If you’re looking for a festive, no-bake treat that feels playful and nostalgic, these Easter Rice Krispie Nests are always a hit. They’re chewy, buttery, lightly sweet, and shaped into little edible nests filled with chocolatey Nutella and colorful mini eggs.
The combination of gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and coconut shreds creates the perfect nest-like texture. Add a swirl of Nutella in the center and top with mini Cadbury eggs, and you’ve got an adorable Easter dessert that both kids and adults will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake and easy to make
- Perfect for Easter parties and spring gatherings
- Soft, chewy texture with a slight crunch
- Fun for kids to help shape and decorate
- Beautiful, festive presentation
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 20 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 9 oz Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 cups unsweetened coconut shreds
- Gel food coloring (pastel shades work beautifully)
- 1 ½ cups Nutella hazelnut spread
- 108 mini Cadbury eggs
Let’s Get Started
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Reduce heat as needed to prevent browning.
Stir in the salt and vanilla extract. The mixture should be glossy and silky at this stage with no visible marshmallow lumps.
Remove the pot from heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
In a separate bowl, divide the coconut shreds if using multiple colors. Add a small drop of gel food coloring and mix until evenly tinted. Continue adding color gradually until you reach your desired shade.
Fold the colored coconut into the cereal mixture, distributing it evenly for a natural nest-like appearance.
Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. Scoop about ¼ cup of the mixture into each cavity.
Using lightly greased fingers or the back of a spoon, press the mixture firmly into the muffin cups, then create an indent in the center of each to form a nest shape. Work quickly before the mixture cools and sets.
Allow the nests to cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
Once cooled, gently remove the nests from the pan. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of Nutella into the center of each nest, smoothing slightly.
Place 3 mini Cadbury eggs into each nest, pressing them gently into the Nutella so they stay in place.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe makes 36 individual nests (based on 108 mini eggs, 3 per nest). Serve them as part of an Easter dessert table, pack them into treat bags, or arrange them on a decorative platter for brunch. They pair wonderfully with milk, hot cocoa, or coffee.
Variations
Skip the coconut if preferred and simply shape the cereal mixture into nests.
Use white chocolate hazelnut spread for a lighter center.
Add pastel sprinkles for extra festive color.
Use peanut butter instead of Nutella for a different flavor twist.
Storage Tips
Store the nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep the Nutella from becoming too soft.
Avoid stacking directly on top of each other to maintain their shape. If refrigerating, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Why is my mixture too sticky to shape?
Lightly grease your hands or spoon with butter or cooking spray. Working quickly while the mixture is warm also helps.
Can I use large marshmallows instead?
Yes. Use about 40 large marshmallows to equal 20 oz of mini marshmallows.
Do I have to use gel food coloring?
Gel food coloring works best because it adds vibrant color without adding excess moisture, but liquid food coloring can be used in small amounts.
Final Thoughts
These Easter Rice Krispie Nests are cheerful, simple, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your spring celebration. The chewy marshmallow base, coconut texture, and chocolatey center create a treat that feels both nostalgic and festive. They’re just as fun to make as they are to eat.
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Nests
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Rice Krispie Nests are a no-bake spring treat made with buttery marshmallow cereal, tinted coconut, creamy Nutella, and mini chocolate eggs. They’re festive, chewy, and perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 20 oz mini marshmallows
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 9 oz Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 cups unsweetened coconut shreds
- Gel food coloring
- 1 ½ cups Nutella hazelnut spread
- 108 mini Cadbury eggs
Instructions
- Melt butter over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Stir in salt and vanilla. Remove from heat.
- Fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Tint coconut with gel food coloring and mix into cereal mixture.
- Press mixture into greased muffin tin and form nest indents.
- Cool 30–45 minutes until firm.
- Fill each nest with about 1 tablespoon Nutella.
- Add 3 mini Cadbury eggs per nest.
Notes
- Stir marshmallows constantly to avoid scorching.
- Work quickly while mixture is warm and pliable.
- Grease hands to prevent sticking.
- Allow full cooling before removing from pan for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes