There’s something so nostalgic about Rice Krispie treats, but when you shape them into little Easter nests? Pure springtime magic. These Easter Rice Krispie Nests are chewy, chocolatey, lightly coconutty, and topped with colorful mini Cadbury eggs for the sweetest holiday touch.
They’re playful, festive, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for an Easter brunch, or just want a fun no-bake dessert, these adorable nests always bring smiles to the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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No baking required — just melt, mix, and shape
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Soft, chewy texture with a creamy Nutella center
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Naturally festive and easy to customize with colors
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Perfect make-ahead treat for Easter gatherings
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Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
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½ cup unsalted butter
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20 oz mini marshmallows
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½ tsp salt
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2 tsp pure vanilla extract
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9 oz Rice Krispies cereal
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3 cups unsweetened coconut shreds
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Gel food coloring of your choice
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1 ½ cups Nutella hazelnut spread
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108 mini Cadbury eggs
Let’s Get Started
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In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat until fully melted and lightly bubbling but not browned. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the salt and vanilla extract.
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Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until every piece is evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture. Work quickly but carefully — the mixture will begin to firm up as it cools.
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In a separate bowl, divide the coconut shreds if using multiple colors. Add a small amount of gel food coloring and mix thoroughly until the coconut is evenly tinted. Continue adding color gradually until you reach your desired pastel shade.
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Lightly grease a standard muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners. Scoop about ¼ cup of the Rice Krispie mixture into each well. Lightly press down in the center with your fingers or the back of a spoon to create a nest shape, forming a small well in the middle.
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Spoon about 1 tablespoon of Nutella into each nest cavity, gently spreading it to fill the center without overflowing.
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Sprinkle the colored coconut over the Nutella layer to resemble grass, gently pressing it into place so it adheres.
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Place three mini Cadbury eggs on top of each nest, pressing them lightly into the Nutella so they stay secure.
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Allow the nests to cool and set at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes, or until firm enough to remove easily from the pan.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe makes approximately 36 mini nests, making it ideal for Easter parties, classroom treats, or holiday dessert tables. Serve them alongside fresh fruit, pastel-frosted cupcakes, or a spring punch for a festive spread.
Variations
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Swap Nutella for peanut butter or cookie butter for a different flavor profile.
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Use white chocolate spread for a lighter center.
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Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty twist.
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Skip the coconut if preferred and use green-tinted shredded white chocolate instead.
Storage Tips
Store the nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 1 week, but allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best chewy texture.
Avoid stacking directly on top of each other unless separated by parchment paper to maintain their shape.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These are perfect for making 1–2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Can I freeze Easter Rice Krispie Nests?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the marshmallow texture can become overly firm and the coconut may release moisture when thawed.
How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray before shaping the nests.
Can I make them without coconut?
Absolutely. You can leave the coconut out entirely or substitute with tinted sprinkles for a similar festive look.
Final Thoughts
These Easter Rice Krispie Nests are cheerful, sweet, and wonderfully simple to make. The gooey marshmallow base, creamy Nutella center, and candy-coated eggs create the perfect balance of texture and flavor. They’re the kind of treat that disappears quickly — and brings everyone back for seconds.
Print
Easter Rice Krispie Nests
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 mini nests
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Rice Krispie Nests are a festive no-bake treat made with gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, creamy Nutella, and colorful candy eggs. Perfect for spring gatherings and easy enough for little helpers to join in.
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 in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in salt and vanilla.
- Fold in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
- Color coconut with gel food coloring until evenly tinted.
- Press cereal mixture into greased muffin tins and shape into nests with a small well in the center.
- Fill each center with 1 tablespoon Nutella.
- Top with colored coconut and press three mini Cadbury eggs into each nest.
- Let cool at room temperature 30–45 minutes until firm before removing.
Notes
- Stir marshmallows constantly to prevent scorching.
- Do not press the mixture too firmly or the nests may become dense.
- Lightly grease hands or utensils to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
