These birds' nests are the perfect way to have fun, be creative and get your kids in the kitchen! They can be a little messy to make, but it's definitely worth it for the fun you'll have! A sweet, sticky, crunchy combination of ingredients makes these chocolate nests an irresistible treat for any occasion, but particularly for Easter, because you can place your favorite candies in the nest.
There are several different bases to make your "bird's nest," but the recipe below uses a combination of oats and pretzels to give the nest-like texture and appearance. Kids love to help out in the kitchen when they can, and they will love pressing their thumbs into the sticky, chocolatey mixture to make the nests!
Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Easter Egg Nests
10-12 nests
15 mins
5 mins
20 mins
2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup chopped pretzel sticks
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups Easter egg candies (your choice)
Place the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until fully melted.
Add milk, cocoa, and sugar and stir to combine. Bring to a boil for about 1-2 mins, stirring occasionally.
Remove pan from the heat, and add in the peanut butter and vanilla. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
Stir in the oats, chopped pretzels, and salt, until the mixture is thoroughly combined. Allow 2 mins for mixture to cool.
Once cool enough to touch, use spoons or your hands to portion out individual mounds on wax or parchment paper. You may want to put a little flour on your hands to keep them from sticking to the mixture.
Gently press your thumb down in the center of the mound to form a trench, making the nest shape. Let the nests cool completely at room temperature or by placing them in the fridge for a few minutes.
Once fully cooled, add your favorite Easter or egg-shaped candies in the center of the nests. Serve and enjoy, or give as gifts!
Pro-tip: Other ways of making nests are by using dried ramen or chow mein noodles instead of oats or pretzels.
