As an Amazon Associate and brand partner, I earn from qualifying purchases. These Easy Easter Candy Nests are a delightful no-bake treat, perfect for ushering in the spring season. Crafted with minimal effort, they are designed to be filled with your favorite springtime candies, creating a vibrant and delicious dessert for any Easter celebration. We particularly love incorporating a variety of Brach’s candies, from their unique Brunch Jelly Beans and cheerful Springtime Soft Jellies to the timeless Classic Jelly Beans, ensuring every nest is bursting with flavor and color.
Easter is a time for joy, renewal, and of course, irresistible sweet treats. While traditional baking has its charm, sometimes the occasion calls for something quick, fun, and utterly charming. These candy nests perfectly fit the bill, offering a creative outlet for both adults and children, resulting in an adorable, edible centerpiece that will undoubtedly be the highlight of your holiday spread. Their rustic, bird’s nest appearance is not only festive but also incredibly inviting, making them an ideal project for family fun or a thoughtful handmade gift.
Looking for more delightful Easter inspiration? You’ll find endless enjoyment with these other festive recipes. Explore our Easter Jelly Bean Cookies for a chewy, colorful delight, whip up a batch of this vibrant Jelly Bean Bark for a quick and impressive treat, or dive into our extensive collection of 35 Festive Homemade Easter Treats for a plethora of ideas to sweeten your holiday.
Why These Easy Easter Candy Nests Are a Must-Make
There’s an undeniable charm to these homemade Easter candy nests that goes beyond their simple ingredients. Made from a delightful combination of crunchy chow mein noodles, rich melted chocolate, and creamy peanut butter, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The process is incredibly straightforward, making them accessible to even the most novice of cooks or the youngest helpers in the kitchen. Once the chocolate-noodle mixture sets, these adorable nests transform into perfect little cradles, ready to be adorned with a colorful assortment of Brach’s jelly beans and soft jellies.
The appeal of these nests extends to every aspect of your Easter celebration. Imagine these vibrant nests as a playful snack for family gatherings, a charming decoration for your Easter brunch table, or a thoughtful addition to Easter egg baskets. They add a touch of handmade sweetness that elevates any moment. Beyond their visual appeal, these nests encourage interaction and creativity. We highly recommend setting up a small “candy bar” with an array of Brach’s jelly beans and soft jellies. This allows kids (and adults!) to personalize their nests, choosing their favorite colors and flavors to fill each crunchy chocolate creation. It’s a fantastic activity that guarantees smiles and makes the finished treat even more enjoyable to eat.
Picture a beautiful display, perhaps on a rustic board, with small bowls brimming with colorful Brach’s jelly candy eggs and other seasonal delights. Guests can freely choose their candies, creating their own edible masterpieces. This interactive element transforms a simple dessert into a memorable holiday experience, engaging everyone in the fun. These nests are not just treats; they are an activity, a decoration, and a symbol of the sweet joy of Easter. Their whimsical nature and delicious taste ensure they will be a hit with both children and adults, becoming a cherished part of your annual Easter traditions.
Discover the Sweet Variety of Brach’s Candies
Brach’s has long been a household name, synonymous with quality candies that bring joy to generations. For Easter, they truly outdo themselves, offering an exquisite range of jelly beans and soft jellies that are perfect for filling these delightful nests or simply enjoying on their own. Each variety boasts unique flavors and textures, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. Let’s delve into the delicious world of Brach’s Easter offerings.
Brach’s Easter Brunch Jelly Beans: A Gourmet Experience
Elevate your Easter candy game with Brach’s innovative Easter Brunch Jelly Beans. These aren’t your ordinary jelly beans; they’re a culinary adventure inspired by beloved brunch favorites. Imagine the warm, comforting taste of blueberry maple pancake, the decadent richness of a chocolate glazed donut, or the spicy sweetness of a cinnamon roll. For a touch of sophistication, there’s the non-alcoholic mimosa flavor, offering a sparkling citrus burst. And don’t forget the indulgent caramel cold brew and the refreshing berry smoothie, perfect for a delightful pick-me-up. Each jelly bean delivers a mouth-watering experience, making them an exciting addition to your nests and an unexpected treat for your Easter guests. These unique flavors add a sophisticated twist to the classic candy nest, making them truly special.
