Name: Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (half a stick); ⅛ teaspoon salt; 4 cups mini marshmallows (about ¾ of a 10 ounce bag); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 1 ½ cups thin coconut shreds; 2-3 gel food colors (your choice of colors); 1 cup Cadbury spread (see notes for alternatives); 54 mini Cadbury eggs (about 1 ¼ cups)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 8 reviews

If you are looking for an irresistibly fun and festive treat to brighten any spring celebration or just satisfy your sweet tooth, this Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe is a must-try. These adorable nests combine the classic chewy crunch of Rice Krispies with vibrant, tinted coconut shreds and the unmistakable delight of Mini Cadbury Eggs nestled right on top. They are easy to make, delightfully colorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows nine clear glass bowls and a rectangular glass dish on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. From left to right in the top row are a bowl of light golden Rice Krispie cereal, two small tubes of blue and purple food color, a bowl full of pastel mini Cadbury eggs in yellow, white, blue, and pink, and a rectangular dish holding a stick of pale yellow unsalted butter. Below these are a bowl of white coconut shreds on the left, a bowl of smooth, dark brown Nutella spread in the center, a small bowl with reddish-brown vanilla extract to the right, a tiny bowl of white salt below the extract, and a larger bowl of white mini marshmallows on the far right. All bowls are placed neatly with clear labels on each ingredient in black text. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and festive look of these nests. From the buttery marshmallow base to the vivid coconut colors and sweet chocolatey eggs, everything works in harmony.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows evenly for a smooth base.
⅛ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
4 cups mini marshmallows: The classic sticky binder that holds everything together with chewy goodness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic touch to the marshmallow mixture.
5 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crisp and airy foundation that gives each nest a satisfying crunch.
1 ½ cups thin coconut shreds: Provides texture and acts as a colorful decorative layer when dyed.
2-3 gel food colors (your choice of colors): Turns plain coconut into vibrant nest accents — get creative!
1 cup Cadbury spread: The luscious filling base inside each nest, adding a delectable chocolate flavor.
54 mini Cadbury eggs: The star attraction, nestled atop for that perfect Easter or springtime touch.

How to Make Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Muffin Tins

Start by lightly greasing two 12-cup muffin tins. This ensures your nests will release easily without any sticky situations later on. Set the tins aside while you prepare the marshmallow mixture.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and sprinkle in the salt. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. This step is crucial for that perfect sticky texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Rice Krispies

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract, infusing the marshmallow base with rich flavor. Next, pour in the Rice Krispies cereal, folding gently to coat every crispy piece without crushing them—this keeps your nests light and crunchy.

Step 4: Mold the Nests

Spoon about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the Rice Krispies mixture into each muffin cavity. Using a spoon, a tart tamper, or even your fingers, press the mixture down firmly, shaping it to the contours of the tin. Create a small hollow in the center of each nest — this is where the goodies will go later on. Let the nests set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 5: Color the Coconut

While the nests are setting, divide the coconut shreds into zip-top bags and add your chosen gel food colors. Seal each bag and gently massage them until the coconut is evenly colored and vibrant. This playful splash of color makes the nests pop!

Step 6: Fill and Decorate

Once the Rice Krispie nests have set, spoon a generous amount of Cadbury spread into each hollowed nest, creating a smooth, chocolatey base. Sprinkle the colorful coconut shreds over the spread for a grassy, textured effect. Finally, crown each nest with 3 mini Cadbury eggs — their speckled shells make the nests irresistibly charming.

Step 7: Remove from Tins and Serve

Carefully use a butter knife or skewer to loosen each nest from the muffin tins. Doing this slowly ensures you keep their delicate shape intact. Now you have perfectly crafted little edible nests ready to impress!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe

The image shows a white tray with 12 round rice crispy treats, each one shaped like a flat disc. The treats are a light golden color with a crisp, crunchy texture visible on the surface. The tray and treats are placed on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is neat and simple, with each piece evenly spaced in the tray. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, feel free to add a little edible glitter or sprinkle some finely chopped pistachios around the edges for a splash of green. You can also dust a tiny bit of powdered sugar over the top to mimic morning dew or fresh spring frost, enhancing that whimsical garden vibe.

Side Dishes

These nests pair beautifully with light, refreshing beverages like lemonade or iced herbal teas. For a brunch or dessert spread, offer alongside fresh fruit salads or a variety of pastel-colored cupcakes to keep the springtime theme playing through your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Present your Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe in decorative cupcake liners for easy handling and an added pop of color. You might also tuck each nest into a small decorative basket or surround them with real fresh flowers and greenery for an enchanting Easter centerpiece that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover nests in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for nibbling over the weekend. Avoid refrigerating, as this might make them hard and less enjoyable.

Freezing

If you want to prepare these nests ahead of time in larger batches, they freeze well. Lay them on a baking sheet individually, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes and decorate just prior to serving for best texture.

Reheating

Since these nests are best enjoyed at room temperature, there is no need to reheat them. Warming them could melt the marshmallows or melt the chocolate spread, compromising the nests’ structure. Simply unwrap and serve cold or after thawing if frozen.

FAQs

Can I use regular Cadbury eggs instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! You can chop regular Cadbury eggs into smaller pieces or use them whole if you prefer bigger nests. The mini eggs just fit nicely and look extra cute, but feel free to customize as you like.

What if I don’t have Cadbury spread for the filling?

You can substitute the spread with Nutella, peanut butter, or any other chocolate-hazelnut spread. Even cream cheese frosting would add a delicious twist if you want to experiment.

Is it possible to make these nests gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal, as some brands contain malt flavoring derived from barley. Otherwise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.

How long does it take to make these nests from start to finish?

The process takes roughly 50 minutes, including setting time. The actual hands-on time is about 20 minutes, making this a quick and satisfying treat to whip up any time.

Can I use regular shredded coconut instead of thin shreds?

You can, but thin coconut shreds blend more smoothly and create a finer grassy texture that looks more like real nesting material. If you use regular coconut, just keep in mind the texture will be chunkier.

Final Thoughts

This Rice Krispie Nests with Colorful Coconut and Mini Cadbury Eggs Recipe is more than just a dessert — it is a joyful way to celebrate the season with a personal touch. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these nests are guaranteed to bring smiles and that cozy feeling of homemade love to any occasion. Trust me, once you try them, they will become a treasured tradition!