How to Make a Checkerboard Cake That Will Blow Your Guests' Minds

Ingredients

  • pink and yellow food coloring
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated white sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 whole eggs
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 1/4 cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons strawberry preserves
  • sprinkles (optional)
  • 1 batch vanilla buttercream

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 4 6-inch round cake pans and set aside.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth.

Add in the sugar. With the mixer on medium speed, mix together until fluffy — about 3-4 minutes.

Turn the mixer down to low and add in the vanilla, eggs, and egg yolk, one at a time. Mix until combined. Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

Add in half of the flour mixture and mix on low until just combined.

With the mixer running, slowly pour in the milk.

Add in the second half of the flour mixture and mix until just combined. Don’t over mix!

Separate the batter into 2 mixing bowls.

Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and yellow food coloring to one bowl. Fold the batter until combined and even in color.

Add the strawberry preserves and pink food coloring to the other bowl. Fold the batter until combined and even in color.

Evenly distribute the batter into the cake pans so that you have two pans of each color. Bake for about 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before removing the cakes from their pans.

Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a long serrated knife to carefully level each cake. They should all be the same height — about 1 inch tall.

Using the 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the centers of each cake.

Using the 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out the centers of each of the 4-inch cake pieces.

Using just a small amount, carefully smear the insides of each cake ring with buttercream.

Alternating flavors, place the cake rings back inside of each other. There will be 2 layers with yellow outside and inside pieces and 2 layers with pink outside and inside pieces.

Place the bottom layer on a cake board or serving dish, then apply a thin, smooth layer of buttercream on top with an offset spatula.

Alternating colors, place the second layer on top and repeat. Continue with all 4 layers of cake.

Crumb coat the entire cake with buttercream, then let chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Frost the outside of the cake with buttercream, then finish off the cake with a ruffled buttercream border and sprinkles.

Colorful cakes and other make-ahead Easter desserts are always welcome at the brunch table. And when it comes to sweet Easter treats like ones made with Easter candy — what's not to love? If you're looking for crafty concoctions that will satisfy your sweet tooth and double as festive Easter table decor, we've got your back. Here are 25 sweet Easter treats that will get everyone in the mood for *bunny* season, stat.

Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

Brit + Co

With this sweet Easter-themed dip, the whole table can get a taste of creamy, chocolatey goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Trix Bars

Brit + Co

These Easter treats are like your classic Rice Krispies version, except crafted with Trix cereal. Using Trix will give each bite a colorful effect that speaks to the spring season! (via Brit + Co)

Easter Chick Sandwich Cookies

Brit + Co

You just can't pass up Easter treats as cute as these. Their adorable little Easter chick faces makes it hard to want to eat them, but trust us: once you do, you'll be craving at least 5 more. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Oatmeal Caramel Creme Egg Cookies

Brit + Co

Earning some caramel-y flavor from actual creme eggs, these are great Easter treats for serving your pals that have a chocolate addiction. The creamy filling is ahh-mazing. (via Brit + Co)

Watercolor Cake Easter Eggs

Brit + Co

If this year is the year you've finally decided to fully commit your baking skills to Easter desserts, go with this recipe. You'll 'paint' the outside using food coloring and even edible gold foil for elegant effect! (via Brit + Co)

Bunny Donuts

Brit + Co

These lil' bunnies will look super cute for snapping Instagram pics of this year's Easter brunch spread. (via Brit + Co)

Crazy Strawberry Milkshakes

Brit + Co

These devilishly sweet Easter treats in milkshake form are gonna send you into a sugar coma, but it's so worth it. Now's the time to be extra with all the garnishes, countless donuts and marshmallows welcome. (via Brit + Co)

Limoncello Tart

Brit + Co

Still sweet but more on the zesty side, this limoncello-infused lemon tart will wake up your tastebuds just in time for spring. The lighter color and citrusy fruitiness of this treat are just perfect for Eastertime. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Egg Truffles

Brit + Co

We love Easter treats that don't require any baking, like this one! Just grab some creme eggs from the store, then doctor 'em up with more chocolate and Easter sprinkles! Done and done. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Emoji Cookies

Brit + Co

Everyone at your Easter get-together will be wildly impressed with your cookie decorating skills when you whip out these Easter treats! (via Brit + Co)

