Easter dessert stew is a game changer. It's also a delicious and unexpected twist on traditional Easter sweets. Forget the same old chocolate bunnies and jelly beans. This year, we’re diving into a warm, comforting bowl of pure Easter bliss. This unique dessert is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with a touch of cozy indulgence.
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My grandmother, whose recipes form the foundation of gotastyrecipes.com, always believed that dessert should be an experience. This Easter dessert stew perfectly embodies that philosophy. It's not just a sweet treat; it's a celebration of spring flavors and family memories, all simmered together in one pot.
Why You Will Love This Easter dessert stew Recipe
This Easter dessert stew is comfort food at its finest. Imagine sinking your spoon into a warm bowl filled with soft, spiced fruit, tender cake dumplings, and a creamy custard sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly spring evening. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make.
I love this recipe because it’s a conversation starter. Everyone is intrigued by the idea of a dessert stew, and the flavor combination is unexpected and delightful. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover Easter treats like chocolate eggs or marshmallows. Plus, if you decide to give this a try, you may also love some of our other favorites on the site like Stir Fry Beef Stew, the savoury goodness of Baked Beef Stew, and the fun celebration of Easter Brunch Bars.
Ingredients Needed for This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Here's what you'll need to create this Easter delight:
- For the Fruit Base:
- 4 cups mixed dried fruit (apricots, peaches, pears, cranberries)
- 6 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup honey
- For the Dumplings:
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- For the Custard:
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How to Make This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Easter dessert stew:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the dried fruit, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Cover the pot and let simmer for 30 minutes, or until the fruit is softened and plump. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
While the fruit is simmering, prepare the dumplings. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling batter into the simmering fruit mixture. Cover the pot and let the dumplings cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and slightly puffed. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure the dumplings cook properly.
While the dumplings are cooking, prepare the custard. In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is just simmering. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Pour the custard mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to let the custard boil.
Remove the custard from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
To serve, ladle the Easter dessert stew into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the custard. Garnish with extra cinnamon or chopped nuts, if desired.
How to Serve This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Serve this Easter dessert stew warm, right after it's made. It's perfect on its own, enjoyed in a cozy bowl.
For a richer experience, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pecans adds a delightful crunch. You can also try pairing it with a light dessert wine for a truly decadent treat.
How to Store This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Allow the stew to cool completely before storing.
Refrigerate leftover stew in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Dumplings might soften slightly upon reheating.
Freezing is not recommended as the dumplings can become mushy.
Tips to Make This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Fruit Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different combinations of dried fruit. Cherries, figs, or even candied citrus peel would be delicious additions.
Dumpling Success: To ensure tender dumplings, be careful not to overmix the batter. Just combine the wet and dry ingredients until they are barely mixed.
Custard Perfection: Keep the heat low when making the custard to prevent it from curdling. Stir constantly and remove from the heat immediately when it's thickened.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of amaretto or rum extract to the custard for an extra layer of flavor.
Helpful Notes for This Easter dessert stew Recipe
The apple cider can be substituted with apple juice if needed.
For a glutenfree version, use a glutenfree allpurpose flour blend for the dumplings.
If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot with a lid will work.
Variation of This Easter dessert stew Recipe
Chocolate Easter Egg Addition: Chop up some leftover chocolate Easter eggs and stir them into the stew just before serving for a chocolatey twist.
Spiced Wine Version: Replace half of the apple cider with red wine for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.
Citrus Infusion: Add a few strips of orange or lemon zest to the fruit mixture while it's simmering for a bright, citrusy note.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Easter dessert stew?
Easter dessert stew is a warm, comforting dessert dish filled with a variety of Easter-themed sweets and treats, like mini marshmallows, chocolate eggs, and other candies, simmered in a sweet, flavorful liquid.
How do I make Easter dessert stew?
Making Easter dessert stew involves combining your favorite Easter candies and sweets in a pot, adding a liquid base (such as milk, cream, or chocolate syrup), and gently simmering until everything is melted and blended together.
What are some variations of Easter dessert stew?
Variations of Easter dessert stew can include adding different fruits, nuts, or spices to customize the flavor. You can also adjust the liquid base and the types of candies used to create unique combinations.
What are some tips for making the best Easter dessert stew?
To create the best Easter dessert stew, use a combination of different candies, don’t overcook it, and consider adding a touch of vanilla or spices to enhance the flavor. Garnish with whipped cream or extra candies for added appeal.
Can I make Easter dessert stew ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Easter dessert stew ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You may need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
Conclusion
I hope you'll give this unique Easter dessert stew recipe a try this year. It’s a warm, comforting, and incredibly delicious way to celebrate the season. It’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don't be afraid to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own taste. Let me know in the comments, what you think, and whether you tweaked anything. Happy Easter baking!
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Easter Dessert Stew: The Ultimate Easy Easter Treat!

A comforting and unique Easter dessert stew featuring spiced dried fruit, tender cake dumplings, and a creamy homemade custard.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 8g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 12g
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed dried fruit (apricots, peaches, pears, cranberries)
- 6 cups apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 4 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine dried fruit, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and honey. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings. Stir in milk and melted butter until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dumpling batter into simmering fruit. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Whisk egg yolks and sugar for the custard. Heat milk. Slowly pour hot milk into egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Pour custard back into saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in vanilla and salt.
- Ladle stew into bowls. Top with custard. Garnish with cinnamon or nuts.
Notes
- Best served warm. Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended.
