Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: No need to preheat the oven; these treats come together without baking, saving time and reducing hassle.
- Kid-Friendly Activity: With simple steps and fun assembly, it’s a perfect recipe to involve children in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different cereals, nut butters, or toppings to suit your preferences.
- Festive Presentation: The nest-like appearance with candy eggs makes them an attractive addition to any Easter celebration.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups quick oats
- 1 cup chopped pretzels
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chocolate Easter egg candies
Directions
- Prepare the Base Mixture: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add milk, sugar, and cocoa powder, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the quick oats, chopped pretzels, and salt until fully combined.
- Form the Nests: Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto waxed paper, shaping them into nest forms. Press down the center with your thumb to create a space for the candies.
- Add Candy Eggs: Once the nests have cooled and set, place 2-3 chocolate egg candies in the center of each nest.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately or store for later.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 18 nests
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (including setting time)
Variations
- Cereal Base: Replace oats and pretzels with chow mein noodles or rice cereal for a different texture.
- Nut Butter Alternatives: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter to accommodate allergies or taste preferences.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts to the mixture for extra flavor and crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: These nests can be frozen for up to a month. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these nests gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free oats and pretzels, you can make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What if I don’t have quick oats?
You can pulse old-fashioned oats in a food processor a few times to achieve a similar texture to quick oats.
How can I prevent the nests from sticking to the waxed paper?
Ensure the waxed paper is properly greased, or use parchment paper or silicone baking mats as alternatives.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred, as the oil separation in natural peanut butter can affect the texture of the nests.
How long do these nests take to set?
Typically, they set at room temperature within 20-30 minutes. To expedite, you can place them in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Are there dairy-free options for this recipe?
Substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use a non-dairy milk alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
Can I add food coloring to the mixture?
Adding food coloring may not be effective due to the chocolate base. Instead, use colored candy eggs or sprinkles for a festive touch.
What’s the best way to involve kids in this recipe?
Children can help mix the ingredients, shape the nests, and place the candy eggs, making it a fun and interactive activity.
Can I use white chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
Yes, melt white chocolate chips and mix with the other ingredients, omitting the cocoa powder, for a different flavor profile.
How can I make the nests more stable?
Ensure the mixture boils for the recommended time to achieve the right consistency, helping the nests hold their shape better.
Conclusion
Easter Egg Nests are a delightful and straightforward no-bake treat that brings joy to both the maker and the eater. Their customizable nature allows for creativity, making them a perfect addition to your Easter festivities. Whether enjoyed as a sweet snack or a festive dessert, these nests are sure to be a hit with.
Print
Egg Nests
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Egg Nests are adorable no-bake treats made with chocolate, peanut butter, oats, and pretzels, then topped with candy eggs. Perfect for Easter celebrations, these easy, kid-friendly treats come together in just 10 minutes and are a festive addition to any dessert table!
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2½ cups quick oats
- 1 cup chopped pretzels
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups chocolate Easter egg candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Mixture: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add milk, sugar, and cocoa powder, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Incorporate Peanut Butter & Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Mix in oats, pretzels, and salt until fully coated.
- Shape the Nests: Drop spoonfuls onto wax paper and form into nest shapes, pressing a small indentation in the center.
- Add Candy Eggs: Once slightly cooled, place 2-3 candy eggs in each nest.
- Set & Serve: Allow to set at room temperature for 20-30 minutes or refrigerate for faster setting.
Notes
- Cereal Alternative: Swap oats and pretzels for chow mein noodles or rice cereal.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Extra Crunch: Add shredded coconut or chopped nuts for texture.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container for 4 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