Ube Coconut Cake

Brit + Co

The light, sugary notes of ube and coconut work wonders together in this cake recipe that's a total fit for spring. The purple hue of the cake layers will look iconic amongst the rest of your Easter treats. (via Brit + Co)

Creme Egg Rocky Road Bars

Brit + Co

Decadence reigns supreme with these rocky road-inspired Easter treats. Any dessert that comes in bar form is gonna be a big hit among the fam, plus these are loaded up with chocolate eggs for the holiday! (via Brit + Co)

Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches

Brit + Co

Carrot cake is the cake for Easter, but why stress about making a whole cake?! If you're looking for an easier alternative, but still want all the carrot cake vibes in your life, opt for these sandwiched Easter treats that also feature a creamy filling. (via Brit + Co)

Piña Colada Cake

Brit + Co

When sweet fruit and sugary classic desserts merge, it's pure magic. This cake serves up the flavors of a piña colada in the tastiest way ever. If you wanna amp it up for Easter, pop a few Peeps on top! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S’mores

How Sweet Eats

This recipe is everyone's fave campfire treat made with Peeps! Better make a big batch of this Easter treat, because you'll want to devour these rainbow Easter s'mores for days to come. (viaHow Sweet Eats)

Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Yellow Bliss Road

Any holiday dessert that calls for marshmallows can be dressed up in Easter pastels when you substitute Peeps! Serve these colorful Easter treats sliced up in rainbow squares, or insert sticks and hand them out as pops. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

DIY Easter Wildflower Macarons

Sugar & Cloth

These bright yellow macarons become festive flowers with a little bit of white icing paint and edible black ink. They make a delicate and beautiful addition to a spring-themed tablescape, and are an excellent excuse to get artsy this Easter! (via Sugar & Cloth)

Bunny Fairy Bread

Hello, Wonderful

Oh, em, gee — everyone's fave fairy bread is getting the full Easter treatment with rabbit shapes and cute little cottontails. You can't forget the sprinkles, either! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Toasted Marshmallow Easter Peeps Milkshakes

Shared Appetite

Even milkshakes take on an Easter theme when the colors are Peeps-inspired. Click through for an Easter dessert recipe that will take your presentation to the next level – and bonus points if your shake matches your Easter dress! (via Shared Appetite)

Bunny Tail Cupcakes

Lark & Linen

What could be cuter than a little ol' rabbit tail sticking out of your cupcakes? The pink “paws" are made of Jordan almonds — genius! (via Lark & Linen)

Cotton Candy Donuts

Studio DIY

These fairy-floss donut hybrids in bright pastel colors are perfect for Easter brunch, and they couldn't be easier to make. Just top some donuts with a small pinch of cotton candy, then add glitter sprinkles, and OMG! — dreamy Easter treats. (via Studio DIY)

Coconut Marshmallows with White Chocolate

The Gold Lining Girl

Kids young and old alike will get a kick out of cutting homemade marshmallows into bunny shapes! The coconut “tails" not only look cute, but they also taste divine. (via The Gold Lining Girl)

Colorful Ice Cream Sandwich Treats

The Sweet Escape

Before we dive head-first into all of the yummy ice cream sandwiches that spring and summer have to offer, give them a spring makeover with pastel hues! A tray of these will look Pantone-pretty on your Easter dessert table. (via The Sweet Escape)

Snowball Cupcakes

Baking a Moment

These chocolate cupcakes are a riff on everyone's childhood fave Hostess Sno Balls, only waaaaay better — because homemade is always better! Pick a few different colors for these Easter treats to match all your dyed Easter eggs. (via Baking a Moment)

Easter Bunny Macarons

Tried & True

Making macarons can be a bit finicky, but they're totally worth the effort when the end result is as cute as these bunnies! Adding the adorable food-marker faces is more than half the fun, plus, they're bound to make everyone smile this Easter. (via Tried & True)

Coconut Eton Mess with Whipped Ricotta Cream

Half Baked Harvest

Some desserts almost look too pretty to eat and this cake is one of them! Still, we invite you to not break out your finest mixing bowls and baking pan to bring this easter recipe to life. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake

Vikalinka

This recipe had us at chocolate, but the strawberry mousse is the icing in the middle of the cake! It'll make you feel like a famous pastry chef who's known for making the best desserts, plus you'll even get to enjoy eating it! Our favorite part is garnishing it with a few sliced strawberries to make it look extra pretty. (via Vikalinka)

