Description
Delightfully crunchy and chocolaty, these Chocolate Bird Nests are a fun and festive treat perfect for Easter or any springtime celebration. Made with crunchy chow mein noodles coated in melted chocolate and shaped into delicate nests, they’re topped with colorful candy eggs for a playful and delicious dessert that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 bag (10 oz) chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks for an alternative texture)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate chips can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)
Flavoring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Decoration
- 1 cup candy eggs (jelly beans, chocolate eggs, or candy-coated chocolates like M&Ms)
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter if using. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate using a double boiler for gentle heating.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract if desired, to add a depth of flavor to the chocolate mixture.
- Coat the Noodles: Gently fold the chow mein noodles into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring all noodles are well coated while taking care not to break their shape.
- Form the Nests: Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Use a spoon to scoop out small portions of the chocolate-coated noodles and shape them into nests on the lined sheet.
- Create Indents: Press the back of the spoon gently into the center of each nest to form a shallow cavity that will hold the candy eggs.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes, allowing the nests to harden and set firmly.
- Add Candy Eggs: Once the nests are solid, decorate by placing candy eggs into the indentations at the center of each nest.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the nests immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- Using pretzel sticks instead of chow mein noodles creates a saltier contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Peanut butter is optional but adds extra richness and flavor complexity.
- Be gentle when mixing the noodles to avoid breaking them and keep the nest structure intact.
- Ensure nests are fully firm before adding candy eggs to prevent sinking.
- Store in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness and chocolate texture.
