10 Best Passover Dessert Recipes – Delicious & Kosher Treats

Passover is a time of tradition, reflection, and, of course, delicious food. While the holiday comes with dietary restrictions—like avoiding chametz (leavened grains)—that doesn’t mean you have to skip dessert! There are plenty of indulgent Passover desserts, including flourless cakes, matzo-based sweets, and kosher-for-Passover treats.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best Passover dessert recipes, discuss forbidden baked goods, and answer common Passover dessert FAQs. Whether you’re craving a classic Passover cake or something creative, there’s something here for everyone.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing recipes? Check out these breakfast potluck ideas for inspiration beyond Passover desserts.

Let’s dive into the sweet world of Pesach desserts!

Understanding Passover Dessert Recipes & Restrictions

Passover dessert recipes must follow strict dietary laws, making some traditional sweets off-limits. Understanding these restrictions will help you choose and prepare kosher desserts for Passover without compromising on taste.

Why Are Some Desserts Restricted During Passover?

Passover dietary laws prohibit chametz, which includes:

• Wheat, barley, rye, oats, and spelt that have come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes.
• Leavening agents like yeast, baking powder, and baking soda.

Additionally, some Jewish traditions—particularly Ashkenazi customs—also avoid kitniyot, which includes:

• Corn
• Rice
• Legumes (like beans and lentils)

This means that many traditional baked goods are not allowed unless they are made with Passover-approved ingredients.

To navigate these rules, it’s helpful to stick with trusted Passover dessert recipes that use approved ingredients.

What Baked Goods Are Forbidden During Passover?

If a dessert contains flour, yeast, or leavening agents, it is not kosher for Passover. Here are some examples of forbidden baked goods:
❌ Bread, muffins, cakes, and cookies made with wheat or leavening agents
❌ Pastries and croissants that require rising dough
❌ Brownies, cupcakes, and pies with regular flour or baking powder

However, don’t worry—there are many delicious alternatives that follow Passover rules! Keep reading for amazing Passover-friendly dessert recipes that taste just as good as their chametz counterparts.

Flourless Cakes for Passover

One of the easiest ways to enjoy Passover dessert recipes is by making flourless cakes. These cakes are naturally free of chametz and can be just as rich and decadent as traditional baked goods.

Classic Flourless Chocolate Cake

If you love chocolate, This flourless chocolate cake is one of the most loved Passover dessert recipes. It’s dense, fudgy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. Best of all, it’s naturally gluten-free and kosher for Passover!

A light and flavorful almond Passover cake with a drizzle of honey.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate (Passover-approved)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (or margarine for a dairy-free option)
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
3. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Sift in the cocoa powder and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set.
6. Let the cake cool before dusting it with powdered sugar or serving with fresh berries.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ No flour, yeast, or leavening agents
✔ Rich, fudgy texture that satisfies any chocolate craving
✔ Easy to make with simple ingredients

Almond and Coconut Passover Cake

This light and fluffy Passover cake is made with almond flour and coconut flour, making it a fantastic alternative to traditional sponge cakes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond flour
• ½ cup coconut flour
• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale and fluffy.
3. Stir in the almond flour, coconut flour, and cinnamon.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to keep it light and airy.
6. Pour into the cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving with powdered sugar or fresh fruit.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Uses almond and coconut flour instead of wheat
✔ No leavening agents required
✔ Light and spongy texture that pairs well with fresh berries

Matzo-Based Desserts

Matzo, the unleavened bread of Passover, isn’t just for savory dishes—it can be transformed into delicious Passover desserts! By adding chocolate, caramel, or fruit, you can create unique treats that are both kosher for Passover and irresistibly good.

Matzo Toffee (Matzo Crack)

This addictive matzo toffee is one of those easy Passover dessert recipes that everyone raves about—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. The combination of caramel and chocolate over crispy matzo makes it one of the most popular Passover desserts.

A sweet and crunchy matzo toffee, topped with dark chocolate.

Ingredients:

• 4 sheets of matzo
• 1 cup unsalted butter (or margarine for a dairy-free version)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• 1 ½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips (Passover-approved)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Arrange matzo sheets in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Let it boil for 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Pour the caramel mixture over the matzo, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly.
7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot caramel. Let them melt, then spread evenly.
8. Top with sea salt and chopped nuts if using.
9. Let cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy!

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ No flour, yeast, or leavening agents
✔ Crispy, sweet, and chocolaty
✔ Easy to make and store for later

Matzo Apple Kugel

This sweet matzo kugel is among the coziest Passover dessert recipes you can serve warm or cold, combining cinnamon-spiced apples with crispy matzo layers for a delicious, comforting Passover dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 sheets of matzo, broken into small pieces
• 3 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
• ¼ cup melted butter or margarine

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. Soak matzo pieces in warm water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Fold in the softened matzo, apples, raisins, and nuts.
5. Pour into the baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Uses matzo instead of flour
✔ Sweet, spiced, and comforting
✔ Great for dessert or breakfast

Traditional Pesach Desserts

Passover is rich in culinary traditions, and desserts are no exception. Classic Pesach desserts are made without chametz but still deliver incredible flavors. Two of the most beloved treats are macaroons and Passover sponge cake—both staples of the holiday.

Coconut Macaroons (Classic & Chocolate-Dipped)

Macaroons are a Passover favorite—naturally flourless, easy to make, and packed with coconut flavor. They can be enjoyed plain or dipped in chocolate for an extra treat.

When it comes to simple Passover dessert recipes, coconut macaroons top the list

Ingredients:

• 3 cups shredded coconut
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup melted chocolate (optional, for dipping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and salt until frothy.
4. Combine egg whites with the coconut mixture and stir in vanilla extract.
5. Scoop small mounds onto the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. (Optional) Dip the bottoms in melted chocolate and let them set before serving.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ No flour or leavening agents
✔ Naturally sweet and chewy
✔ Easy to customize with chocolate or nuts

Passover Sponge Cake

This light and airy sponge cake is a classic in many Passover dessert recipes collections is a Pesach dessert classic, made with matzo cake meal or potato starch instead of flour. It’s simple yet delicious, often served with fresh fruit or citrus zest.

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• ½ cup matzo cake meal or potato starch
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
2. Beat egg yolks with sugar and vanilla until pale and thick.
3. Stir in matzo cake meal (or potato starch) and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and salt until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to keep it light.
6. Pour into the cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden and firm.
7. Let cool before serving with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Fluffy and light, yet flourless
✔ Made with Passover-friendly ingredients
✔ Perfect for pairing with fruit or jam

Kosher Dairy-Free Desserts for Passover

For those who keep kosher for Passover and prefer dairy-free desserts, there are plenty of delicious options. These pareve treats are perfect for serving after a meat-based meal while still satisfying your sweet tooth.

Many Passover dessert recipes are also dairy-free, offering pareve-friendly options for meat meals

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

A refreshing and dairy-free mango sorbet, perfect for Passover.

This rich and creamy chocolate mousse is a staple among modern Passover dessert recipes is completely dairy-free, made with simple ingredients that create a velvety texture without heavy cream.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• ¼ cup almond milk (or coconut milk)
• Pinch of sea salt

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, blend the avocados until smooth.
2. Add cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Blend again until combined.
3. Slowly add almond milk (or coconut milk) while blending until smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer to serving bowls and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
5. Garnish with fresh berries or shredded coconut.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ No dairy, flour, or leavening agents
✔ Ultra-creamy and indulgent
✔ Naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup

Fruit Sorbet (Lemon, Mango, or Raspberry)

A light and refreshing fruit sorbet is the perfect way to end a Passover meal. It’s naturally sweet, dairy-free, and bursting with fruit flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (mango, raspberries, or lemon juice)
• ¼ cup honey or sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan, heat water and honey (or sugar) over medium heat until dissolved. Let cool.
2. Blend fruit and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth.
3. Add the cooled honey syrup and blend again.
4. Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes for a smooth texture.
5. Serve in bowls and garnish with mint leaves.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Completely dairy-free and refreshing
✔ Uses natural fruit for sweetness
✔ Perfect for warm spring Passover celebrations

Pair your dairy-free Passover desserts with a crispy and satisfying side like these air fryer breakfast potatoes for a complete meal.