Easter Cake Pops

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

How fun are these easter cake pops? They combine our two favorite sweet treats for a quick burst of flavor that makes it hard to only eat one. All you need is box cake mix, frosting, and white candy melts to recreate this recipe. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Tag us with your Easter treats on Instagram @BritandCo and subscribe to our email newsletter for more sweet inspo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Chocolate doesn’t last long in my home — it’s both my vice and my joy. So when I’m gifted a little (or a lot), it instantly puts me in my happy place. Whether you’re indulging yourself or treating the chocolate lover in your life, these gifts go beyond the usual brands. We’ve rounded up gourmet, eco-conscious bars and truffles that are sure to impress — even the pickiest of chocoholics. Plan a chocolate date this weekend — or stash a few for special occasions (if you can resist, that is).

Here are 10 sweet gifts for the chocolate lovers in your life.

Compartés

Pink Elephants Dark Chocolate Bar

Feel like a kid again munching on this Pink Elephant Dark Chocolate + Animal Cookies chocolate bar. These colorful and playful bars are handmade in Los Angeles and so delicious.

GoodSam

GoodSam Dark Chocolate Bar

These keto-friendly vegan bars are just as decadent as the milk-based bars. And for dessert, whip up their Vegan Miso Chocolate Cake recipe, yum!

Christopher Elbow

Christopher Elbow Signature Chocolate Collection

What chocolate lover wouldn't love 36 pieces of gourmet chocolate bonbons with flavors like Fleur de Sel Caramel, Fresh Lemon, Champagne, and Macadamia Praline.

Bar and Cocoa

Chocolate Bars of the World Gift Box

This isn’t your average checkout aisle chocolate — it’s the kind that makes you think to yourself “whoa.” Go big with the 10-bar box of this award-winning chocolate and you’ve got a month-long flavor adventure that’s part treat, part treasure hunt.

Hu Chocolate

Hu Organic Milk Chocolate Bars

What I love about these chocolates is their simplicity — they’re made with clean, quality ingredients and completely free of artificial additives or unnecessary fillers. Yet they don’t hold back on flavor. Each bar is a pleasant surprise and suits all cravings: creamy, fruity, salty, and crunchy. This is your chocolate pantry staple.

SkinnyDipped

SkinnyDipped Super Dark + Sea Salt Almonds

These low-sugar snacks are so good they're perfect for every day and as a sweet gift to someone you love.

Mast Chocolate

Mast Chocolate Bar Gift Box

Mast packaging is always pretty enough to present as a gift individually, but this gift box offers up six organic chocolate bars, including dark chocolate with sea salt, dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds, and oat milk chocolate with cocoa nibs, for your favorite chocolate lover.

Raaka

Raaka Chocolate Best Seller Trio

The Coconut Milk bar in this trio is smooth and creamy with a hint of tropical sweetness, thanks to organic coconut and cacao butter; Bourbon Cask Aged brings a rich, smoky twist; and Pink Sea Salt strikes the perfect salty-sweet balance, using delicate Peruvian pink sea salt to enhance the flavor.

Alter Eco

Alter Eco Organic Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Truffles

Take a bite of these eco-friendly truffles and prepare to swoon. Each one is coated in rich Ecuadorian dark chocolate and finished with a delicate crunch of fleur de sel de Guérande. Inside? A creamy center made with coconut oil that melts in your mouth. Bonus: they're wrapped in plant-based, compostable wrappers.

Dandelion Chocolate

Dandelion Chocolate Tokyo & SF Collection

This limited-edition set comes in a sleek box featuring six bars—each crafted from the same beans, yet strikingly different, thanks to the unique interpretations by the company’s San Francisco and Tokyo teams.

Follow us on Pinterest for more gift ideas!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Fashion is like a time capsule that reflects the cultural, social, and artistic influences of each era. But for every timeless classic that we've gotten from decades past, there are also plenty of missteps that left us scratching our heads.

From strangely small hats to paisley prints and peplum tops, each decade has had its fair share of fashion fails. Whether you suffered through these trends or just want to cringe, get ready to laugh at some of history's most questionable style choices.

Scroll to see the outdated & absolute worst trends of every decade...

