You don’t have to miss out on Easter treats just because of food allergies! These no-bake chocolate bird’s nests are the perfect solution – vegan, gluten-free, and kid-friendly. Chocolate and rice cereal are a match made in heaven for making quick, easy and safe kid-friendly treats. Topped with your favourite candy or mini eggs, they are perfect for Easter.
Originally posted in April 2022 and updated in March 2025 to include more helpful tips and tricks.
Why I Made these Easy No Bake Easter Bird’s Nest Treats
I used to love making these when I was a child and now we are carrying on the tradition with our kids. These Easter birds’ nest treats are vegan and gluten-free. And as we are using plant-based chocolate, these are safe for our dairy allergies as well.
Why You Need to Make These
Looking for an easy gluten-free or dairy-free Easter dessert? Finding allergy-friendly treats can be both tricky and pricey. But these bird’s nest treats come together in minutes, using just two ingredients – dairy-free chocolate and gluten-free rice cereal.
Ingredients and Substitutions
You only need two simple ingredients – chocolate and cereal. Kids will love helping to make these fun, messy treats.
Cereal: did you know that rice cereal is not naturally gluten free? Check the brand of cereal that you are buying to see if they have added gluten (usually in the form of barley or malt). Gluten free rice cereal is usually available in most grocery stores. You can sub with corn flakes, frosted flakes or shredded wheat if you prefer.
Chocolate: I use plant based chocolate chips to keep these dairy-free and vegan. If you are not avoiding dairy, feel free to use chopped up bars or regular chocolate cups.
How to make Easter Birds’ Nest Treats
Gather all of your ingredients and equipment. Place 12 cupcake cases in the cupcake pan.
Add 270 grams (1.5 US cups) of vegan chocolate chips to a microwavable bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until melted. This usually takes 2-3 minutes and I highly recommend stirring every 30 seconds.
In a large mixing bowl, add 84 grams (3 US cups) of rice cereal then pour on the melted chocolate.
Fold together with a spatula until the cereal is fully coated.
Add scoops of the treat mix to the cupcake cases. I like to use an ice cream scoop to do this so that it is less messy. it also ensures that the nests will have the same amount of filling in them.
Once all of the mix has been distributed, use the underside of the scoop to make a dent in the middle of the nests. This will help to hold the candy in place once they have set.
Place the cupcake pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the nests to firm up. Once firm, decorate with mini eggs, jelly beans or other candies.
How easy was that? This is just about as simple as it gets for making a quick Easter treat with the kids.
Enjoy! And yes, they are messy but that’s all part of the fun. If you make them, share a photo and tag me on Instagram @itsbakeangel.
Common Questions
This recipe makes 12 Easter birds’ nest treats which are both vegan and gluten free. Feel free to sub the rice cereal for corn flakes or shredded wheat if preferred.
You can use any type of chocolate. I prefer to use chocolate chips but you can cut up bars of chocolate if you prefer.
Nests should be stored in the fridge as the chocolate will start to melt quickly at room temperature. Remove from the fridge just before serving and decorate as desired.
Store for up to 3 days in the fridge in an airtight container.
This recipe is nut-free already! Always double-check your ingredients if you need to cater to specific food allergies.
Absolutely! You can even use candy melts for a more colourful Easter Nest! Melt in the same manner as the chocolate chips used in the recipe.
Craving More Easter Desserts?
If you love these Easter Bird’s Nests, you’ll definitely want to try these family favourites:
- My ultimate carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is so full of flavour with the creamiest frosting!
- Our red velvet donuts are a fun twist on a classic baked treat.
- Homemade hot cross buns are perfect for Easter brunch.
Which one will you try next? Let me know in the comments!
Easter Birds Nest Treats – Vegan Gluten Free
Equipment
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 84 grams Rice Cereal (3/4 US Cup)
- 270 grams Vegan Chocolate Chips (1 1/2 US Cups)
Instructions
Prep:
- Gather all of your ingredients and equipment. Place 12 cupcake cases in the cupcake pan.
To make the Birds Nests:
- Add 270 grams of vegan chocolate chips to a microwavable bowl and heat until melted. This usually takes 2-3 minutes and I highly recommend stirring every 30 seconds.
- To a large mixing bowl, add 84 grams of rice cereal then pour on the warm chocolate. Fold together with a spatula until the cereal is fully coated.
- Add scoops of the treat mix to the cupcake cases. Once all of the mix has been distributed, use the underside of the scoop to make a dent in the middle of the nests. This will help to hold the candy in place once they have set.
- Place the cupcake pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the nests to firm up. Once firm, decorate with mini eggs, jelly beans or other candies.
- Enjoy! And yes, they are messy to eat but that's all part of the fun.
Video
Notes
- Yield: This recipe makes 12 easter nests which are both vegan and gluten free. Feel free to swap the rice cereal for corn flakes or shredded wheat if preferred.
- Chocolate: You can use any type of chocolate. I prefer to use chocolate chips but you can cut up bars of chocolate if you prefer. White chocolate also works so well in this recipe!
- Storage: Nests should be stored in the fridge as the chocolate will start to melt quickly at room temperature. Remove from the fridge just before serving and decorate as desired.
- Nutrition: Nutrition information is provided as a guide only and is based on the actual ingredients that I used to create this recipe.
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