НВ (Новое Время)

Easter 2026: New Flavors and Traditions of Easter Cakes in Kyiv

Easter 2026, according to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), falls on April 12. As the holiday approaches, Kyiv's culinary scene is already buzzing with innovative Easter cake offerings that blend tradition with modern creativity.

The Easter celebration in 2026, observed by the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), is set for April 12. Although there is still some time before the holiday, it is never too early to start thinking about Easter cakes, which can already be savored. Fluffy, perfectly creamy cakes with neat tops and aesthetic decorations annually impress with their beauty in the windows of the capital's restaurants and on Instagram feeds. The first Easter collections for the holiday have already launched, offering new and unusual options: from classic cakes based on grandmother's recipes to exquisite floral cakes that radiate a spring atmosphere. These cakes are suitable for both home tables and as gifts for loved ones and friends during the holiday. To help with selecting the best option, NV FOOD has compiled a selection of Easter cakes from various shops and establishments in the capital.

Among the first offerings worth mentioning is the panettone from Silpo. The favorite part of the cake — the glazed top with bright sprinkles — has been taken into account in last year's campaign, and this year, the tops of the cakes will also return. In addition to the classic version, there will be a more exotic option for those who enjoy experimenting — a cake with mango, pistachio, and freeze-dried strawberries. For those who find the top insufficient, Silpo has baked a panettone with mango. Additionally, a special topping called Joy has appeared on the shelves for Easter. Soon, there will be other thematic novelties: chocolate sprinkle eggs, festive wine from Ihor Kahorovych, kvass for cakes, and exotic lemonade.

Another intriguing offering is the citrus cake with candied fruits and black currants from Bakehouse. The largest Ukrainian craft bakery, Bakehouse, is presenting a festive collection of baked goods for Easter. The line combines reimagined classic recipes and new flavors with an emphasis on natural ingredients. This year's collection is dedicated to the clear blue skies over our cities. The team has updated the dough for the cakes, making it even more tender and rich. New flavor combinations and ingredients have been added to the recipes — dried fruits, berries, and caramel notes, using high-quality products from local suppliers and partners: flour, organic butter, and farm-fresh eggs. Among the special positions are the citrus cake with black currants and candied fruits, and a caramel cake with raisins and apricots. Both cakes combine natural sourdough and two types of wheat flour, including Manitoba, for a tender crumb and proper structure. Easter products will be available starting March 27 at Bakehouse bakeries located in goodwine.

Honey has introduced a truly spring collection of desserts for Easter. The main element is flower cakes that "bloom with spring — with its colors, light, unquenchable joy of life, and flavors: pistachio, mango, yuzu, and candied fruits." Three types of panettone are also available for pre-order: three chocolates with vanilla, peach-passion fruit-milk chocolate, and candied fruits with raisins and vanilla. The collection includes a Children's cake-cupcake made with yogurt, featuring a generous amount of blueberries inside and a beautiful bunny figurine on top of the glaze.

Another interesting offering is the spelt cake — a tender, fluffy, slightly moist dough with raisins or orange candied fruits and a generous marshmallow topping, richly covered with multicolored sprinkles. The dough is prepared with the addition of levito madre sourdough, as in classic panettone, ensuring the cake stays fresh and delicious longer. Spelt is a Kyiv-based craft bakery-bistro that combines craftsmanship and a kitchen built around handmade bread. In addition to the Easter cake, traditional European baked goods such as hot cross buns, Ukrainian Zhayvoronky made from dough, and grandmother's cake without glaze are also available for pre-order until March 28, while small cakes that can be eaten immediately are already on display.

The establishment has once again launched a creative campaign for its festive collection, now represented by Archduke Krol. The Easter collection offers a series of cakes. The classic version is fluffy, fragrant, with a perfectly neat golden-brown top adorned with cocoa, almonds, and a light snowy powder. It embodies warmth and the very spirit of Easter. The soft dough features orange candied fruits, cranberries, raisins, and almonds. There is also a cake with a huge amount of Tres Leches cream and options like Chocolate with Cherry and Victoria's Secret with red berries. Pre-orders are already available on the website.

One cannot overlook the Ukrainian brand of chocolate and sweets that has teamed up with a third-wave craft bakery to create a joint product for Easter. They have created gourmet baskets as well as cakes. "Everything starts with simple things: farm butter, pure yolks, Italian Levito Madre sourdough. Flour and honey help the cake stay fresh longer without preservatives. Night cold fermentation gives a deep creamy taste without flavorings. The dough is moist, dense, with soft fibers. Orange candied fruits combined with orange paste provide a pleasant citrus aroma. Aromatic dark raisins perfectly complement the filling. The crunchy top with almond flakes is eaten first," describe the creators. They recommend savoring the cake with elderberry jam or salted caramel.

For those seeking an unusual dough for their Easter cake, Cheesecake Family offers a cheese variant of the cake that is no longer available in Kyiv. Colorful and creamy options are adorned with handmade chocolate angels. The festive collection showcases an elevated aesthetic of minimalist decor, focusing on exquisite creamy fillings with pistachio, mango, and cherry.

This year's Easter offerings in Kyiv impress with a variety of flavors and shapes, allowing everyone to find something to their liking. From traditional cakes to new, creative options — the festive table promises to be delicious and unforgettable.