1. 1920s: Cloche Hats

The Vermont Country Store

Cloche hats were all the rage in the 1920s, but they were never the most flattering accessory for anyone. They were bell-shaped, fit snugly over your head, and often covered your eyebrows. So, wearers wound up looking more like swaddled babies in a bonnet.

Not to mention, this style was typically paired with shorter bob hairstyles and had a way of swallowing up the face, almost like a swim cap. You can still get this more old-fashioned style from The Vermont Country Store, or you can try a more modern take from Anthropologie...if you dare!

2. 1930s: Beach Dresses

Etsy

While itty-bitty bikinis are a common sight at beaches today, women took a more modest approach to swimwear during the 1930s. There's nothing wrong with leaving some things up to the imagination, either, but beach dresses took the trend too far.

Typically adorned with ruffles and other decorative details, these garments were supposed to make you look chic as you lounged seaside. But they were really just impractical since, obviously, sand, water, and layers of fabric don't exactly mix well.

3. 1940s: Mini Bowler Hats

Amazon

More than 80 years later, we're still confused about the rise of miniature bowler hats. These tiny pieces were perched awkwardly on wearers' heads and looked more like props from a costume party or play.

Mini bowler hats were simply too small to be practical yet too formal to be fun. And honestly, they were flat-out unflattering for most people.

4. 1950s: Poodle Skirts

Amazon

Along with sock hops came poodle skirts, another fashion faux pas. These oversized, felt circle skirts feature applique poodles or other kitschy designs and were a hit with teenagers.

They were twirl-friendly, making them great for dancing, but the overly literal embellishments were more childish than anything. The silhouette might work for some outfits today, but the poodles can stay in the past.

5. 1960s: Paisley Print

Ann Taylor

It's no secret that 1960s fashion embraced bold, psychedelic patterns. Regardless, paisley print (like this dress), especially in loud and clashing colors, was one of the cringier choices.

The swirling designs were just overwhelming and made wearers look more like dated wallpaper. Plus, when people paired paisley dresses, tops, or pants with equally loud accessories, the result was visual chaos.

6. 1970s: Sweater Vests

Macy's

We can thank the 1970s for groovy trends like tie-dye and bell bottoms, but sweater vests were more baffling. They weren't warm enough to be functional or stylish enough to be a statement piece.

So, these sleeveless knits toed an awkward line between preppy and pointless. Today, they've sort of made a comeback in baggier, more chic variations. But the classic fitted sweater vest can stay in the '70s.

7. 1980s: Sweatbands & Leg Warmers

Free People

In 2025, most people hit the gym in typical leggings or shorts with an oversized T-shirt or tank top. Back in the 1980s, workout classes looked more like overstimulating neon fashion shows.

Sweatbands and leg warmers are probably the worst offenders. They were meant to add flair to workout gear but were more about aesthetics than functionality.

Sure, a sweatband might be helpful, but leg warmers? Unless gyms in the '80s were equipped with crazy powerful air conditioning, it's hard to imagine anyone's calves were getting cold.

8. 1990s: Parachute Pants

Free People

Parachute pants were made from shiny, swishy nylon that, shocker, was the same material used for actual parachutes. These baggy bottoms typically came in neon colors or wild patterns, making them anything but subtle.

Aside from nylon not being very breathable, the style of parachute pants was just too loud and didn't really flatter silhouettes.

9. 2000s: Trucker Hats

ASOS

During the 2000s, trucker hats with air-brushed fronts and mesh backs somehow became a must-have accessory.

Brands like Ed Hardy and Von Dutch really popularized this look among teens and young adults, who paired them with low-rise jeans or graphic tees. While they helped complete the ultimate Y2K aesthetic at the time, trucker hats have been replaced with more neutral baseball caps.

10. 2010s: Peplum Tops

Nordstrom

Finally, peplum tops (like this striped one) are one of the most perplexing trends of the 2010s. They featured flared, ruffled hems that shot out from the waist and added more volume as opposed to defining someone's figure.

If you were a teen or college student during this regrettable era, you probably showed up to class or even parties wearing these tops. In hindsight, they weren't fun, flirty, or flattering.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Every season of The White Lotus, viewers are presented with a (nearly entirely) brand-new cast of privileged and snobby characters to pick apart. And from the very first episode of season 3, you've probably begun drawing fresh conclusions, casting judgments, and trying to figure out which vacationers or hotel staff members will end up perishing in the finale this time around.

