Need a quick and easy holiday treat to make with the kids for Easter? Marshmallow crispy treats get a seasonal makeover as birds' nests with Easter candy eggs!
Note: While the listed ingredients for this recipe are gluten-free according to packaging, the Cadbury Mini Eggs are processed in a shared facility where gluten cross-contamination is possible. If you're making this recipe for someone who is on a gluten-free diet, you should choose a candy substitute that says gluten-free on the packaging to ensure the candy is safe for them to consume.
RECIPE: Cocoa Crispy Marshmallow Birds' Nests
Yields 30 birds' nest cocoa crispy marshmallow treats
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes plus 30 minutes to dry
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 bag (10.5 ounces) miniature marshmallows
- 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 6 cups Cocoa Pebbles cereal
- 1 bag Cadbury Mini Eggs (or your choice of egg-shaped Easter candy)
- 1/3 cup milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted (to cement the eggs into the nest)
You'll also need:
A silicone muffin pan, such as the Wilton Easy Flex Silicone 6 Cup Muffin Pan
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add the mini marshmallows and cook until they are completely melted, stirring constantly to incorporate the melted butter. Remove from heat.
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture and stir to incorporate.
- Add 6 cups Cocoa Pebbles cereal and mix well to coat the cereal.
- With a spoon, transfer the mixture into the silicone muffin pan and press into the mold to make the birds' nests. Be sure to press a dent in the center where the candy eggs will go.
- Allow the nest to sit in the mold for about 1-2 minutes to get the shape to hold, then pop out of the mold and onto a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil, wax paper or parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave at 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval to make sure the chocolate doesn't burn.
- Add about a half-teaspoon of chocolate to the middle of the nest and press the Cadbury Mini Eggs into the chocolate to cement them to the nest.
- Allow the nests to dry at least 30 minutes before serving.
These treats can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
