Chocolate Bird’s Nest Dessert

These easy no bake Chocolate Bird’s Nests are an adorable addition to your Easter tables!

Chocolate Birds Nests with cadbury chocolate eggs on a white platter

An Easy No Bake Easter Treat for Kids (and Adults too!)

These days, when I get out the measuring cups it only takes a few minutes for my son to appear at my side. He knows when the measuring cups come out, it’s baking time, and if we’re baking, there’s a chance he might get chocolate.

And let me tell you, if there is a possibility of chocolate, he is here. for. it. So you can imagine, his excitement at the prospect of an Easter basket filled with candy… And the grandparents enthusiasm for filling it…

Speaking of, if you need help using up leftover Easter candy, try these Mini Egg Cookies, White Chocolate Popcorn, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars, or Mini Egg Dessert Pots.

Why You’re Going to Love this Bird Nest Dessert

  • They’re super fun and super easy. These Chocolate Nests come together in just minutes!
  • They’re no bake! Because these don’t involve an oven or the stove top, kids can help from start to finish. Older kids could take on this project all by themselves.
  • They’re very customizable. Use your favorite chocolates and mix-ins or even make them gluten free!
  • They’re just adorable. I mean, an edible chocolate nest with mini pastel eggs nestled inside? Who could resist? These are the perfect treat to celebrate Easter or the coming of spring. Plus, they taste delicious too!
Chocolate Easter Nests with a child's hand grabbing a chocolate egg from the nest

How to Make Chocolate Nests

There are many different ways to make chocolate birds nests, but my favorite version is just three simple ingredients: semi sweet chocolate, pretzels (which are easy to find gluten free if you need them), and Cadbury mini chocolate eggs.

I love the sweet and salty combination of Chocolate Covered Pretzels, but as you’ll see below, there are many ways you can customize these to your taste!

  1. To begin, melt the chocolate in a bowl. I recommend skipping the double boiler and just using the microwave, especially if you’re making these with kids. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring after each one to avoid burning the chocolate.
  2. Stir your favorite flavor variations into the chocolate (if using), then pour in a bag of broken pretzels. Stir well, then scoop the nests out onto parchment paper.
  3. Shape the nests with your thumb, creating a little indent for the chocolate eggs to nestle into.
  4. Let the nests dry, fill them with the eggs, and eat!

Note: I use the small pretzel sticks for this recipe, broken in half or smaller.

Chocolate Easter Nests with coconut

Variations on Chocolate Birds Nests

The instructions above are just one version of these chocolate Easter nests. There are literally dozens of ways you can customize these. Experimenting is half the fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Add a 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter or Biscoff spread to the chocolate mixture.
  • Substitute 1/2 the chocolate chips with butterscotch or caramel chips.
  • Substitute the pretzels for chow mein noodles.
  • Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the chocolate mixture for a scragglier looking nest (this is what I did for the darker colored nests in the pictures).
  • Choose your favorite chocolate–milk, semi-sweet, dark, or even white.

Chocolate Birds Nests with yellow, blue, and pink Cadbury eggs

Storage and Make Ahead Tips:

Chocolate nests can be made up to 48 hours in advance. Seal them in an airtight container and store at room temperature. They’re freshest within 48 hours, but will last for at least 5 days.

If you want to stack the nests, dry them completely then put a layer of parchment paper between each layer.

More Easter Dessert Recipes

These Chocolate Birds Nests would be adorable place settings on your Easter table or a great snack for the kids after an egg hunt. If you’re looking for more spring desserts, check out my Easy Resurrection Rolls, Carrot Sheet Cake or Gluten Free Carrot Cake, Pineapple Sunshine Cake, and Easy Strawberry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Chocolate Easter Nests with coconut

Chocolate Birds Nests

Yield: 24
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Chocolate Birds Nests are a fun and easy no bake treat for Easter!

Ingredients

  • 2 (12 oz) bags semi sweet chocolate chips (or a mix of your favorite chips)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (if desired---see notes for other options and substitutions)
  • 1 (12 oz) bag pretzel sticks, broken into smaller pieces
  • Cadbury mini eggs or Colored Pretzel or Peanut M&Ms

Instructions

  1. Place chocolate and any other flavored chips you'd like in a microwave safe bowl. Melt chips in the microwave, stirring every 45 seconds, until smooth and creamy. Stir in peanut butter or Biscoff, if desired.
  2. Pour pretzels into the bowl and mix until fully coated.
  3. Line 2 baking sheets with wax or parchment paper. Place scoops of the pretzel mixture onto the prepared pans. Press a chocolate egg (or several) into the center. Allow to dry at room temperature for 1 hour or place in the fridge to speed up the process.
  4. Store nests at room temperature. The nests keep well for up to 1 week.

Notes

Substitutions:

  1. Add a 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter or Biscoff spread to the chocolate mixture
  2. Substitute 1/2 the chocolate chips with butterscotch or caramel chips
  3. Substitute the pretzels for chow mein noodles 
  4. Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the chocolate mixture for a scragglier looking nest (this is what I did for the darker colored nests in the pictures)
  5. Choose your favorite chocolate--milk, semi-sweet, dark, or even white

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 68Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 56mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g

Please note nutritional information for my recipes is calculated by a third party service and provided as a courtesy to my readers. For the most accurate calculation, I always recommend running the numbers yourself with the specific products you use.

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