Passover dessert recipes should be delicious, not stressful. This collection keeps things simple with easy Passover cake recipes, no-bake matzo toffee, and gluten-free nut desserts that don’t skimp on flavor. And yes, they’re all holiday-appropriate.
Table of Contents
Passover Dessert Matzo Chocolate Hazelnut Cake
A rich layered matzo cake soaked in espresso liqueur, filled with silky chocolate custard, and topped with toasted hazelnuts and flaky sea salt. A beautiful and decadent finish to your Passover dessert table.
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 layered cake (serves 8) 1x
Ingredients
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons espresso liqueur
5 matzo squares
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large egg yolks
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 1/2 cups toasted hazelnuts, finely chopped
Flaky sea salt
Instructions
1. Pour liqueur into an 8-inch square pan or plate. Soak each matzo square for 1 minute, flipping once. Set aside.
2. Measure out 6 ounces of the soaking liqueur.
3. Place chocolate, sugar, and liqueur into a double boiler and whisk until melted and smooth.
4. Add egg yolks one at a time while whisking over medium-low heat until mixture reaches 160°F.
5. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth and emulsified.
6. Layer one soaked matzo with 1/4 cup chocolate mixture and 1/4 cup hazelnuts. Repeat for 5 layers.
7. Spread chocolate on the top and sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and remaining hazelnuts.
8. Refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours until set. Let sit at room temp for 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
For a parve version, substitute dairy-free butter.
Great as a make-ahead Passover dessert; holds well in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Freeze Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: Jewish
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Passover Dessert Cake Recipes That Wow
When it comes to Passover dessert recipes, cakes often steal the spotlight. Even without flour or leavening, you can bake rich, moist cakes that taste like a celebration. What makes a Passover cake shine is creativity with ingredients like almond meal, citrus, and eggs. These cakes not only meet kosher guidelines but also bring bold flavor and texture to your Seder.
Whether you’re hosting or bringing dessert to a friend’s table, cake recipes offer a classic touch. They’re perfect for slicing and sharing after the meal. Many of these cakes can also be made ahead of time, freeing up your schedule and your oven. If you’re skipping dairy, there are plenty of parve options too.
From nutty tortes to fruity cakes packed with zest, these are the kinds of Passover dessert recipes people remember. Each one is easy to prep and beautiful on the table. Below are a few favorites that wow every time.
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Almond Meal
This cake is dense, rich, and loaded with deep chocolate flavor. Almond meal replaces flour, giving it a naturally moist texture. A sprinkle of sea salt on top brings out the chocolate even more. It’s great with a dollop of whipped coconut cream.
Sephardic Clementine Almond Cake Trend
This popular cake uses whole boiled clementines blended into the batter. The result is bright, citrusy, and naturally sweet. Almond flour adds body, while olive oil keeps it tender. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of bold flavor.
Compare Ice Cream vs. Cake Desserts
Some prefer a cold finish like sorbet or parve ice cream, but cake has staying power. It’s easy to serve, travels well, and feels more like a centerpiece. If you’re deciding, cake wins for flavor depth and visual impact.
Simple Passover Dessert Recipes for Busy Hosts
Short on time? You’re not alone. Most people juggling a Seder menu want Passover dessert recipes that are fast, easy, and still delicious. These simple options are perfect when you’re short on prep time but want a sweet finish everyone will enjoy. They skip the oven, use fewer ingredients, and require less cleanup.
These recipes are also great for involving kids or prepping with family. They rely on pantry staples like matzo, chocolate, nuts, and coconut. Plus, many of them are parve and gluten-free, which makes them ideal for large or diverse groups. Even better, they can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
Whether you need a last-minute treat or a low-effort showstopper, these simple recipes make your job easy.
No Bake Matzo Toffee Crunch
A crowd-pleaser that takes just 15 minutes to make. Matzo is layered with melted brown sugar and butter (or margarine), then topped with melted chocolate and nuts. Once cooled, it becomes crunchy, sweet, and totally addictive.
3 Ingredient Coconut Macaroons Air Fried
All you need is shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites. Mix, scoop, and pop into the air fryer for a crisp outside and chewy center. These are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Make Ahead Chocolate Matzoh Clusters
Melt chocolate and mix it with broken matzo, dried fruit, and nuts. Drop onto parchment paper and let them set. They store beautifully and are perfect to bring to a Seder potluck.
Make ahead Passover Desserts Everyone loves
One of the biggest lifesavers during Passover prep is having Passover dessert recipes you can make ahead. With so many dishes to juggle, desserts that can chill in the fridge or freezer are pure gold. The best part? These treats still taste fresh and exciting when served.
Make ahead sweets let you focus on your Seder meal without worrying about last-minute baking. You can prep them days in advance, then plate them just before dessert is served. Many of them actually taste better after resting for a day, letting flavors blend and textures settle. From chocolate-rich creations to nutty matzo bakes, these favorites are reliable and easy to share.
Below are some top choices that combine flavor, convenience, and crowd appeal.
Matzo Crack and S’mores Bars
This twist on classic matzo crack uses layers of toffee, chocolate, and mini marshmallows. After chilling, it cuts into bars that taste like a crunchy version of s’mores. It’s easy, nostalgic, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
Chocolate Caramel Matzo Traybake
This layered dessert includes matzo, caramel sauce, melted chocolate, and a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts. Once set in the fridge, it slices clean and serves like candy bars. It’s rich, chewy, and dangerously addictive.
Store bought vs. Homemade Parve Candy
Buying parve candy is fast, but homemade wins for flavor. Melt your own chocolate, stir in dried fruits and matzo bits, then pour into molds or drop in clusters. They store well and give you full control over sweetness and texture.
