, and we've taken this one to the next level. Our decadent chocolate Easter nest cake showcases a satisfyingly crispy pretzel and marshmallow topping. Kids will love getting involved in constructing this 'nest' and filling it with leftover chocolate eggs.

Discover our top 10 ways with mini chocolate eggs for more egg-cellent inspiration, plus check out more of our Easter nest recipes.

3. Carrot patch loaf cake

Carrot loaf cake topped with carrot icing design and cream cheese

Need a break from all the chocolate? Our charming carrot patch cake will pair perfectly with your afternoon cup of tea. Grated carrots and sultanas keep the spiced sponge moist. Top with a thick layer of soft cheese and put your artistic skills to good use by fashioning mini carrots from fondant icing or marzipan.

See more of our carrot cake recipes, including vegan versions and marvellous muffins.

4. Frosted white chocolate Easter cake

This madeira-style cake takes just 10 minutes to prepare before baking. One slice of our frosted white chocolate Easter cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It develops a deliciously dark golden crust as it bakes. Be sure to use full-fat soft cheese for an extra-creamy icing.

Treat yourself to even more white chocolate recipes from our best ever collection.

5. Chocolate & vanilla celebration cake

Multi-layer chocolate cake topped with icing and flowers

If you're looking to impress, this multi-layer marvel is sure to do the trick! Three layers of chocolate sponges are interspersed with velvety vanilla buttercream, then topped with a colourful Easter display.

Perfect for practising your piping skills, this showstopping bake is worth the time it takes to decorate. Yellow buttercream give it a professional finish, along with edible flowers, sugared almonds and mini chocolate eggs. The cooled sponges can be stored for up to three days in an airtight container, so this chocolate & vanilla cake is perfect for making ahead.

Browse our collection of Easter egg cake recipes for more chocolatey inspiration.

6. Lemon drizzle simnel slices

Try a top traybake this Easter in the form of our lemon drizzle simnel slices. Combine two of our favourite classic desserts in one fruity affair. This marvellous mash-up is something a little different for your Easter table.

Get your fill of our favourite lemon drizzle recipes in our ultimate collection.

7. Triple chocolate & peanut butter layer cake

Chocolate and peanut layer cake, topped with chocolate eggs, Pretzels and chocolate shards

Another cake creation that will wow a crowd. If you're up for a challenge, try your hand at this tempting triple-layered sponge. From its creamy peanut butter icing and silky chocolate ganache, to the dark chocolate drip and elaborate pretzel bark garnish, this bake really has it all! Go all out with the decorations, piling on mini chocolate eggs and the impressive-looking chocolate and pretzel bark – it's much easier to make than you'd think!

Use up any extra chocolate or leftover eggs with our Easter chocolate recipes, from brilliant barks to brownie bites.

8. Easter chocolate cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes topped with fondant animal designs

These cute animal-themed Easter cupcakes are hard to say no to. Bake a simple chocolate cupcake base, then get the kids to help with the creative designs. Use fondant icing and marshmallows to fashion a range of friendly characters, including bunnies, chicks and sheep. They are sure to disappear in no time.

Take your pick from more of our best ever Easter cupcake recipes, and try our fun and creative designs. Try these simnel-inspired cherry & almond Easter cupcakes or our spiced hot cross bun cupcakes.

9. Easter traybake

Easter traybake topped with chocolate eggs

Short on time? This simple chocolate traybake takes just over an hour to make, and is a great way to use up leftover Easter chocolate and sweets. A plain chocolate sponge is topped with chocolate fudge icing and the toppings of your choice.

10. Sticky toffee banana bread

Banana bread covered in toffee sauce and banana chips

Banana bread is one of the nation's favourite bakes, and for good reason. We've given this classic loaf a special makeover with the addition of rich toffee sauce, crunchy nut brittle and a banana chip topping. Ideal for an afternoon tea treat or dessert, this flavoursome sticky toffee banana loaf is sure to become a favourite all year round.

Discover more brilliant banana bread recipes from our collection, including chocolate chip banana bread and vegan banana bread.