Easter Egg Nest Treats
Jump into Easter fun with colorful Easter Egg Cereal Treats that are easy to make and perfect for holiday celebrations. Discover the secret to shaping them perfectly!
Total time
30 min
Servings
16
Calories
111.6
Category
Desserts
Get ready to create adorable and delicious Easter Egg Nest Treats that are perfect for large gatherings and ready in under 30 minutes. These no-bake delights combine buttery marshmallow crunch with colorful coconut and jelly beans for a festive dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
Makes 16 servings
- 1/4 water
- 2 -4 flaked coconut
- 1/2 butter
- 3 margarine
- 4 miniature marshmallows
- 6 miniature marshmallow
- jelly beans
Method
In small bowl stir together water and green food coloring. Add coconut. Stir until coconut is tinted. Spread on baking sheet to dry.
In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
Add cereal. Stir until well coated.
Divide warm mixture into sixteen 2 1/2-inch muffin-pan cups coated with cooking spray. Shape mixture into individual cups. Cool. Remove from pans.
Fill cooled nests with coconut, marshmallows, jelly beans or chocolate eggs. Best if served the same day.
MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS: Follow step 1 above. In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Stir until smooth. Follow steps 3 thru 5 above. Microwave cooking times may vary.
Note: For best results, use fresh marshmallows. Store no more than two days at room temperature in airtight container. To freeze unfilled cups, place in single layer on wax paper in airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 weeks. Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before filling.
Easy swaps
- Instead of butter, use vegan butter or coconut oilFor a dairy-free version, use equal amounts of vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture will remain similar.
- Instead of margarine, use additional butter or plant-based spreadMargarine can be replaced with more butter or a plant-based spread for consistent melting.
- Instead of miniature marshmallows, use vegan marshmallowsUse vegan mini marshmallows to make the recipe plant-based. They melt similarly.
- Instead of jelly beans, use chocolate eggs or dried fruitFor a different twist, swap jelly beans with mini chocolate eggs or chopped dried apricots.
- Instead of flaked coconut, use unsweetened shredded coconutIf you prefer less sweetness, use unsweetened coconut and adjust the green food coloring as needed.
Frequently asked
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but they may take slightly longer to melt. Cut them into smaller pieces for even melting.
How do I tint the coconut green without food coloring?
You can use natural green food coloring from spinach or matcha powder diluted with water. Start with a small amount and adjust until you reach the desired shade.
Can I make these nests ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare the unfilled cups up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container. Add the coconut, marshmallows, and jelly beans just before serving to keep them fresh.
What cereal works best for this recipe?
Crisped rice cereal is traditional, but you can also use corn flakes or puffed millet for a different texture. Ensure the cereal is not too large to fit into muffin cups.
Can I use chocolate eggs instead of jelly beans?
Yes, chocolate eggs are a classic substitution and pair wonderfully with the marshmallow-coconut nests. Add them after the nests have cooled.
