Description
This delightful Rice Krispie Easter Nests recipe is a festive and fun treat perfect for spring celebrations. Made with melted marshmallows, butter, and crispy Rice Krispies cereal, these nests are shaped in muffin tins and decorated with green-colored coconut to resemble grass, then topped with mini chocolate eggs for an adorable Easter touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (10-oz) bag mini marshmallows (~6 cups)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 4-6 drops green food coloring
- Mini chocolate eggs (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin pans with butter or nonstick spray, or line with paper or silicone liners for easier removal of the nests.
- Make the marshmallow base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add cereal: Immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until all the cereal is coated evenly with the marshmallow mixture. Allow it to cool for 2 to 3 minutes to make handling easier.
- Form the nests: Grease your hands or use wax paper to shape the mixture. Scoop about â…“ cup of the mixture into each muffin cup, pressing down gently and creating a well in the center to form a nest shape. This recipe makes approximately 16-20 nests depending on size. Let the nests set for 20 to 30 minutes until firm.
- Make the “grass”: In a zip-top bag or small bowl, combine the shredded coconut with 4 to 6 drops of green food coloring. Shake or stir until the coconut is evenly tinted green.
- Assemble the nests: Once the nests are set, remove them from the muffin pans. Sprinkle the green-colored coconut on top of each nest to resemble grass. Finish by placing mini chocolate eggs in the center wells of each nest.
Notes
- Use butter or nonstick spray to grease muffin pans for easy removal.
- Let the marshmallow mixture cool slightly before handling to prevent burns.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve desired grass color intensity.
- Mini chocolate eggs can be substituted with jelly beans or candy chicks for variation.
- Store the nests in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal.
