Description
Delightful and fun Chocolate Bird Nests featuring crunchy chow mein noodles coated in melted semi-sweet chocolate, shaped into nest forms, and decorated with colorful candy eggs. These no-bake treats are perfect for Easter celebrations or any springtime gathering, offering a perfect balance of chocolatey richness and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 bag (10 oz) chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks for a different texture)
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (milk chocolate chips can be substituted)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Decorations
- 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 optional peanut butter. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler for melting.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture for enhanced flavor, if desired.
- Combine with Noodles: Gently fold the chow mein noodles into the melted chocolate mixture, taking care to coat all noodles evenly without breaking them to maintain their structure.
- Shape the Nests: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment or wax paper. Spoon small portions of the chocolate-coated noodles onto the sheet, forming them into nest shapes.
- Create Indents: Use the back of the spoon to create a small hollow depression in the center of each nest to hold the candy eggs.
- Chill and Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the nests to firm up and harden completely.
- Decorate Nests: Once set, place candy eggs in the indentations of each nest to complete the look.
- Serve or Store: Serve the bird nests immediately or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Notes
- For a different texture, substitute pretzel sticks for chow mein noodles.
- Peanut butter is optional but adds richness and flavor.
- Vanilla extract enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted.
- Use candy eggs of your choice—jelly beans, chocolate eggs, or candy-coated chocolates work well.
- Store nests in an airtight container to maintain freshness up to a week.
