Easter Recipes and Food Traditions in the UK

Easter in Britain is a celebration of spring, family, and of course, food. From the first bite of a hot cross bun on Good Friday to the last crumb of Simnel cake on Easter Monday, our tables are filled with dishes that have been enjoyed for generations.

Whether you’re planning a spectacular Sunday roast, a decadent tea spread, or need ideas for using up the leftovers, this roundup brings together the very best British Easter recipes. Expect golden fish pies, rich chocolate puddings, fruity crumbles, and all the trimmings you need to make your Easter weekend deliciously memorable.

Let’s get cooking!

1

Mary Berry Simnel Cake

CAKES AND BAKING | Serves 12 | Prep: overnight | Cook: > 2 hrs

Easter Note: No British Easter is complete without a Simnel Cake. Traditionally baked for Mothering Sunday, it is now a staple on the Easter tea table, topped with 11 marzipan balls representing the faithful apostles (minus Judas).

Recipe >>

2

Sticky Toffee Pudding

DESSERTS | Serves 7 | Prep: 30 – 60 mins | Cook: 10 – 30 mins

Easter Note: While Simnel cake is for tea, this is for the Sunday roast table. Rich, indulgent, and deeply British—serve it steaming hot with plenty of custard after your Easter lamb or turkey.

Check out this recipe

3

Angel Cake

CAKES AND BAKING | Makes 1 cake | Prep: 30-60 mins | Cook: 10-30 mins

Easter Note: Light as air and perfect for spring, this pastel-colored cake is a cheerful centrepiece for an Easter afternoon tea—especially if you have children helping to decorate.

Recipe >>

4

Apricot Bread and Butter Pudding

DESSERTS | Serves 6 | Prep: 10-30 mins | Cook: 30 – 60 mins

Easter Note: A wonderful way to use up any leftover hot cross buns! Simply swap the bread for split buns and add a pinch of mixed spice for an instant Easter twist.

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5

Sausage Rolls

SNACKS & PARTY FOOD | Serves 8 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Cook: 21-30 mins

Easter Note: Essential finger food for the Easter weekend buffet. Whether it's a Friday lunch or a Saturday gathering, these are always the first thing to disappear from the plate.

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6

Chocolate Self-Saucing Pudding

DESSERTS | Serves 4 | Prep: 10-30 mins | Cook: 30 – 60 mins

Easter Note: Because Easter is about chocolate—but sometimes you want it warm, pudgy, and swimming in its own sauce. A guaranteed hit with the kids (and the grown-ups).

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7

Creamy Custard

DESSERTS | Serves 6 | Prep: 1 – 10 mins | Cook: 1 – 10 mins

Easter Note: The essential companion. Pour this generously over your Easter pudding, crumble, or try it boozy-style with our Scottish Whisky Custard version—perfect for the adults at the table

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8

Cranachan

DESSERTS | Serves 4 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Chill: 3 hrs

Easter Note: A Scottish celebration dessert made for spring. Layers of whipped cream, honey, raspberries, toasted oats, and a dram of whisky—no baking required and it feels incredibly special.

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9

Cornish Fish Pie

MAIN COURSE | Serves 8 | Prep: 1 – 10 mins | Cook: 60 – 90 mins

Easter Note: Traditionally eaten on Good Friday when many families still avoid meat. This creamy, comforting pie is the perfect centrepiece for the first feast of the Easter weekend.

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10

Gooseberry and Rhubarb Crumble

DESSERTS | Serves 6 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Cook: 10-30 mins

Easter Note: Gooseberries and rhubarb are the first fruits of the British spring. A sharp, sweet crumble is the perfect way to welcome the new season's harvest to your table.

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11

Coronation Chicken

SANDWICHES & SALADS | Serves 6 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Cook: 0 mins

Easter Note: The best way to use up your Sunday roast leftovers. Pile it into sandwiches for an Easter Monday picnic or pack into a hollowed-out loaf for a buffet centrepiece.

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12

Soda Bread Scones

CAKES AND BAKING | Makes 8 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Cook: 10-30 mins

Easter Note: Not just for St. Patrick's Day. These speedy scones require no yeast and come together in minutes—perfect for Easter morning breakfast, served warm with butter and jam.

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13

Roast Turkey with Sage and Onion Stuffing

MAIN COURSE | Serves 8 | Prep: 10-30 mins | Cook: 3-3.5 hrs

Easter Note: A glorious turkey rivals any lamb roast. With crispy skin, sage and onion stuffing, and all the trimmings, it brings that Christmas feeling to your spring celebration.

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14

Scotch Mist

DESSERTS | Serves 6 | Prep: 1-10 mins | Chill: > 20 mins

Easter Note: Think of this as the effortless Scottish cousin to Eton Mess. A simple, dreamy layers of whipped cream, heather honey, toasted almonds, and a generous splash of whisky. No meringue to crush, no fuss—just pure, adult indulgence to end your Easter meal.

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