Description
Delightfully crunchy and chocolatey, these Chocolate Bird Nests combine crispy chow mein noodles coated in rich melted chocolate with a creamy touch of peanut butter and a decorative candy egg center. Perfect for festive occasions or a sweet treat, they’re easy to assemble and require no baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Mixture
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Base
- 1 bag (10 oz) chow mein noodles (or pretzel sticks for different texture)
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 after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler for gentle heating.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture for enhanced aroma and taste.
- Coat the Noodles: Gently add the chow mein noodles to the chocolate mixture and stir carefully to coat every noodle without breaking them to preserve the nest texture.
- Form the Nests: Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Spoon small clusters of the chocolate-coated noodles onto the sheet, shaping them into nest forms.
- Create Centers: Use the back of the spoon to create a shallow indent in the middle of each nest to hold the candy eggs.
- Chill to Set: Place the formed nests in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens solidly.
- Decorate: Once firm, place candy eggs in the center of each nest to resemble bird nests with eggs.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or keep the nests stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where they remain fresh for up to one week.
Notes
- For a different texture, substitute pretzel sticks for chow mein noodles.
- Use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a sweeter taste.
- The peanut butter adds richness but can be omitted for a purer chocolate flavor.
- Ensure nests are completely set before adding candy eggs to avoid melting.
- Store in a cool, dry place to prevent chocolate from melting or sticking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
