Proper Prospective

Easter Dinner Ideas Desserts

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using).
  4. Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet ingredients until smooth.
  5. Divide batter between pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely.
  6. For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  7. Frost and layer the cake, then decorate as desired.

Lemon Tarts

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tbsp cold water

Lemon Filling:

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a tart pan.
  2. In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Add egg yolks and cold water to form dough.
  3. Press dough into the tart pan and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. For filling, whisk sugar, eggs, lemon juice, zest, and heavy cream. Pour into the crust.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool and refrigerate before serving.
Lemon Bars
Ingredients:

For the crust:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the lemon filling:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust:
  • In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the flour and salt, then mix until a crumbly dough forms.
  • Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, ensuring it reaches the edges and corners.
  • Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  1. Prepare the lemon filling:
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
  • Add the flour and mix until smooth.
  • Stir in the lemon juice and zest until fully incorporated.
  1. Assemble and bake:
  • Pour the lemon filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
  1. Cool and serve:
  • Allow the lemon bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares or rectangles.
  • Dust the tops generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Enjoy your tangy and sweet lemon bars! Perfect for any occasion.Replace selected

Hot Cross Buns

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup raisins or currants

Cross and Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ cup apricot jam (for glaze)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine flour, yeast, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  2. Add warm milk, eggs, and melted butter. Knead until smooth and elastic. Add raisins.
  3. Cover and let dough rise for 1 hour.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Divide dough into 12 buns and place on a baking sheet. Let rise for 30 minutes.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
  6. Mix powdered sugar and milk for the cross. Pipe onto buns. Brush with warmed apricot jam for glaze. Serve warm.

Enjoy your festive Easter desserts!