If you are one of those brave people who give up chocolate for Lent, be warned. This page mercilessly reveals the five most popular German Easter sweet temptations the Osterhase might hide under bushes, in tall grass, or behind the cabinet in the living room. From classic German chocolate eggs and foil-wrapped bunnies to marzipan artistry and giftable tins, these are the seasonal treats that make Easter baskets feel truly special.
Chocolate Eggs
It comes as no surprise that eggs are the ultimate symbol of renewal—birth, rebirth, and the promise of sunny days ahead. Perfect for Easter. While decoratively hand-painted eggs have been around for centuries, it was not until the late 1800s that the first chocolate Easter eggs were manufactured in Germany. They were solid at first, until modern chocolate-making techniques made it possible to create hollow eggs, some filled with cream or brandy.
For something truly unique, look for real eggshell chocolates: meticulously cleaned eggshells filled with chocolate nougat, made by Gut Springenheide in Westphalia.
The Chocolate Bunny
Hollow chocolate bunnies emerged in the early 1950s, and a wave of innovative Swiss and German chocolate makers—such as Rübezahl, Milka, Lindt & Sprüngli, and Riegelein—launched the now-iconic foil-wrapped Easter bunny. Today, more than 100,000 hollow bunnies can come off the conveyor belt every day, adding up to an astonishing 20–25 million bunnies per year.
It would appear the chocolate bunnies are as prolific as the real ones. (If you are curious, it is genuinely fun to watch how hollow Easter bunnies are made.)
Nostalgic Tins and The “Osterhase” Origin
Just as Nikolaus brings gifts at Christmas, children are told that the Osterhase brings sweet treats—especially chocolates and jelly beans—on Easter Sunday, but only if they have been well-behaved. Technically, Hase translates as “hare,” but in English-speaking countries the Osterhase is known as the Easter Bunny or Rabbit. Both the egg and the rabbit are long associated with fertility symbolism and were connected to Ostara, the Germanic goddess of spring and fertility.
The month of April was named after Ostara (ôstarmânoth in Old High German), which evolved into Ostern. In English, the word Easter derives from the Old English equivalent of Ostara (or ?ostre). The Easter Bunny tradition—like many other Easter customs—originated in Germany, especially in Alsace and the Upper Rheinland regions. Children left bonnets and caps out for the Oschter Haws (dialect name), and were told that good children would wake to brightly colored eggs.
German settlers later brought the practice to Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the 18th century. The Osterhase became part of popular culture in the 20th century, and in some regions Easter eggs were even said to be brought by the Osterfuchs (Easter Fox) or the Storch (stork). No surprise that German-made chocolates also show up in charming nostalgic Easter tins, such as those produced by Heidel.
Marzipan Bunnies
Marzipan’s malleable texture is perfect for confectionery art: Easter eggs, bunnies, pigs, fruits, and more—sometimes finished with a coat of chocolate. Marzipan originated in the Middle East and spread through Spain into Europe, and it is made from ground almonds and sugar.
Germany’s northern city of Lübeck is known as the marzipan capital of the world. By law, marzipan labeled “Lübecker Marzipan” must contain at least 66% almonds and, as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), must come from the city itself. Lübeck is also home to the family-owned Niederegger GmbH, producing marzipan in Germany since 1806.
Lübecker Marzipan
Germany’s northern city of Lübeck is known as the marzipan capital of the world and it is where the finest quality marzipan is found. By law, marzipan that bears the name “Lübecker Marzipan” must contain at least 66% almonds and as a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), must derive from the city itself. The city is home to the family-owned Niederegger GmbH, which has been a leading producer of marzipan in Germany since 1806. Niederegger produces a range of marzipan ranging from its Konsummarzipan to its Lübecker Edelmarzipan, made from 90% almond paste and only 10% sugar and Niederegger Marzipan made from 100% almond paste. Learn more about Niederegger marzipan (Video).
Easter Lamb (or Bunny) Cakes
The lamb—symbolizing innocence, purity, and sacrifice—has been associated with Easter and Passover for millennia, so it is no surprise that German Konditoren and bakers created a lamb-shaped cake that became a seasonal favorite. Today, you can also find playful new variations such as Easter Bunny cake bites, produced by gingerbread manufacturers in Nuremberg.
FAQ
What are traditional German Easter sweets?
Popular favorites include chocolate eggs, hollow foil bunnies, marzipan bunnies, nostalgic tins, and lamb-shaped cakes.
When did chocolate Easter eggs start in Germany?
Germany began manufacturing chocolate Easter eggs in the late 1800s; hollow eggs came later with improved chocolate-making techniques.
What is the Osterhase?
“Osterhase” means Easter hare, the German origin of the Easter Bunny tradition that spread to the US via German settlers.
