Passover, a significant Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ liberation from Egyptian slavery, is a time for reflection, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food.
While the focus often lies on the traditional Seder meal with its symbolic dishes, Passover desserts hold a special place on the table.
From light and airy flourless cakes to decadent chocolate treats, these sweets add a touch of sweetness to the holiday festivities.
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
This cheesecake is fluffy, fruity, and gosh-darn beautiful. The pink color is sure to stand out on your holiday table. To make the crust, Passover-approved, swap the graham crackers for crushed Passover cookies or a press-in nut crust instead.
Get the No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake recipe.
Chocolate Mousse
A thick, decadent chocolate mousse looks even fancier when served in a wine or champagne glass. Of course, you can use any regular cup or bowl if you’re serving it during the week.
Get the Chocolate Mousse recipe.
Panna Cotta
This vanilla custard-like treat might look elegant but it’s surprisingly easy to make. You can even make it ahead, along with the raspberry sauce on the side. Before you begin, look for gelatin that’s labelled as kosher for Passover.
Get the Panna Cotta recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
This retro salad is making a comeback—and for good reason! It’s a sweet way to enjoy fruit salad with the addition of fluffy marshmallows and crunchy coconut flakes. Just be sure to use kosher powdered sugar when you make it.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
Strawberry Pavlova
A pavlova is basically like a giant, over-the-top meringue cookie! It’s topped with fluffy whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries, making it perfect for spring. Those who don’t use cornstarch on Passover can check out the many cornstarch substitutes.
Get the Strawberry Pavlova recipe.
Air Fryer Coconut Macaroons
These are the perfect bite-size treat for any time of day—feel free to skip the chocolate if you want to keep them less sweet. For a pink, raspberry version, smash 1/4 cup fresh raspberries into the foamy egg white mixture with a fork and then toss in the coconut.
Get the Air Fryer Coconut Macaroons recipe.
Chocolate Mousse
In our minds, chocolate mousse is pretty much a super-airy pudding. The chocolate flavor needs to be really strong, and the texture needs to be pillowy and smooth. We’ve included a few different ways to achieve these—just avoid the gelatin one, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious Passover dessert in no time!
Get the Chocolate Mousse recipe.
Honey-Roasted Pears
Lusciously glazed with honey, these roasted pears showcase elegant flecks of vanilla bean and are finished with colorful lemon zest and a dusting of fresh thyme. They can be served on their own for a light bite to satisfy a sweet tooth, or—our favorite—as a complete dessert, with a scoop of cool and creamy, like vanilla ice cream or sweetened Greek yogurt.
Get the Honey-Roasted Pears recipe.
Matzo Magic Bars
If you’ve ever had magic bars (aka seven-layer bars), you know a great dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. These matzo-based bars are a genius play on the no-fuss sweet à la cookbook author Molly Yeh, and they’re the perfect Passover dessert when you don’t have time to make coconut macaroons.
Get the Matzo Magic Bars recipe.
Easy Sorbet
No ice cream maker? No problem! We’ve included a traditional recipe and a no-churn recipe. A churned sorbet will be smoother and creamier than a no-churn one, but the no-churn sorbet is every bit as refreshing.
Get the Easy Sorbet recipe.
Pavlova Cupcakes With Raspberry Sauce
Pavlovas have a crispy exterior with a soft, marshmallow-like interior, and these mini ones made into cupcakes are ideal for serving to guests. Dollop with a little homemade whipped cream and raspberry sauce for the perfect bite.
Passover desserts offer a delightful way to celebrate this important holiday while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Whether you’re craving a classic flourless chocolate cake, a refreshing sorbet, or a unique twist on traditional treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, gather your loved ones, indulge in these delicious creations, and create lasting memories around the Passover table.