If there’s one thing that screams Easter (besides a basket full of candy), it’s adorable little Rice Krispie Easter Nests! These cute, no-bake treats come together in minutes and add a fun, festive touch to your holiday dessert spread. The shredded coconut ‘straw’ makes them look just like real nests, and once you add some candy eggs, they’re ready to go.

Rice Krispie Easter Nests by Tessie's Table. — Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table

Rice Krispie Easter Nests are a quick and simple no-bake dessert. They’re perfect for Easter brunch, spring gatherings, or even a fun weekend treat to make with friends and family. You can also customize them by changing the candy eggs, swapping out the coconut for white chocolate shavings, or even adding a little drizzle of melted chocolate if you’re feeling fancy.

Why you’ll love these Rice Krispie Easter Nests

No-Bake & Easy:
No need to turn on the oven—these come together in a flash with just a handful of ingredients.
Super Cute:
The little nests with green coconut “straw” and candy eggs look just like tiny bird nests, making them a perfect Easter centerpiece.
Customizable:
Swap the candy eggs, change the “straw” layer, or even drizzle with chocolate for a fun twist.

Cute Rice Krispie Easter Nests on a white serving plate with chocolate eggs in the background.

Springtime Snacking, But Make It Cute!

Easter treats should be fun, and these Rice Krispie Easter Nests fit the bill. They’re simple to make but look festive enough to dress up any dessert table. A batch of these never lasts long—once people see those candy eggs nestled inside, they’re gone in no time!

Ingredients Needed for Rice Krispie Easter Nests

Butter: Helps create that gooey, buttery goodness that holds everything together.
Mini Marshmallows: The key to that perfectly chewy Rice Krispies base. Go for the mini ones since they melt faster!
Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crispy crunch that gives the nests their light texture.
Shredded Coconut: Acts as the “straw” for the nests. Toast it for a nuttier flavor or color it green for a grassy look!
Green Food Coloring: Optional, but gives the coconut that fresh, springtime look.
Candy Eggs: Mini Cadbury Eggs, Robin Eggs, or even jelly beans work great for the nest toppings.

Ingredients for Rice Krispies Easter Nests

How to make Rice Krispie Easter Nests

**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**

Melted butter and marshmallows in a pot.

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat and stir in mini marshmallows until fully melted and smooth.

Rice Krispies being added to the pot of melted butter and marshmallows.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.

Rice Krispie Easter Nests being formed in a muffin tray.

Spray your hands with non-stick spray, then press scoops of the mixture into a greased muffin tin, creating small indents to form the nest shape.

Coconut and green dye mixed together in a bag to create green coconut.

In a zip-top bag, add shredded coconut and a few drops of green food coloring. Shake until evenly coated.

Green coconut added to the nests in a muffin tray.

Sprinkle the colored coconut into the nests to create the “straw” layer.

Place a few candy eggs on top, pressing them lightly into the coconut.

Variations

Chocolate Nests: Add a couple of spoonfuls of cocoa powder to the melted marshmallow mixture for a deep chocolate flavor. You can also use chocolate-flavored Rice Krispies or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished nests for extra richness.
Peanut Butter Twist: Stir in a scoop of peanut butter while the marshmallows are melting for a sweet and nutty twist. It makes the nests extra chewy and adds great flavor—try topping them with peanut butter cups instead of candy eggs for a fun variation.
Caramel Drizzle: A little warm caramel over the top adds a buttery sweetness that takes these up a notch. Let the caramel set before serving so it doesn’t get too sticky. For a salted caramel version, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the drizzle.
Nut-Free Option: Skip the coconut and use crushed graham crackers or shredded white chocolate. They’ll still have that nest-like look but without the coconut flavor.
Bigger or Smaller Nests: If you want mini nests, use a mini muffin tin to shape them. For larger nests, freehand shape them on a parchment-lined tray. Bigger nests can hold more candy eggs—great for centerpiece-style treats!

Serving Suggestions

On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the nests on a tray with Easter Cookies, chocolate eggs, and pastel-colored treats for a festive holiday dessert spread. They add a pop of color and texture to any table.
Packaged as Gifts: Place each nest in a clear treat bag and tie it with a pastel ribbon. They make adorable homemade Easter gifts and are great for party favors or classroom treats.
With Ice Cream: Serve the nests alongside a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or caramel ice cream for a delicious contrast of crispy and creamy textures. You could even crumble a nest over the top for a fun topping.
In an Easter Basket: Instead of just filling a basket with store-bought candy, add a few of these homemade nests for a personal touch. They look festive and hold up well in baskets alongside chocolate bunnies and jelly beans.

Storage and Freezing

How should I store Rice Krispie Easter Nests?

Keep the nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Rice Krispie Easter Nests?

These freeze well for up to 1 month! Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temp for 20–30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing with the candy eggs already inside—add those fresh after thawing for the best texture.

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Tips & Tricks

Shape Quickly: The marshmallow mixture sets fast, so work while it’s still warm. If it starts to firm up, pop the bowl in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it again.
Grease Your Hands: Lightly coat your hands with non-stick spray or butter before shaping. This keeps the sticky mixture from clinging to your fingers and makes it much easier to handle.
Toast for Extra Flavor: If using shredded coconut, toast it lightly in a dry skillet for a nuttier flavor. It only takes a couple of minutes and adds a little crunch that makes the nests even tastier.
Handle with Care: When placing the candy eggs in the nests, press gently so they stay in place without sinking too deep. If the nests are still warm, let them cool for a few minutes before adding the eggs to prevent melting.
Make It Colorful: Use pastel-colored marshmallows for a soft pink, yellow, or blue hue in the nests. This is an easy way to make them even more festive without extra ingredients.

More Easter Treats

FAQ

Can I skip the coconut?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of coconut, use shredded white chocolate, crushed vanilla wafers, or even broken-up pretzels to create a similar nest-like effect.

What’s the best candy for the eggs?
Mini Cadbury Eggs, Robin Eggs, or jelly beans work great. If you want a chocolate-heavy version, swap them for mini peanut butter cups or chocolate truffles.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temp and 1 month in the freezer. If freezing, store the nests separately from the candy eggs and add them fresh after thawing.
How do I get even-sized nests?
Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to portion out the cereal mixture evenly. If making different sizes, weigh them on a kitchen scale to keep them uniform.
Do they hold up well for gifting?
Yes! Once set, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or place them in clear cellophane bags with a ribbon. They travel well and make great gifts for Easter baskets or party favors.