Easter Rice Krispie Treats

I've been making these Easter Rice Krispie nests for years, and they never fail to get "oohs" and "ahhs" at our family gatherings! The combination of chewy marshmallow treats with that creamy frosting and candy eggs creates the perfect little springtime dessert that looks way fancier than the actual effort involved.

My sister-in-law, who's usually a dessert snob, actually asked for the recipe after last year's Easter brunch. That's when I knew these were truly a hit!

What You'll Need

• Rice Krispies cereal: The base of our nests. Store brand works just as well as name brand here.
• Marshmallows: Fresh ones are crucial - stale marshmallows make hard treats. The mini ones melt faster if you have them.
• Butter: Creates that rich flavor foundation. I use salted butter for a bit more flavor.
• Powdered sugar: For the frosting that forms the "grass" in our nests.
• Green food coloring: Gel coloring gives the most vibrant color without thinning your frosting.
• Easter egg candies: I use mini Cadbury eggs, but Robin's eggs, M&Ms, or even jelly beans work great!

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How I Make Them

Perfect Treats

The secret to soft, chewy Rice Krispie treats is not overheating the marshmallows. I microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until just melted. Over-cooking makes them tough and hard.

Shaping the Nests

I spray the back of a spoon with cooking spray before pressing the mixture into the muffin cups. This prevents sticking and makes it easier to create that nest shape with a depression in the center.

Frosting Technique

For the most nest-like appearance, I use a grass piping tip (#233) to pipe the green frosting. If you don't have one, a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off works too - just pipe in a circular motion to mimic grass.

Assembly Timing

I let the nests cool completely before adding frosting (about 30 minutes). If you pipe onto warm nests, the frosting might melt and lose its shape.

I discovered the mini muffin tin method after years of making one big pan of Rice Krispie treats and cutting them into squares. The individual nests not only look cuter, but they're also much easier for guests (especially kids with small hands) to grab and enjoy!

Serving Ideas

These are perfect lined up on a serving tray for Easter brunch or dinner. I sometimes place them on a bed of green paper "grass" for extra festive flair. For a dessert table, I'll surround them with other spring-themed treats like pastel-colored macarons or sugar cookies.

Make It Your Own

Try using Cocoa Krispies for chocolate nests. Add a drop of peppermint extract to the frosting for a fresh twist. Use colored white chocolate melted and drizzled over the nests instead of frosting. Add a tablespoon of sprinkles to the Rice Krispie mixture for confetti nests.

Storage Smarts

These keep well in an airtight container for about 2 days. I place them in a single layer with parchment paper between if I need to stack them. For make-ahead, I prepare the nests without frosting and freeze them, then thaw and decorate the day I plan to serve them.

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Pro Tips

• Slightly wet hands make shaping the treats easier and prevent sticking
• A drop of almond extract in the frosting adds an amazing subtle flavor
• Mini muffin liners make removal and serving even easier

These Easter Rice Krispie nests have become such a tradition in our family that my kids start asking about them as soon as the Easter candy hits store shelves! There's something about that combination of nostalgic Rice Krispie treat flavor with the festive spring presentation that makes them irresistible. Plus, they're simple enough that even my youngest can help make them, creating those special holiday memories that last way longer than the treats themselves!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these Rice Krispie nests ahead of time?

Yes, you can make them 1-2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. For best results, add the frosting and candy eggs the day you plan to serve them.

→ What kind of Easter egg candies work best?

Mini chocolate eggs like Cadbury Mini Eggs, jelly beans, or M&M's spring colors all work great. Choose smaller candies that will fit nicely in your nests.

→ Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making my own?

Absolutely! Use a can of white frosting and add green food coloring. This saves time while still creating the same cute effect.

→ How do I get the nest shape in the cupcake pan?

While the Rice Krispie mixture is still warm and sticky, use the back of a spoon or your fingers covered with wax paper to press down in the center and push the mixture slightly up the sides.

→ What piping tip works best for the grass effect?

A multi-opening grass tip (Wilton #233 or similar) works perfectly. If you don't have one, you can use a small round tip and pipe lots of little strings of frosting, or even just spread the frosting and create texture with a fork.