Passover Dessert FAQs

Many people have questions about what desserts are kosher for Passover, which baked goods are restricted, and whether certain treats like crème brûlée are allowed. Here are the answers to the most common Passover dessert FAQs.

1. What Dessert Do You Eat at Passover?

During Passover, desserts must be chametz-free, meaning they cannot contain wheat, barley, rye, oats, or spelt unless they are made with matzo meal. Popular Passover desserts include:

• Flourless Chocolate Cake – Rich and fudgy, made without regular flour.
• Macaroons – Coconut-based cookies that are naturally gluten-free.
• Matzo Toffee – Crunchy caramel-coated matzo topped with chocolate.
• Passover Sponge Cake – Made with potato starch or matzo cake meal.
• Fruit Sorbets – Light and refreshing, using only fruit and sugar.

2. What Baked Goods Are Forbidden During Passover?

Any baked good containing chametz (leavened grains) is forbidden, including:
❌ Regular cakes, cookies, muffins, and bread made with flour.
❌ Pastries like croissants, puff pastry, and danishes.
❌ Desserts containing baking powder or yeast, unless certified for Passover.

Instead, kosher-for-Passover desserts use alternatives like almond flour, matzo meal, or potato starch.

3. Is Crème Brûlée OK for Passover?

Yes! Crème brûlée is kosher for Passover as long as:
✔ The vanilla extract is kosher-for-Passover.
✔ No cornstarch or flour is used to thicken it.
✔ It is prepared with kosher dairy (or a non-dairy alternative).

4. What Is a Passover Cake?

A Passover cake is a dessert made with Passover-approved ingredients, such as:
✔ Matzo cake meal (instead of regular flour).
✔ Potato starch (for a lighter texture).
✔ Eggs and sugar for structure and sweetness.

Popular Passover cakes include flourless chocolate cake, almond cake, and Passover sponge cake.

Creative Passover Dessert Ideas

Looking to switch up your usual Passover dessert recipes this year? While traditional desserts like macaroons and flourless cakes are always a hit, you can get creative with modern twists on classic flavors. Here are some unique Passover dessert ideas that will impress your guests.

1. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries with Pistachios

These elegant, bite-sized treats are kosher for Passover and perfect for a quick, no-bake dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semisweet or dark chocolate (kosher for Passover)
• 12-15 fresh strawberries
• ¼ cup crushed pistachios or almonds

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave.
2. Dip each strawberry halfway into the melted chocolate.
3. Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or almonds.
4. Let set on parchment paper until the chocolate hardens.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ No flour or leavening agents
✔ Naturally sweet and indulgent
✔ Quick and easy to prepare

2. Passover Tiramisu (Matzo Tiramisu)

This Passover-friendly version of tiramisu is one of the most creative Passover dessert recipes you’ll love trying, made with layers of matzo instead of ladyfingers and a creamy, dairy-free filling.

Ingredients:

• 4 sheets of matzo
• 1 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
• 1 cup coconut whipped cream (or dairy-based whipped cream)
• ½ cup mascarpone or dairy-free alternative
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• Cocoa powder for dusting

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mascarpone, whipped cream, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Dip matzo sheets into cooled coffee for a few seconds to soften.
3. Layer matzo and mascarpone mixture in a dish, alternating layers.
4. Dust the top with cocoa powder.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Matzo replaces traditional ladyfingers
✔ Creamy, rich, and indulgent
✔ Dairy-free option available

3. Chocolate-Covered Matzo Ice Cream Sandwiches

These chocolate-covered matzo ice cream sandwiches are fun, delicious, and make a perfect frozen dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 sheets of matzo, broken into squares
• 1 pint kosher-for-Passover vanilla or chocolate ice cream
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
• Chopped nuts or sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place a scoop of ice cream between two pieces of matzo and press gently.
2. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt chocolate and coconut oil together.
4. Dip half of each sandwich into the melted chocolate and sprinkle with nuts or sprinkles.
5. Freeze until chocolate hardens and enjoy!

