Easter Rice Krispie Nests

By Tyla | Last modified on Feb 25, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

Celebrate Easter with these delightful Easter Rice Krispie Nests that combine nostalgic childhood flavors with festive holiday fun. These nests are light, crispy, and chewy thanks to the perfect blend of marshmallows and crispy cereal, with a tropical hint from shredded coconut. They are topped with creamy Nutella and festive mini Cadbury eggs, making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.

Perfect for parties or gifting, these colorful nests are easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and a little creativity with colored coconut. They bring joy to any Easter celebration while being quick to prepare and fun to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A festive, visually appealing treat perfect for Easter gatherings.
Simple no-bake preparation that’s fun for the whole family.
The rich, creamy Nutella adds a delicious twist to classic Rice Krispie treats.
Customizable with food coloring to match any holiday theme.
Perfect bite-sized portions that kids love.

Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows for a smooth binding base.
Mini marshmallows: Provides the sweet, gooey texture to hold the nests together perfectly.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance in the marshmallow mixture.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that deepen the dessert’s flavor.
Rice Krispies cereal: The crunchy, crispy element that forms the structure of the nests.
Unsweetened coconut shreds: Imparts a subtle tropical flavor and texture to the nests.
Gel food coloring: Used to brightly tint the coconut for festive Easter colors.
Nutella hazelnut spread: Deliciously creamy topping to create the center of each nest.
Mini Cadbury eggs: Classic Easter candy that brings chocolatey fun as the nest’s “eggs.”

Instructions

Melt Butter and Salt: Heat a large pot over low heat and add the unsalted butter along with salt. Gently melt them together to create a flavorful base without burning.
Add and Melt Mini Marshmallows: To the melted butter, stir in half the mini marshmallows and continuously stir until they melt smoothly. This step ensures the marshmallows incorporate evenly.
Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and additional salt. This step infuses depth in flavor without further cooking.
Mix Half of the Rice Krispies: Fold in half of the Rice Krispies cereal gently using a rubber spatula, ensuring every piece is coated in the marshmallow goodness for even texture.
Add Remaining Cereal and Marshmallows: Next, add the remaining Rice Krispies and mini marshmallows, folding gently until fully mixed. This creates the desired balance of chewiness and crunch.
Prepare Muffin Tins: Lightly grease two 12-cup muffin tins with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and to help mold the nests effectively.
Shape Rice Krispie Nests: Scoop 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture into each muffin cup. Using your hands, gently press and form the mixture into nest shapes by creating an indentation in the center, mimicking a bird’s nest.
Allow Nests to Set: Let the nests sit at room temperature for 30 minutes so they firm up and hold their shape nicely during decorating.
Color and Prepare Coconut Shreds: Place the shredded coconut and a few drops of gel food coloring into a sealable bag. Shake and massage the bag to evenly distribute the color, making bright festive nest accents.
Top Nests with Nutella: Once set, add about a tablespoon of Nutella into the center indentation of each nest. This creamy center adds richness and mimics the nest’s “egg holder.”
Add Colored Coconut and Mini Eggs: Sprinkle the colored coconut over the Nutella, then carefully place three mini Cadbury eggs on top of each nest for that authentic Easter touch.
Remove and Serve: Gently remove each nest from the muffin tin, being careful not to break them. Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy this delightful holiday treat.

You Must Know

Create a small well in each nest before the marshmallow sets to hold the Nutella perfectly.
Use multiple coconut colors for a vibrant, cheerful Easter presentation.
Be gentle when unmolding the nests from the muffin tins to maintain their shape.

Storage Tips

Store these Rice Krispie nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Avoid refrigeration as it can cause the marshmallows to harden.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these nests as a festive snack at Easter brunch or as a sweet addition to your holiday dessert table. They pair perfectly with hot chocolate, coffee, or spring-inspired beverages for a complete celebration.

Professional Tips

Use gel food coloring for vibrant, non-watery coconut coloring that retains texture well.
Warm Nutella slightly if too thick for easy spooning onto nests.
Customize with different mini candies or pastel sprinkles for unique variations.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?: Yes, regular marshmallows can be used but may require slightly longer melting time to achieve a smooth mixture.
How do I prevent the nests from sticking to the muffin tin?: Lightly grease the muffin tin cups with non-stick spray or line with cupcake liners for easier removal.
Can I make these nests ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare and store the nests up to 2 days in advance, adding Nutella and eggs just before serving for best results.
Is it possible to substitute Nutella?: Absolutely! Use any hazelnut spread or even peanut butter for a different flavor experience.
What age is this recipe suitable for?: This treat is great for kids and adults alike. However, supervise young children while handling hot melted marshmallows.
Can I omit the coconut if I don’t like it?: Yes, you can skip the coconut or replace it with colored sugar sprinkles for decoration.
How can I make this gluten-free?: Use a gluten-free crispy rice cereal to keep this dessert safe for gluten-sensitive diets.