Brach’s Springtime Soft Jellies: Chewy Fun in Every Bite
For those who prefer a softer, chewier texture, Brach’s new Springtime Soft Jellies are an absolute delight. These vibrant, juicy candies come in fun spring shapes like eggs, bunnies, and flowers, instantly adding a festive touch to your nests. Indulge in vivid flavors such as tangy blue raspberry, tropical fruit punch, zesty lemonade, refreshing watermelon, and crisp green apple. Their soft, yielding texture provides a wonderful contrast to the crunchy nests, creating a multi-sensory treat. And the convenience doesn’t stop there; these jellies come in resealable bags, perfect for keeping them fresh for sharing, snacking, or continually topping up your beautiful Easter baskets. Their playful shapes and bright colors are ideal for creating visually stunning nests that capture the essence of spring.
Brach’s Classic Jelly Beans: A Timeless Easter Staple
No Easter celebration is complete without the iconic Brach’s Classic Jelly Beans. As spring arrives, these beloved candies return with their signature fruity flavors that have been cherished for generations. Dive into the sweet tang of pineapple, the bright zest of lemon and lime, the juicy burst of orange, the sweetness of strawberry, the rich notes of cherry, and the deep flavor of grape. These classic flavors are essential for any candy dish, offering a familiar and comforting taste that everyone loves. They are also perfect for adding a traditional touch to springtime gift baskets for loved ones, and of course, they are an indispensable component for filling your homemade Easter candy nests. Their consistent quality and delicious taste make them a foundational choice for any Easter confection.
Gather Your Ingredients for Bird’s Nest Cookies
Creating these charming Easter candy nests requires just a few simple ingredients, easily found at your local grocery store. The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal components and maximum flavor impact. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
Bird’s Nest Cookies (The Base)
- 2 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips: These provide a rich, classic chocolate flavor and the perfect binding for your nests. While semisweet is recommended for its balanced sweetness, milk chocolate chips can also be used for a sweeter, creamier nest. The chocolate forms the delicious glue that holds everything together.
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips (or a combination): Peanut butter chips add a wonderful nutty, savory-sweet dimension that pairs beautifully with chocolate. If you prefer, butterscotch chips offer a caramel-like, buttery sweetness that is equally delicious. Feel free to use a blend of both to create a more complex flavor profile. This ingredient adds a unique twist and extra depth of flavor to your nests.
- 5 oz. crispy chow mein noodles: These are the star of the show, forming the quintessential “nest” texture. Their light, crispy nature makes them perfect for creating the desired bird’s nest appearance and delightful crunch. If your noodles are particularly long, gently break them into shorter pieces for easier mixing and shaping. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and lightly tamping them down with a rolling pin, or simply crumbling them with your hands. As an alternative, rice krispies can also be used for a slightly different, yet equally delicious, texture.
These simple ingredients come together to form a remarkably delicious and visually appealing base for your Easter treats. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter (or butterscotch), and crispy noodles creates a satisfying crunch and a flavor that appeals to all ages.
How to Make Easy Easter Candy Nests: Step-by-Step Guide
Crafting these adorable Easter candy nests is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of festive treats that will impress everyone.
Easy Easter Nests Recipe Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Begin by lining two cookie sheets with parchment paper. This crucial step prevents the nests from sticking and makes for easy cleanup once they’re set.
- Melt the Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your semisweet chocolate chips and peanut butter or butterscotch chips. This combination creates a rich, flavorful coating for your noodles.
- Achieve Smooth Consistency: Microwave the chips on high for 1 minute. After this initial heating, stir the mixture thoroughly. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and all the chips are melted and combined. Be patient and stir gently to prevent scorching the chocolate.
- Coat the Noodles: Transfer your crispy chow mein noodles into a large bowl. Pour the smooth chocolate mixture over the noodles. Using a spatula or your hands, gently fold the noodles until they are evenly coated with the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to break the noodles too much during this process, as their structure is key to the nest appearance.
