![Key Lime Cupcakes](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.southernliving.com/thmb/eOH26slHAT4FUBnL6sRAzHkrA20=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Key-Lime-Cupcakes125-2000-bc52444b246344be864a02ce2ba5d60e.jpg)
Easter is one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, but it also marks the official start of spring for many. The pastel filled celebration is full of some of our favorite traditions from finding the perfect dress to going on an egg hunt, but the sweetest memory for most Southerners is most likely the dessert spread enjoyed after Easter lunch. While some of us enjoyed a Bunny Cake or lemon bars, no one can resist a pretty cupcake display on the sideboard. It’s just the treat to polish off a ham or lamb filled meal without being a decadent as a slice of cake.
We’ve pulled some of our most festive cupcakes together for this list from Sunflower Cupcakes to Easter Birds’ Nest Coconut Cupcakes. Regardless of how old you and your guests are, you are sure to appreciate the sweet details on these cakes that are almost too pretty to eat.
If you're intimidated by icing a large cake, these miniature cakes are the perfect place to start mastering the technique. While tiny, cupcakes will make a dramatic impact as a dessert centerpiece.
Camellia Cupcakes
![Camellia Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ORNZUrKn5jGl0vGccq40mYjIQCY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/camellia-cupcakes-f3e54cc961f1424b8a4969962b4e3249.jpg)
Emily Mingledorff
The sweet Southern Camellia is the perfect inspiration for a cupcake. Everyone will be impressed by the cheery decorations on this two-bite sweets.
Carrot Cake Cupcakes
![Southern Living Carrot Cake Cupcakes on a platter to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/4n3ZcNhZzibb97ZRmORMV9Ipiyc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Carrot_Cake_Cupcakes_Batch-60_-Beauty_01-1143e2426f1d49898c4e1c5dc753e788.jpg)
Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster
These cream-cheese frosting-topped carrot cake cupcakes are the perfect dessert to serve alongside your Easter spread. Make both the cupcakes and frosting up to three days ahead—just wait to frost them until you're ready to serve.
Honeybee Cupcakes
![Southern Living Honeybee Cupcakes on a plate to serve, topped with edible flowers and a drizzle of honey](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/JL0X8opNVaep_V07Mxcm0IZrVGE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SouthernLiving27249_HONEY_CUPCAKES_WITH_HONEY_BUTTERCREAM_204-cf3278e6f6bc4a999057a9b7d34f549f.jpg)
Antonis Achilleos; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley; Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall
Everyone will be buzzing about these adorable treats. Honey is the star ingredient, from the batter to the buttercream. It’s used in the cake for both sweetness and the nice golden brown color it lends the sponge.
Black Bottom Cupcakes
![Southern Living Black Bottom Cupcakes on cooling rack](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Ex6-yRGXx5hzzMy8rQV84ZffqgQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Southern-Living-Black_Bottom_Cupcakes_019-cb94003d1f394fffb541bc4120f354a0.jpg)
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
For those of us who are too busy to do a lot of elaborate decorating this Easter, these are a delicious, easy option. They are sure to satisfy adults and children alike with their combination of chocolate cake and cheesecake.
Strawberry-Lemonade Cupcakes
![Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/H98wh871dM_FA0TpwXtj1Fm54jc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Strawberry-Lemonade-Cupcakes-2000-e834c91da2a143409fabdeb42b983012.jpg)
The recipe for these pretty-in-pink cupcakes starts with a box of cake mix, but the results are so spectacular, no one will be the wiser. Garnish with freshly sliced strawberries.
Key Lime Cupcakes
![Key Lime Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eOH26slHAT4FUBnL6sRAzHkrA20=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Key-Lime-Cupcakes125-2000-bc52444b246344be864a02ce2ba5d60e.jpg)
Sunshine takes on a rare and true from in these sand (graham cracker) covered treats. The bright pop of Key Lime adds a lovely touch to this confection.
Mixed Berry Cheesecake Cupcakes
![Cheesecake Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/eIgz7LLRY-qnhmhtxKyjpg3y0cs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/CheeseCakeCupcakes_451-S-2000-ed243924033b43749bf86d9d91e1c450.jpg)
Believe it or not, these cheesecake bites only take 25 minutes of hands on time, which means you have plenty of time to hide Easter eggs and fill those baskets. For topping these treats, you can choose whatever fruit your heart desires.
