Let’s talk about a dessert that’s adorable, delicious, and ridiculously easy to make—Chocolate Bird Nests! These no-bake treats are crunchy, chocolatey, and perfect for springtime, Easter, or just because you’re craving something fun and festive. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these little nests are sweet, crunchy, and totally irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to put together that even kids can help make them!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Bird Nests
Versatile Perfect for Easter, spring parties, or just a fun weekend treat.
Budget-Friendly Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy No baking required! Just melt, mix, and shape—dessert is ready in no time.
Customizable Use different types of chocolate, swap in various mix-ins, or decorate them however you like.
Crowd-Pleasing These cute little nests are a hit with both kids and adults—who can resist chocolate and crunchy goodness?
Ingredients
Ingredients in Chocolate Bird Nests
This recipe is all about simplicity and chocolatey-crunchy perfection.
Chocolate Chips The melty, sweet base that holds everything together. You can use milk, dark, or even white chocolate!
Peanut Butter A little peanut butter adds creaminess and extra flavor, making these nests even more delicious.
Chow Mein Noodles These give the nests their signature crunchy texture and nest-like appearance.
Mini Candy Eggs The perfect decoration—colorful chocolate eggs complete the look of these cute little treats.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this fun and tasty treat:
Melt the Chocolate In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and peanut butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
Mix in the Noodles Gently fold in the chow mein noodles, making sure they’re evenly coated in the melted chocolate mixture.
Shape the Nests Scoop small portions of the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, shaping them into nest-like circles with a small well in the center.
Add the Eggs While the nests are still soft, place a few mini candy eggs in the center of each one.
Let Them Set Allow the nests to cool and harden at room temperature or in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy Once the nests are set, they’re ready to be enjoyed!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 nests
Calories per serving: Approx. 180
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Bird Nests
These little nests are adorable and delicious on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
- As a fun Easter dessert A perfect addition to your Easter dessert table!
- With ice cream Break up a nest and sprinkle it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra crunch.
- In a dessert platter Serve alongside other no-bake treats for a variety of flavors and textures.
- Gift-wrapped Package them in cute treat bags for an easy homemade gift.
Additional Tips
- Use Butterscotch Chips Swap some of the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips for a sweet twist.
- Try Different Noodles If you don’t have chow mein noodles, pretzel sticks or cornflakes work as a great alternative.
- Make Them Allergy-Friendly Use dairy-free chocolate and nut-free alternatives for peanut butter if needed.
- Speed Up the Setting Process Pop the nests in the fridge or freezer for faster hardening.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate?
Yes! White chocolate makes a fun variation and pairs beautifully with the mini eggs.
2. Can I make these without peanut butter?
Absolutely! You can leave out the peanut butter or use a peanut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter.
3. How long do these last?
Stored in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature or two weeks in the fridge.
4. Can I freeze these?
Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.
5. Can I use shredded coconut instead of noodles?
Yes! Toasted shredded coconut can make an excellent nest-like texture if you want a different option.
6. What other decorations can I use?
Try jelly beans, M&M’s, or small marshmallows for fun variations!
7. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter or cashew butter works great as a substitute.
8. Do I have to chill them?
Letting them set at room temperature works fine, but chilling helps them firm up faster.
9. Can kids help make these?
Absolutely! This is a great kid-friendly recipe since there’s no baking involved.
10. What if my chocolate mixture is too thick?
Add a teaspoon of coconut oil or butter to help thin it out.
Conclusion
Chocolate Bird Nests are the ultimate easy, no-bake treat—fun, festive, and completely delicious. Whether you’re making them for Easter, a spring celebration, or just for fun, these cute little nests are sure to be a hit. So grab some chocolate, get creative, and enjoy every crunchy, chocolatey bite!
Print
Chocolate Bird Nests
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None (plus 15–20 minutes for setting)
- Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 nests 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American / Fusion Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these playful and elegant Chocolate Bird Nests—a fun no-bake treat perfect for Easter or any celebration. These nests are crafted by coating crispy chow mein noodles in rich, melted chocolate and then forming them into little nests that cradle mini chocolate eggs. They offer a wonderful mix of crunch, sweetness, and a touch of whimsy.
Ingredients
For the Nests:
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups crispy chow mein noodles (or substitute with Rice Krispies cereal for a similar crunch)
For the Filling:
12 mini chocolate eggs (or your favorite candy eggs)
Optional Garnish:
A drizzle of melted white chocolate or a light dusting of powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chocolate:
- Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between intervals until completely melted and smooth.
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Coat the Noodles:
- Add the crispy chow mein noodles to the melted chocolate. Stir gently until all the noodles are evenly coated with chocolate.
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Shape the Nests:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon small mounds of the chocolate-coated noodles onto the parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to gently shape each mound into a shallow bowl or nest shape. Make a small indentation in the center of each nest large enough to hold a mini chocolate egg.
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Fill and Set:
- Carefully place a mini chocolate egg into the center of each nest.
- If using, drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the nests for an extra decorative touch.
- Place the nests in the refrigerator for about 15–20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set firmly.
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Serve:
- Once the nests are set, transfer them to a serving platter. Enjoy these treats as a delightful dessert or festive party snack.
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor, use crispy chow mein noodles; if unavailable, Rice Krispies work well as a substitute.
- You can experiment with different types of mini eggs or even add a sprinkle of toasted nuts to the nests for extra crunch.
- These nests are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 nest
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg