Easter in Germany is packed with unique and fun family-focused foods and traditions to celebrate new beginnings and the arrival of spring. Growing up in Germany, I always loved this bright and cheery holiday so much, especially after long, wet and dark winters. And now I love sharing the same Easter traditions like decorating eggs for an Osterstrauch and hiding (real!) eggs and all these German Easter recipes with my kids.
So whether you're hosting a big Easter brunch, planning a classic Easter dinner, or just looking for a few seasonal baking projects, I know you will find something new (and German) to try here!
These recipes come straight from my kitchen, where I have perfected them over the last 10 years and are inspired by my memories of how I celebrated Easter in Germany as a child.
You'll find a mix of sweet and savory recipes, including the traditional Easter bread, a couple of my favorite Easter cakes, a few Easter brunch ideas, and family favorite side dishes.
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Easter Baking & Cakes
Osterkranz (German Easter bread with decorated eggs)
In Germany, Osterkranz (meaning Easter wreath) is a festive and symbolic, barely sweet yeast bread shaped into a wreath and topped with dyed Easter eggs. Easter bread is perfect for gifting or as a stunning centerpiece on your Easter brunch table! We love topping it with butter and jam or we simply eat it on its own as a snack.
Osterlamm (German Easter lamb cake)
Isn't this Easter lamb cake just the cutest, edible Easter centerpiece? The Osterlamm cake is traditionally baked in a lamb-shaped mold and dusted with powdered sugar. It's simple, moist, and fluffy with a hint of lemon. Because it's so simple, it's especially popular with kids. The lamb serves as a meaningful nod to spring rebirth and renewal.
Rüblikuchen (Swiss carrot cake)
My Swiss carrot cake is naturally gluten-free and packed with ground hazelnuts (which is my unique twist on this cake) and loads of carrots. Rüblikuchen is moist and nutty, and not too sweet. The tart and sweet whipped cream cheese frosting is the perfect finishing touch.
Eierlikör gugelhupf (egg liqueur bundt cake)
This egg liqueur bundt cake is moist, subtly boozy, and made with Eierlikör, a German egg liqueur. This super easy cake is perfect for Easter and a hit with adults. It also keeps really well and the pastel yellow color will look perfect on your Easter table.
German pastries (Plunderteilchen)
Create some German pastries of your dreams (I even teach an online pastry baking course on how to make a few of my favorite Plunderteilchen), serve with a simple fruit salad and that's all you really need post Easter egg hunt!
German strawberry cake (Erdbeerboden)
This strawberry cake is a classic German spring dessert. The sponge base, vanilla pudding layer, and glazed strawberries work together to bring you a refreshing treat that's not too sweet and perfect for brunch, afternoon cake and coffee (a fun German tradition) or dessert.
Apfelmuskuchen (German applesauce cake)
This simple applesauce cake is wonderfully moist, easy and crazy delicious! I make it using my chunky homemade applesauce. Use a bunny-shaped cake pan to make it like I did to bring extra Easter flair to your table. Kids and adults love this one!
Easter Brunch Recipes
Easy egg salad (with a twist!)
My German egg salad is super easy to make, creamy and quick, and perfect for repurposing dyed Easter eggs. Serve on fresh baked bread or Brötchen or with baguette rounds.
Baked ham wrapped in bread
Easter would be the perfect occasion to create this show-stopping savory centerpiece that's both hearty and festive. This ham recipe features a juicy ham encased in the most delicious German bread dough and is a fun and unexpected twist perfect for Easter brunch or dinner. Serve it with my creamy horseradish sauce to put it over the top!
Easter Dinner Ideas & Sides
Spargelsuppe (creamy white asparagus soup)
This creamy asparagus soup is a silky and delicate soup made from white asparagus, Germany's white gold. It's a perfect starter for your Easter dinner or brunch. It highlights the gentle sweetness of Spargel and pairs beautifully with crusty German potato bread.
Oma's German potato salad (cremiger Kartoffelsalat)
Creamy and tangy with pickles, mayo and mustard, my Oma's creamy potato salad is a must-have Easter sides recipe that pairs with almost anything from ham to grilled goods like Bratwurst and my favorite grilled pork chops (Schwenkbraten).
Whether you're looking for new Easter recipes to try this year or keeping traditions alive with loved ones, these 11 dishes bring together the best of German Easter baking, savory sides, and spring produce. I hope they bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine!
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Frequently Asked Questions About German Easter Recipes
What are traditional German Easter foods?
Traditional Easter foods in Germany often include white asparagus (Spargel), ham, boiled eggs, lamb cake (Osterlamm), and festive breads like Osterzopf. These dishes celebrate spring ingredients and symbolize renewal and rebirth.
What do Germans eat on Easter Sunday?
Many German families enjoy a big Easter brunch or Easter Sunday dinner. And in case you didn't know, Germans also celebrate the next day as a national holiday, Easter Monday. Common foods include dishes with white asparagus, potato salad, ham, egg-based dishes, and a variety of baked goods such as Gugelhupf, lamb-shaped cakes, and carrot cake.
What is Osterkranz and why is it special?
Osterkranz is a braided sweet yeast bread shaped into a circular wreath, often decorated with dyed Easter eggs nestled in the middle. The German Easter bread symbolizes new life and unity, making it a beautiful and meaningful centerpiece for Easter brunch.
Can I prepare any of these recipes ahead of time?
Yes! Cakes like Rüblikuchen and Eierlikör Gugelhupf actually taste better the next day. Potato salad and egg salad can be made in advance, and Osterzopf can be baked the day before and gently reheated if desired.
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I hope you love these German Easter recipes as much as we do! Are there any of your favorites that I missed?