But while the dark comedy is definitely skilled at creating hateable characters that most fans wouldn't be sad about saying goodbye to, there are some people who manage to either exhibit slightly worse character traits or morals than the rest of the gang, or redeem themselves in some way as the show goes on.

So, now that we are waiting with bated breath for episode 8, there are actually certain characters we've begun rooting for. Here's our ranking of seven different The White Lotus characters we want to see live this season. Beware of spoilers!

Scroll to see which characters from The White Lotus we think will actually make it out alive after the finale...

1. Belinda

HBO

Belinda isn't like the other cast members. She's a hardworking mother with strong values who keeps finding herself in unfortunate situations.

First, her dreams of starting a business with Tanya came crashing down in Season 2. And now, after participating in a wellness exchange at ahotel in Thailand, she's stuck dealing with Tanya's possibly murderous ex, Gary/Greg.

But while we commend her morals and want her to live, Belinda should've just taken that $100,000 bribe and saved herself when she had the chance. Now, her fate hangs in the balance despite being one of the most upstanding characters.

2. Chelsea

HBO

At first, I thought Chelsea was just another young girl dating an older, rich man for the perks of a luxurious lifestyle. And hey, more power to her!

But as season 3 of The White Lotus has continued to unfold, I think we've all realized that she's much more caring than self-absorbed. She genuinely feels for Rick and sticks by him, even as he's so blatantly struggling with his own mental health and disregarding her in the process.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea will actually survive, but I'm definitely pulling for her to make it out of Thailand alive.

3. Laurie

HBO

Like everyone, Laurie has her own flaws, but out of the three women on vacation together (her, Jaclyn, and Kate), she's definitely the most likable.

We feel bad about how Jaclyn slept with Valentin, and even worse because, after Laurie finally told her "friends" off and tried to spend the night with Aleksei, he wound up asking her for $10,000 to help move his mother to Thailand. Plus, she was forced to climb out of his window when his angry girlfriend showed up!

Laurie has had a tough run in Thailand, but she's by far the most real one in her friend group. If one of the girls ends up living, we hope it's her.

4. Rick

HBO

It's no secret that Rick has some issues. Starting in the first episode, when all of The White Lotus characters were supposed to be happy and soaking up their arrival at the glamorous resort, he was immediately sour and clearly grappling with something.

We've since learned that "something" was the supposed murder of his father by Jim Hollinger, and because Rick wanted to get revenge, you might not be super willing to give him any brownie points. But hear us out.

Rick might've wanted to kill Jim, but in episode 7, he showed that he had the ability to rein in his emotions. He brought a gun, but all he wound up doing was shoving Jim's chair over. Rick couldn't bring himself to harm an old man, and that shows he has at least some moral compass.

5. Piper

HBO

Out of the whole Ratliff family, Piper is the most relatable. She's over her family's surface-level interests and wants to find something to live for that's more meaningful than money and appearances.

We give her major props for lying about her so-called "thesis" in order to get her whole family on a trip to Thailand so she could scope out a Thai monastery. She's probably just as manipulative as the rest of her relatives, but at least she's using her skills to gain an insightful experience.

6. Gaitok

HBO

Gaitok and Mook would make an adorable couple. That's if Gaitok lives long enough to survive this round of vacationers at The White Lotus. He's a nice guy, but he's not the best at his job.

He managed to get his gun stolen by Timothy Ratliff, and thankfully, he got it back. But Gaitok's character has been so central to the growing tension among the security staff that we think he's bound to get involved in some sort of violence by the finale's end. Whether he perishes or survives remains to be seen.

7. Timothy Ratliff

HBO

Speaking of Timothy, our hope for his life to continue might come as a shock. I mean, he's the patriarch of a pretty insufferable family and committed serious white-collar crimes that could cause the Ratliffs to lose everything.

Nonetheless, after watching his mental state totally deteriorate over the last few episodes, it's hard not to have empathy for him. Timothy has been tranquilizing himself with his wife Victoria's lorazepam, stole Gaitok's gun, fantasized about taking his own life, and then even considered the possibility of killing both Victoria and his son Saxon to prevent them from living a life without their luxuries.

It's a blessing that Gaitok managed to get his gun back. Timothy may deserve to face the consequences of his actions back home, but he also needs some serious mental health intervention.

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