Parve Passover Dessert Ideas Dairy Free
Dairy-free doesn’t mean flavor-free. In fact, Passover dessert recipes without dairy can still be creamy, rich, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re keeping kosher or avoiding dairy for dietary reasons, parve desserts offer plenty of variety.
These treats skip the butter and cream, but still deliver on texture. Think coconut milk, tahini, olive oil, and avocado. They’re naturally rich, often easier to digest, and perfect for serving with a meat-based meal. Many parve desserts also use ingredients like nuts, fruit, and dark chocolate to create flavor layers you’ll love.
Here are three standout ideas that prove parve can be delicious.
Vegan Flourless Chocolate Torte
This rich dessert uses almond meal, cocoa powder, and mashed banana or avocado to bind the batter. A bit of maple syrup and a splash of vanilla round it out. Bake it low and slow for a fudgy finish that feels like classic cake.
Tahini Halva Diva Cake
Inspired by Middle Eastern sweets, this cake blends tahini, almond flour, and cardamom for a nutty, bold bite. You can top it with a dairy-free chocolate glaze or pomegranate syrup for something extra special.
Avocado Chocolate Mousse Trend
Blend ripe avocado with cocoa powder, vanilla, and sweetener of choice. Chill until thick. It’s creamy, rich, and completely dairy-free. Add a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped nuts for crunch.
Passover Desserts With Almond Flour and Nuts
Nut-based sweets are a natural fit for Passover dessert recipes. Since traditional flour is off the table, almond flour steps in with its mild flavor and smooth texture. It’s gluten-free, rich in protein, and perfect for cakes, cookies, and tart crusts. Nuts also bring depth and crunch to otherwise simple treats.
These recipes are especially helpful for anyone following a gluten-free or grain-free diet. They’re filling, flavorful, and look beautiful on the dessert table. From Sephardi cookie classics to modern almond-based tortes, these options are satisfying and smart. You can make many of them in advance, and they store well too.
Here are three almond flour and nut-packed desserts that are perfect for Passover.
Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte
This elegant dessert is rich, dark, and not too sweet. Almond flour keeps the texture light and soft, while ground hazelnuts or walnuts add an earthy balance. It’s lovely with a dusting of cocoa or a spoon of parve whipped cream.
Sephardi Marunchinos and Hadji Bada Cookies
Marunchinos are chewy almond cookies with orange zest, while Hadji Bada cookies are made with ground pistachios and cardamom. Both are deeply traditional and naturally kosher for Passover. You can make a batch in under 30 minutes.
Gluten free Almond Tahini Tart
This tart crust blends almond flour and tahini for a rich, nutty base. Fill it with a parve chocolate ganache or lemon curd. It’s easy to slice, pretty to plate, and great for guests with dietary restrictions.
Chocolate Passover Desserts to Satisfy Cravings
Chocolate is the one ingredient that makes most Passover dessert recipes feel complete. It’s rich, comforting, and always welcome after a long Seder meal. From crunchy to chewy, cold to warm, chocolate has a way of turning simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Whether you’re a fan of dark, dairy-free bars or creamy mousse, there’s a Passover-friendly chocolate dessert that’ll hit the spot. Many of these treats also pair well with nuts, fruit, or coconut, making them even more indulgent. Plus, they’re often no bake or make ahead, which saves you time when planning your menu.
Below are a few chocolate-packed favorites that get rave reviews every time.
Nutty Matzo Mousse Cups
Layer crushed matzo, chocolate mousse, and chopped hazelnuts in small glasses. Chill and top with whipped coconut cream. They look elegant and taste even better. Each bite is smooth, crunchy, and perfectly portioned.
Rich Chocolate Covered Toffee Matzo
Spread melted chocolate over matzo coated in parve toffee. Once set, break it into shards. It’s sweet, salty, and totally addictive. Add nuts or dried fruit if you want extra texture.
Chocolate Stuffed Macaroons
Take classic coconut macaroons up a notch by stuffing them with squares of parve chocolate. As they bake, the center melts into gooey goodness. They freeze well and travel beautifully.
Best Passover Dessert Recipes Trending Online
Each year, new Passover dessert recipes start trending across blogs, food sites, and social media. These recipes bring new flavors, smart ingredient swaps, and vibrant presentations to your Seder. Whether it’s a modern twist on fruit, a freezer-friendly ice cream, or a colorful tart, these viral hits are worth trying.
What makes these desserts special is how they balance tradition with creativity. You still get kosher-for-Passover ingredients, but with exciting flavors and textures. These recipes look as good as they taste and are often simpler to make than they seem. Many come together with fresh spring produce or pantry basics like egg whites, lemon juice, and almond flour.
Here are three of the most loved dessert trends making waves online.
Pavlova with Spring Fruits
Crispy on the outside and marshmallow-soft in the center, this meringue-based dessert is gluten-free and naturally light. Top it with strawberries, kiwis, or pomegranate seeds. It’s sweet, tangy, and beautiful on a Passover table.
Meyer Lemon Ice Cream or Sorbet
Bright, citrusy, and dairy-free, this lemon dessert uses just fruit juice, sugar, and a bit of almond milk or coconut cream. Freeze and serve in scoops or molded shapes. It’s a refreshing way to end the meal.
Modern Coconut Rhubarb Tarts
These tarts have a crunchy coconut crust filled with sweet-tart rhubarb compote. They’re vibrant and visually stunning. Bonus: they’re parve, gluten-free, and make ahead friendly.
FAQ
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Share Your Experience
Tried one of these Passover dessert recipes this year? We’d love to hear how it turned out!
Did your family rave about the matzo toffee? Was the flourless cake a hit? Maybe you put your own spin on the coconut macaroons or finally nailed that parve chocolate mousse. Whatever you made, drop a comment below and tell us about it. Your tips, tweaks, and stories help others in the community feel inspired and confident too.