Sunflower Cupcakes
![Sunflower Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ikOZgtnFFTFknhuJW0RvFfQLJAk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SunflowerCupcakes__657-S-2000-73614acef915455abac51aadfa4e8238.jpg)
For families all about the frosting, these cupcakes are the perfect choice. Just like the flowers, we'll pick the prettiest dessert first, and these are a clear winner.
Lemon Cupcakes With Raspberry Buttercream
![Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberry Buttercream](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7vyAXUaKRl1yhJnoCHV-JheNUxg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sl_seo_lemoncupcakeswithraspberrybuttercreamfrosting29-s-2000-e7aa776379694df38f1c9178fc30acd9.jpg)
Raspberry and lemon are always a winning combination, and our Lemon Cupcakes With Raspberry Buttercream are no exception. The lemon zest in the batter and the fresh raspberry in the frosting make this recipe a new holiday favorite.
Hummingbird Cupcakes With Candied Pineapple Wedges
![Hummingbird Cupcakes with Candied Pineapple Wedges](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gfT6rvJ9975RFCKEbcZ4CjFBWk4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2541102_South_0259_0-2000-3597e872bbd04215908807f14c9068c0.jpg)
Instead of making a whole Hummingbird Cake, you might want to try these small bites instead. The candied pineapple wedges add a finishing touch that's sure to impress your guests.
Easter Birds' Nest Coconut Cupcakes
![Easter Birds' Nest Coconut Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/uI-GG6hxi6UwJK3lkXh2LZyl_BY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2610801_easte_coconut_cupcakes_194-1-2000-780ae6f2250948858f8e3d981b9eeb4d.jpg)
Coconut and Easter go together like eggs in a basket. The decoration of a coconut nest brushed with luster dust and some mini chocolate eggs make this treat especially festive.
Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes
![Fresh Strawberry Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/--IUxd-8fqCmRMUpwQ8dbJt3gbs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/strawberry_cupcakes_0_1_0-bbab98bfafb141ba8fd736e35d6fb80f.jpg)
Full of fresh and freeze dried strawberries, these treats show just how good going au naturel can look if you're a cupcake.
Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes With Buttercream Frosting
![Lemon Sherbet Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/shDJXBV9HUmTjeLKiYoKgvPJgww=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/lemon-sherbert-cupcakes-sl_0-2000-dd36f0a5eb9a4da285bd94acee737cee.jpg)
Serve these little beauties next to a bowl of your favorite punch. There's a reason it's been a winning springtime combination for generations.
Pineapple-Coconut Cupcakes With Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting
![Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/C3FrD2l6Yf5B7yYWNnAL9Au6OVg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/pineapple-coconut-cupcakes-sl-x-788e51cec93b41a882b4464d06d6eea8.jpg)
Boxed cake mix plus a few add-ins make these bite-sized desserts came together in a snap. For a variation try our Pineapple-Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Buttermilk-Cream Cheese Frosting.
Coconut-Lime Cupcakes
![Coconut-Lime Cupcakes](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/wEnxpFFRjwj6HJ2qkWlNClglV7w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2654101_Lemon_109-2000-996a814ba18e449fa6146d44cebfea5a.jpg)
The batter is a wonder all on its own, but add a swirl of the Coconut-Lime Frosting and everyone will be getting up for seconds. Cake flour is the secret ingredient that makes these miniature cakes oh-so tender.
Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes With Cherry-Swirl Frosting
![Cheerwine Cherry Cupcakes with Cherry-Swirl Frosting](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/KFt9RYxMxcoiOF_URL8fXd1n1uE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2589203_sodac_cheerwine_cherry_cupcakes_160_0_0_1-ed457fbf18684053aadb01b606b82889.jpg)
Cheerwine, just like Coca-Cola, is excellent in baked goods. The pale pink crumb and the light cherry flavor make these treats a delightful addition to the sideboard this season.
German Chocolate Cupcakes
![German Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/DtCF8qzyvbjlKoHI8sHIqEp3fk4=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GermanChocolateCupcakes_109-S-2000-325eefa10e994f9ab73d30bf235b8568.jpg)
German Chocolate Cake is a timeless favorite layer cake recipe, but when it comes to the dessert after an elaborate Easter meal, sometimes an easier cupcake is in order.