Why It Works for Passover:

✔ Matzo replaces traditional cookies
✔ Cold, refreshing, and perfect for spring
✔ Easy to customize with toppings

Kid-Friendly Passover Desserts

Passover desserts can be just as fun for kids as they are for adults! These kid-friendly Passover treats are easy to make, interactive, and perfect for little hands to help in the kitchen.

These Passover dessert recipes for kids make the holiday fun, interactive, and delicious!

1. Chocolate Matzo Bark

This colorful and crunchy chocolate bark is a fun Passover treat that kids will love making and eating.

Ingredients:

• 2 sheets of matzo
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (kosher for Passover)
• ¼ cup colorful sprinkles (Passover-approved)
• ¼ cup chopped nuts or dried fruit (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.
2. Break the matzo into smaller pieces and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. Drizzle or spread melted chocolate over the matzo pieces.
4. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles, chopped nuts, or dried fruit.
5. Let the chocolate set in the fridge for 30 minutes, then break into pieces and enjoy!

Why Kids Love It:

✔ Fun to decorate with sprinkles and toppings
✔ No baking required
✔ Crunchy, chocolaty, and sweet

2. No-Bake Coconut Snowballs

These coconut snowballs are sweet, chewy, and naturally kosher for Passover. They’re easy to roll and perfect for little hands to shape.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded coconut
• ½ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (kosher for Passover)
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate version)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, honey, almond flour, and vanilla extract.
2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
3. (Optional) Roll some in cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor.
4. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving.

Why Kids Love It:

✔ Sweet, chewy, and bite-sized
✔ Fun to roll into balls
✔ No oven needed

3. Passover Banana Ice Cream

This one-ingredient banana ice cream is creamy, naturally sweet, and completely kosher for Passover.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolate version

Instructions:

1. Place frozen banana slices in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. (Optional) Add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
4. Serve immediately or freeze for a firmer texture.

Why Kids Love It:

✔ Tastes just like soft-serve ice cream
✔ Naturally sweet with no added sugar
✔ Customizable with toppings like coconut or chocolate chips

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Passover desserts may come with dietary restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or variety! From flourless cakes and matzo-based treats to kid-friendly sweets and dairy-free delights, there’s a Pesach dessert for everyone to enjoy.

Key Takeaways for Passover Desserts:

✔ Flourless cakes like chocolate cake and almond cake are rich and indulgent.
✔ Matzo desserts (toffee, kugel, and tiramisu) are creative and festive.
✔ Traditional Pesach sweets (macaroons and sponge cake) never go out of style.
✔ Dairy-free options (vegan chocolate mousse and sorbets) are refreshing and pareve-friendly.
✔ Kid-friendly treats (chocolate bark, coconut balls, and banana ice cream) make Passover fun for all ages!

Final Tips for Perfect Passover Desserts:

• Use kosher-for-Passover ingredients (matzo cake meal, potato starch, and Passover-approved chocolate).
• Get creative with flavors—add citrus zest, nuts, or dried fruit for extra depth.
• Prepare desserts ahead of time so you can enjoy the holiday stress-free.
• Make it interactive—get kids involved with rolling, dipping, and decorating.

Passover isn’t just about desserts—explore wholesome meal options like breakfast soups for a nourishing start to your day.

Whether you’re hosting a Passover Seder or just looking for sweet treats to enjoy throughout the week, these Passover dessert recipes will help you celebrate Pesach deliciously and creatively!