Easter Dessert Stew: The Easiest, Most Decadent Recipe Ever

February 6, 2026

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Easter dessert stew. The very name might sound unusual, but trust me, once you try this warm, comforting dish, it’ll become an Easter tradition you’ll look forward to every year. Easter dessert stew isn’t just a dish; it’s a memory of my grandmother’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of spices and simmering fruit on Easter Sunday. My grandmother always had a way of turning simple ingredients into something magical, and this stew is no exception.

Why You Will Love This Easter dessert stew Recipe

This Easter dessert stew recipe fills a craving for something sweet and comforting without being overly heavy. It is relatively quick to put together, freeing you up to enjoy the Easter festivities. The flavors blend beautifully, creating a symphony of sweet, tangy, and spiced notes. It is incredibly easy to customize with your favorite fruits and toppings.

Making this recipe brings back memories of sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pot before Easter dinner, a warm, forbidden treat shared with cousins. This Easter dessert stew is special because it represents simplicity, warmth, and shared moments, qualities that make any meal memorable. Plus, you can easily adapt it to dietary restrictions, like using gluten free biscuits on top!

Easter dessert stew - Detail or variation
Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This Easter dessert stew Recipe

  • For the Stew:
* 4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) * 2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) * 1 cup chopped peaches (fresh or frozen) * 1/2 cup dried cranberries * 1/4 cup maple syrup * 1/4 cup orange juice * 2 tablespoons lemon juice * 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg * 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves * 2 tablespoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water to form a slurry)
  • For the Biscuit Topping:
* 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour * 2 tablespoons sugar * 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes * 3/4 cup milk * 2 tablespoons melted butter, for brushing

How to Make This Easter dessert stew Recipe

  1. 1. Prepare the Fruit Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine mixed berries, apples, peaches, dried cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  1. 2. Simmer the Stew: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the fruit has softened and released its juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  1. 3. Thicken the Stew: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering fruit. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the stew has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  1. 4. Prepare the Biscuit Topping: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  1. 5. Cut in the Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  1. 6. Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  1. 7. Drop the Biscuits: Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the simmering fruit stew, leaving a little space between each biscuit.
  1. 8. Bake the Stew: Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through.
  1. 9. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Remember to visit Easter Dessert Bars for another delicious Easter dessert recipe.

How to Serve This Easter dessert stew Recipe

Serve this Easter dessert stew warm, straight from the oven. A dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream would be fantastic additions. Consider offering a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture. For a little extra tang, a drizzle of blackberry sauce will work perfectly!

How to Store This Easter dessert stew Recipe

Refrigeration: Store leftover Easter dessert stew in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing: The stew base (without the biscuit topping) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheating: Reheat the stew in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the biscuits are refrigerated, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to crisp them up. Remember to share your delicious desserts on social media and Follow us on Pinterest for more recipe inspiration!

Tips to Make This Easter dessert stew Recipe

  • Ingredient Swaps: Use any combination of your favorite fruits. Apples and pears are great substitutes in autumn or winter.
  • Success Tip: Don’t overmix the biscuit dough. Overmixing will result in tough biscuits.
  • Common Mistake to Avoid: Make sure the stew is simmering before adding the biscuit topping. This ensures the biscuits will cook properly.
  • Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the biscuit dough.

Helpful Notes for This Easter dessert stew Recipe

The type of fruit preserves can change the sweetness and flavor profile of the entire stew. Experiment! If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or agave nectar also work well. I like to use a cast iron skillet for baking for extra even cooking and added warmth.

Variation of This Easter dessert stew Recipe

  • Seasonal Twists: In the fall try adding pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the stew.
  • Optional Versions: Use a store bought pie crust instead of biscuits for a crispier topping.
  • Creative Modifications: Add chocolate chips or grated chocolate to the biscuit dough for a richer flavor. You should also check out Easter Dessert Stew 2 for another scrumptious variation.

What exactly is Easter dessert stew?

Easter dessert stew is a warm, often fruit-based dessert traditionally served during Easter celebrations. It features a combination of fruits, spices, and sometimes a bit of sweetener, cooked together until the flavors meld into a comforting dish.

What are some common ingredients in Easter dessert stew?

Common ingredients include dried fruits like apples, pears, and plums, along with spices like cinnamon and cloves. Some recipes may also incorporate fresh fruits or a splash of wine for added flavor.

How can I make my Easter dessert stew sweeter?

You can add sweetness to your stew with honey, maple syrup, or a touch of brown sugar. Adjust the amount based on your preference and the natural sweetness of the fruits you use.

Can I make Easter dessert stew ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually best to make it a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a richer and more delicious dessert.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Easter dessert stew recipe as much as my family does. It’s a simple, comforting dish that’s perfect for celebrating Easter or any special occasion. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the fruit combinations and toppings. I would love to hear your thoughts or if you have questions in the comments below!

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Easter Dessert Stew: The Easiest, Most Decadent Recipe Ever


  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A warm and comforting Easter dessert stew made with mixed berries, apples, peaches, and topped with homemade biscuits. Perfect for a festive treat!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)n2 cups chopped applesn1 cup chopped peachesn1/2 cup dried cranberriesn1/4 cup maple syrupn1/4 cup orange juicen2 tablespoons lemon juicen1 teaspoon ground cinnamonn1/2 teaspoon ground nutmegn1/4 teaspoon ground clovesn2 tablespoons cornstarchn2 tablespoons cold watern1 1/2 cups all purpose flourn2 tablespoons sugarn1 1/2 teaspoons baking powdern1/2 teaspoon saltn1/3 cup cold unsalted buttern3/4 cup milkn2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, combine mixed berries, apples, peaches, dried cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves.nBring to a simmer over medium heat, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes, or until fruit softens.nStir cornstarch slurry into simmering fruit. Cook 2-3 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat.nPreheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.nCut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.nGradually add milk, stirring until just combined.nDrop spoonfuls of biscuit dough onto the stew, leaving space between.nBrush with melted butter. Bake 15-20 minutes, or until biscuits are golden brown.nCool slightly and serve warm.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Easter, dessert, stew, fruit, biscuit

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