WHAT’S A FUN SPRING TREAT?
Rice Krispie Treat Bird Nests
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
20 min
SERVINGS
12-14 nests
These Rice Krispie Treat Bird Nests are the cutest and easiest no-bake treat that’s perfect for spring! Made with gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, these sweet little nests are topped with colorful candy eggs and sugar grass for a fun, festive touch. They’re a blast to make with kids and are perfect to serve for Easter!
Easter desserts can get so over the top, but these little nests keep things fun and low-pressure. I’m all about seasonal or holiday activities, but let’s be real, mom guilt creeps in when I feel like I’m not doing enough. These super easy little birds nests with Rice Krispie treats are so simple to make. They’re a fun, quick, and stress-free Spring activity you can do solo or get your kiddos involved too!
You start these no-bake desserts made by melting butter and marshmallows, mixing in crispy rice cereal, and shaping the mixture into mini nests while it’s still warm. Once you’ve formed the nests, you let them cool and firm up before adding colorful grass and candy eggs to the center of each one. Did I mention there’s no baking involved? Just melting, mixing, and shaping. The result is a sweet, chewy, and slightly crunchy treat that’s perfect for any Spring holiday!
White Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
You probably have made a batch of rice krispie treats in your lifetime, but you haven’t tried MY recipe. These homemade rice krispie treat recipe has a secret ingredient that sets them apart from the original. I give my mom full credit but adding white chocolate chips adds a creamy delicate sweetness that takes these treats to a whole new level. The white chocolate chips melt just enough to create little pockets of creamy goodness throughout each bite, making them rich, flavorful, and extra special, especially in a springtime dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crispy Rice Cereal – Gives this dessert that light, crispy crunch that makes these nests so perfect. Make sure to use fresh cereal for the best texture.
Marshmallows – Melting them down creates that sticky, sweet binding that shapes perfectly into little nests. Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly, but regular ones work too.
Butter – Adds richness and depth to the flavor while also keeping the treats from sticking to your hands during shaping. I love using salted butter for a little extra flavor.
White Chocolate Chips – My secret ingredient that makes these treats next-level. They melt just enough to create creamy, sweet pockets throughout the cereal.
Candy Eggs – These are for decorating the nests and giving them that perfect Easter look. You can use Cadbury Mini Eggs, M&M’s, or any small, colorful candy eggs you love. It’s such a fun way to add a festive touch.
Nonstick Spray or Butter (for shaping) – Keeping your hands or tools lightly greased is a total lifesaver when it comes to shaping the nests. It prevents the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to your hands so you can form perfect little nests.
Edible Grass – You can find edible grass at most grocery stores around Easter or online, and it’s super easy to tuck a few strands into each nest before adding the candy eggs. The nests still look adorable with just the candy eggs, or you can sprinkle a little shredded coconut dyed green for a similar effect.
Step By Step Instructions
Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely melted and smooth.
Add white chocolate chips: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the white chocolate chips. The residual heat will slightly melt the chips. Stir gently to avoid over-melting the chips.
Mix in the Rice Krispie cereal: Pour the Rice Krispie cereal into the melted marshmallow and white chocolate mixture. Stir until all the cereal is fully coated and evenly mixed.
Shape the bird nests: Lightly spray your hands with nonstick spray or grease them with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small nests on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Press your thumbs into the center of each mound to create a shallow well for the candy eggs. Work quickly while the mixture is still warm and pliable.
Let the nests cool and set: Allow the nests to cool completely at room temperature. This step helps them firm up and hold their shape. You can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge for about 15 minutes if needed.
Add candy eggs and decorations: Once the nests are set, place a few candy eggs in the center of each one. If you’re using edible grass or dyed coconut, tuck a small amount into the nest before adding the eggs for a festive touch. Enjoy!
Expert Tips
Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can leave your nests feeling dry and crumbly.
Melt the marshmallows over low to medium heat for even melting. Rushing the process with high heat can cause the marshmallows to scorch or harden, making them difficult to mix with the cereal.
Stir the marshmallows constantly while melting. This prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the pot and helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.Work quickly when shaping the nests. The mixture sets up fast, so having your baking sheet lined and ready before you start helps you keep the process moving.
Keep your hands lightly greased with butter or nonstick spray while shaping the nests. It makes handling the sticky mixture much easier and allows you to shape perfect little wells for the candy eggs.
Cool the mixture slightly before shaping if it feels too hot to handle. Letting it rest for a minute or two can make it more manageable without compromising the shape.
Make the nests on parchment or wax paper for easy cleanup. It also prevents the sticky mixture from sticking to your countertop or baking sheet.
Ways To Customize
Swap out the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips if you prefer a rich chocolate flavor.
Replace the Rice Krispie cereal with Cocoa Krispies to give your bird nests a chocolatey sweetness that pairs perfectly with candy eggs.
Replace some of the marshmallows with peanut butter or Nutella for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Add shredded coconut directly to the cereal mixture for extra texture and a hint of tropical flavor that pairs well with the candy eggs.
Press chocolate or peanut butter eggs into the nests instead of traditional candy eggs for a fun flavor upgrade.
Storage Instructions
Keep your candy nests fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating them, as the cold can make them hard and lose their soft, chewy texture. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQ
What should I do if the marshmallow mixture hardens before I can shape the nests?
Reheat the mixture over low heat for a few seconds to soften it. Stir gently and then go ahead with shaping the nests.
Can I use flavored marshmallows to make these nests?
Yes, flavored marshmallows work well and can add a fun twist to the overall taste. Just keep in mind that some flavors might overpower the white chocolate chips or candy eggs.
Can I make these Rice Krispie Treat Bird Nests ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture.
More Easy Recipes For Easter
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Rice Krispie Treat Bird Nests
I love these super easy and fun Spring Rice Krispie Treat Bird Nests. Great activity to get your kiddos involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients
4 tablespoons butter
6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
1 package of large marshmallows
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Edible grass candy, sprinkles, frosting, etc.
Chocolate eggs, jelly beans, M&Ms, etc
Instructions
- Spray a muffin tin with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan on low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows, white chocolate chips and vanilla. Continue to cook on low until everything is melted and smooth.
- Remove from the heat, add the Rice Krispies and stir until the cereal is well coated.
- Scoop a large spoonful of the Rice Krispie Treat mixture into the prepared muffin tin. Then you will press down the middle of the mixture to shape the mix to the cupcake tin. I find using a small square of parchment sprayed with nonstick spray to press down the mix works easiest. Set aside for 30-60 minutes for the nests to set.
- Once set, remove the nests from the cupcake tin. Sprinkle your grass into the bottom of the nest then add the candy eggs over the grass. Voila! Enjoy!
Notes
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