30 Bright And Beautiful Things To Cook, Bake, And Enjoy This April

April brings longer days, blooming herbs, and that irresistible itch to throw open the windows and cook something fresh. It's a month of in-betweens-warm days and cool nights, comfort food and crisp salads, cozy baking and breezy brunches. I always find myself inspired by the shift in the season, when the markets start to fill with tender greens, bright citrus, and the first hints of spring produce. If you're looking for a little culinary inspiration this spring, I've gathered 30 delicious ideas to fill your kitchen with joy all month long.
From springy pasta to edible flower garnishes, here's how I'm savoring April-one bite at a time. And to make it easy to follow along each day, I've created a free April bucket list printable you can download and check off throughout the month.

1. Make lemony pasta with peas

Celebrate spring with a bowl of lemony pasta with peas-bright, zesty, and irresistibly simple. Toss hot pasta with lemon zest, sweet green peas, parmesan, and a touch of butter or olive oil for a dish that tastes like pure April sunshine. Ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for weeknights.

2. Bake a loaf of banana bread

Turn those spotty bananas into a cozy loaf of banana bread that fills your kitchen with the smell of nostalgia. Whether you use your favorite recipe or try a new one, stir in walnuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a fun seasonal twist.

3. Roast spring vegetables

Celebrate April's bounty by roasting carrots, asparagus, and baby potatoes with olive oil, herbs, and a light drizzle of honey. The caramelized edges and tender centers make this the ideal side dish-or a light lunch with a sprinkle of feta or fresh herbs.

4. Try your hand at focaccia art

Treat focaccia as your canvas and decorate it with olives, herbs, tomatoes, or thinly sliced vegetables. Focaccia art is part baking, part creativity, and fully delicious. The result is a beautiful, edible showpiece you'll be proud to serve.

5. Host a mini spring picnic

Take your lunch outdoors and soak up the fresh air. Pack simple sandwiches, homemade lemonade, fruit salad, and maybe a cookie or two. Even if it's just your backyard, a pretty blanket and a bit of sunshine make it feel special.

6. Make deviled eggs

This retro classic deserves a spring revival. Make traditional deviled eggs or jazz them up with mustard, briny capers, fresh herbs, or a smoky sprinkle of paprika. Perfect for brunch, picnics, or snacking straight from the fridge.

7. Try a new herb each week

Let April be your month of herb exploration. Pick up tarragon, dill, chervil, or another herb you rarely use and find fresh ways to incorporate it-whisk it into dressings, scatter it over roasted veggies, or fold it into scrambled eggs.

8. Bake a batch of carrot cake muffins

Enjoy all the warm, cozy flavors of carrot cake in a handheld treat. Bake carrot cake muffins and finish them with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an indulgent but easy snack that feels perfectly springy.

9. Create a spring grazing board

Build a vibrant grazing board filled with soft cheeses, pickled vegetables, radishes, berries, crackers, and a small dish of honey. Add fresh herbs or edible flowers for a board that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

10. Make your own salad dressing

Skip the bottled stuff and whisk together your own. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, a little mustard, and fresh herbs for a bright, easy homemade dressing that makes every salad taste instantly better.

11. Bake strawberry shortcakes

Strawberry season begins in many places this month, making it the perfect time for strawberry shortcakes. Bake tender biscuits, spoon on macerated berries, and top with whipped cream for a dessert that screams spring.

12. Whip up a green smoothie

Blend spinach, banana, almond milk, and frozen mango for a refreshing green smoothie that's energizing and bright. Quick, healthy, and ideal for busy mornings-or any time you need a flavorful pick-me-up.

13. Make marinated white beans

Transform simple cannellini beans by marinating them in olive oil, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs. After resting overnight, they become an irresistible topping for toast, salads, grain bowls, or snacking straight from the fridge.

14. Infuse your water

Stay hydrated with infused water that feels like a clean, refreshing treat. Add cucumber, mint, lemon, berries, or a mix of your favorites to your water pitcher for a subtle hint of spring flavor.

15. Try a new spring soup

Keep things lighter with a spring-inspired soup like leek and potato, brothy tortellini, or carrot and ginger. Fresh herbs and lemon zest add brightness without feeling heavy.

16. Bake something with rhubarb

Rhubarb season is finally here. Bake a tangy rhubarb crumble, swirl rhubarb compote into yogurt, or try a rustic tart. Its bold flavor shines when paired with just a touch of sweetness.

17. Make a spring risotto

Stir peas, asparagus, lemon zest, and plenty of parmesan into creamy Arborio rice for a spring risotto that feels like a little celebration. Serve with extra herbs for added freshness.

18. Try a no-bake dessert

Skip the oven and layer whipped cream, lemon curd, and crushed cookies for an effortless no-bake dessert. It's simple, quick, and perfect for warmer April days.

19. Blend a fresh pesto

Use basil, parsley, arugula, or even carrot tops to make a bright homemade pesto. Blend with garlic, nuts, and olive oil, then toss with pasta, spread on toast, or spoon over roasted veggies.

20. Bake breakfast cookies

Mix oats, bananas, nut butter, and your favorite add-ins for wholesome breakfast cookies. They're portable, customizable, and great for busy mornings or slow brunches.

21. Make a batch of iced tea

Brew black or green tea, then pour it over ice with lemon slices and a sprig of mint. Sweeten if you like and enjoy a refreshing drink that tastes like spring.

22. Prep a spring veggie stir-fry

Make a fast, colorful stir-fry with whatever spring produce you have on hand. Toss with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds, then serve over rice or noodles.

23. Toast something with ricotta and honey

Top sourdough toast with creamy ricotta and a drizzle of honey for a simple but luxurious breakfast or snack. Add pistachios, figs, or berries if you want something extra special.

24. Make lemon curd

Bright, tangy, and silky smooth-lemon curd is a must for citrus lovers. Spoon it over yogurt, layer it into cakes, swirl it through muffins, or enjoy it straight from the jar.

25. Try a spring sheet-pan dinner

Sheet-pan dinners keep things simple. Roast chicken, asparagus, and baby potatoes all together for a complete spring meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

26. Try baking with edible flowers

Let edible flowers bring a pop of color to your baked goods. Decorate cookies, cakes, cupcakes, or even ice cubes with pansies, violets, or calendula for a whimsical spring touch.

27. Create a handwritten dinner menu

Planning a spring dinner party or cozy gathering? Elevate the experience with a handwritten menu card and a few simple table decorations. It's a small detail that makes the evening feel special.

28. Bake a spring-inspired loaf cake

Celebrate April with a bright loaf cake like lemon poppy seed, almond raspberry, or orange olive oil. Top with a simple glaze for extra shine and flavor.

29. Make a batch of granola

Toast oats with maple syrup, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to create a delicious homemade granola. It's perfect over yogurt, in smoothie bowls, or by the handful.

30. Treat yourself to brunch at home

Skip the crowds and create your dream brunch at home-scrambled eggs, warm toast, jam, fruit, and fresh coffee. Slow, cozy, and totally customizable.

Download Our Printable Checklist

Bring all these fresh April ideas straight into your kitchen with our free printable checklist. It's designed to keep your month inspired, organized, and full of delicious moments-from lemony pastas to springy bakes and bright seasonal recipes. Print it, pin it to your fridge, and enjoy checking off each joyful bite of the season.

Whether you're meal-prepping overnight oats, baking strawberry shortcakes, or infusing your water with fresh mint, April offers so many ways to celebrate flavor and freshness. Save this list, pick a few favorites, and share what you try-I'd love to see what you're cooking.
Here's to 30 days of delicious possibilities.