- Form the Nests: Using a rounded tablespoon or a large cookie scoop (approximately ¼ cup), drop mounds of the coated noodles onto your prepared cookie sheets. Once the mounds are on the paper, take a spoon and gently press down in the center of each mound to create a small well, resembling a bird’s nest. This indentation is where your delicious candies will sit once the nests have hardened.
- Chill to Set: Place the cookie sheets with your formed nests into the fridge for 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate mixture has fully set and the nests are firm. This chilling time is essential for the nests to hold their shape.
- Fill and Enjoy: Once the nests are perfectly set, remove them from the fridge. Now comes the most fun part: filling them with your favorite Brach’s candies! Arrange a colorful assortment of jelly beans, soft jellies, or chocolate candy eggs in each well. These fun Easter desserts are now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tip for Perfect Nests: Don’t worry about making each nest perfectly uniform. Their organic, rustic appearance is part of their charm. If you prefer a thicker nest, feel free to add a few more noodles. Similarly, if you desire a more pronounced chocolate flavor, slightly increase the amount of chocolate chips. These nests are designed to be flexible and forgiving, always turning out beautiful and delicious.
Storing Your Delicious Easter Nests
Once you’ve created these delightful Easter candy nests, proper storage will ensure they remain fresh and delicious for days. Store the cooled and set nests in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to one week. If you plan to make them ahead of time, you can store the unfilled nests and add the candies just before serving for optimal freshness and presentation. This also helps prevent softer candies from potentially melting or sticking if stored with the nests for an extended period.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Easy Easter Treat
In summary, these easy Easter candy nests are the perfect embodiment of springtime joy and delicious simplicity. Crafted with just a few ingredients like crispy chow mein noodles, rich chocolate, and creamy peanut butter, they offer an irresistible combination of crunch and sweetness. This is a super simple Easter nest recipe that you and your family will undoubtedly adore, becoming a cherished tradition for years to come.
The magic truly happens when you fill these adorable edible bird’s nests with a vibrant assortment of Brach’s Jelly Beans and soft jellies. Their diverse flavors and cheerful colors bring each nest to life, making every bite a celebration of spring. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity with the kids, a charming centerpiece for your Easter brunch, or a delightful gift, these simple yet delicious Easter treats are sure to spread happiness. They beautifully capture the essence of the season, reminding us of the joy of Easter and the delightful sweetness of spring. Happy nesting!
Don’t miss out on making your Easter extra special with Brach’s! Find Brach’s Easter Candies available at all major retailers nationwide. Be sure to share your beautiful creations using #BrachsCandy and tagging @BrachsCandy on your favorite social media platforms. Connect with us and share your Easter treats on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook!
More Delish Easter Treats!
- 25 Quick and Easy Easter Peep Dessert Treats
- Easy Unicorn Bark
- Carrot Cake Truffles
- Rainbow Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
- Peanut Butter Jelly Bars
- Spring M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies (Easter)
- 20 Amazing Easter Brunch Desserts You’ll Rise For!
- 35 Festive Homemade Easter Treats
Easy Easter Candy Nests Recipe Card
Author: Kim Lange
These Easy Easter Candy Nests are so easy to make and are filled with our favorite spring-time candies! We love these delicious brunch jelly beans and springtime soft jelly candies and of course, don’t forget the classic jelly beans, all from Brach’s!
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Chill Time: 15 mins (in fridge)
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 18 Large nests
- Keyword: butterscotch, candy, chocolate, chow mein noodles, jelly beans, peanut butter
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips or combination of both
- 5 oz. crispy chow mein noodles (to make the nests, if noodles are really long, break them up some, either by placing in a ziplock bag and tamping down with a rolling pin or with your hands.)
Instructions
- Line 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl combine the semisweet chocolate chips and the peanut butter/butterscotch chips.
- Melt chips on high for 1 minute. Stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add chow mein noodles and gently fold until they’re evenly coated.
- Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls or use a large cookie scoop (¼ cup) placing mounds onto the prepared cookie sheet. Take a spoon and make a well into each of the nests for placing the candies, once it’s set.
- Place in the fridge, 10-15 minutes, or until nests are set.
- Once the nests are set, fill them with candies and enjoy!
Tried this recipe? Let us know how it was by commenting below!
