I usually make a Bunny Cake for Easter… but I might have a new favorite fun dessert idea!! It’s super easy and cute! Just like the bunny cake it can double as a center piece (if you don’t eat them too fast).
And this easy Easter dessert recipe – made from toasted coconut and topped with a few chocolate covered eggs… is lighter than most other dessert options. Boom!
But first, I must get dinner “out of the way”. I made turkey meatloaf. Who am I? So weird.
If it wasn’t for all the ketchup I piled on the plate I’d think I was another meat lovin’ blogger!
Okay, back to the Easter Birds Nest Dessert Recipe…
Yesterday I headed to the store to pick up the supplies: coconut and Cadbury Mini Eggs…
Hmmm, the Cadbury Mini Eggs are already open. That’s weird 
First I toasted the coconut, because only vampire birds have nests this color…
Spread it in one thin layer on a baking sheet.
Toast at 350 degrees for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Watch it carefully as it can burn. 
TIP: The coconut should be toasted to a J-Wow like tan.
If you went all the way to Snooki you went too far…
(source)
Once it’s nice and toasty set it aside to cool.
While it’s cooling, whip up 6 egg whites and 1/2 tsp vanilla.
I use a handheld mixer because I’m not one of those fancy bloggers who owns a Kitchen-aid stand one.
I wouldn’t know how to use it anyway…
Fold the toasted coconut into the egg whites.
Form big balls of the coconut mix with a large spoon and place on a well sprayed/oiled cookie sheet.
Bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes. Watch closely as the coconut is already toasty!
Place coconut macaroons birds nests on a plate and allow to cool.
Create a small “bed” in the middle of the birds nest and gently lay 3 eggs in it.
Watch carefully for any cracks in the eggs. This means they are about to hatch and you should eat them immediately to prevent this.
I spot a crack!
Nom nom nom…
Easter Coconut Birds Nests
Easter Birds Nest Dessert Recipe…
Ingredients:
– 3 c shredded coconut
– mini eggs (Cadbury)
– 6 egg whites
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Toast the coconut.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread coconut on baking sheet. Toast for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how toasty you want it. Stir occasionally.
2. While it’s cooking whip egg whites and vanilla extract. (I used a handheld mixer.)
3. Fold coconut into egg whites.
4. Form ball with the mixture using a large spoon. Place on greased baking sheet. Gently press the middle of each ‘nest’ with the back of the spoon to form a place for the eggs when it’s done.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
6. Let them cool. Then, place the candy eggs in the center.
Note: If any of the candy eggs are cracked – you must eat them immediately. It’s a law of cooking and must not be ignored or the Easter bunny will arrest you.
Happy Easter!
Enjoy!
Happy Easter 
The birds nest are so cute! I really should make these – great treat for kids, too 🙂
So I was planning to make some nests for my roommate’s Easter dinner and then I saw a variation on the recipe where in the nest before you add the eggs you put a little nutella (so they stick? No- because its delicious). Just so you know, because adding more chocolate is never wrong (sort of).
So do you just mix the eggs till mixed or to a certain stage?
Totally making these!!
Those are adorable! I’d be tempted to put a Peep on top of the mini eggs for full effect. 🙂
Just made these! My parents and I get together on Saturdays after my long run and their long ride for ALC training. I whipped the eggs too much and forgot to spray the baking sheet. Waiting for them to cool completely before trying to peel the foil off but I’ve already snuck some. They taste like coconut cake. Going to be perfect for dessert! I’ll definitely be making these again! Thanks!
Yeah! Glad you liked them 🙂
I can’t believe how simple these are–have to try. And I will always use the description of Snooki now, when it comes to just-overdone coconut…
Oh my gosh, how totally cute is that?! I love them!
Such a cute idea, and I thoroughly appreciate your Jersey shore reference…I now know EXACTLY how dark the coconut should be, gotta love a good pop culture analogy!
What a super cute recipe! Love it!
hahhaha a J-Woww like tan….too funny!
I thought you gave up sweets for Lent?
I did. It’s been going okay, but I did eat a few chocolate eggs. I don’t like coconut, so I didn’t eat any of the birds nests. Ben loves coconut so it is good when I feel the urge to bake, but don’t want to tempt myself!
Hey, I get it. I could never give up sweets, so props to you. I gave up all lying for Lent (including the litle white lies), but I’ve slippd up a few times (how do you not lie when someone asks you if you wouldn’t mind working through lunch on a school project?! You have to say you don’t mind…).
What a great idea! I need to make those.
Those are so cute!
i make similar cookies with almond m&ms…and dyed coconut!! http://www.thesweetslife.com/2010/04/almond-m-easter-nests.html been eating them for years–they’re my FAVE! 🙂
just discovered the mini cad. eggs this year so i’ll have to try with those!
Just checked out your cookies! Too cute 🙂
YUM. Those look AWESOME. I love anything coconut. And those eggs are SO GOOD.
That’s so cute!! What a great idea.
Cadbury eggs are amazing. That is all.
Ben just bought some the other day. He’s going to freeze one to see how the “insides” are frozen 🙂
This is too cute for words!
Ahh those nests are so adorable!!!!!
I agree with caitlin…it makes much more sense once I realized they were made of coconut instead of hashbrowns ;). They sound delish!
Between the Jersey Shore references and eating the eggs that are about to hatch, the water I was drinking is now all over my keyboard. 😉
Ok thank you so much for this!!! I LOVE it! Now I have a dessert for Easter!!! Oh and love the reference to Jersey Shore!!!
Oh. My. Gosh. Those bird’s nests are the most adorable things I have ever seen. I absolutely love it!
Also, talking about food color in shades of Jersey Shore? Genius.
Love the bird nests idea. At first I thought it was hash browns and I wasn’t sure why they’d have robin eggs on top? Sweet and savory? LOL
I would eat all of those before anyone even realized I made them. I love coconut, and to add chocolate to that is like a little nest of heaven.
It is 6:30 am and I want those NOW!
those birds nests are adorable! 🙂
so cute! and looks like something i can do – because a hand mixer is one kitchen gadget i do have!
making these this weekend, thanks monica!
Awe, if I had kids I would totally make this for them – too cute! I might have to pass this idea on to some friends with little ones. 🙂
they are SO CUTE! I will have to try these out, i cannot believe easter season is upon us, time seems to be going quickly!
These are so cute!! At first I thought they were hashbrowns with chocolaet eggs on top lol. I want to make these for easter…I cant wait for easter! Once lent is over I am going to eat every piece of candy in sight! nom nom nom
These are adorable!!!! I love this recipe for Easter.
now you’re talking a baking language i can understand: jwow tan vs snooki…why don’t more bakers/bloggers use easy real-life references like this?!!! i get it!!!
this is a FUN RECIPE, monica – thanks for sharing. i love easy, cutesie, themed baking ideas, and this one fits the bill!
I. Am. Making. This. Recipe.
Now that I know how tan to make the coconut that is 🙂
HA! Tan references are better than timers. I will try this for the kids and become SUPER MOM!
Hi Lady! It makes me happy to see ya here 🙂
You’re already super mom!
So cute!! I will def. try this with my kids!! love this idea!! THX!! 🙂
haha..Jwoww brown! the nests are super cute.
omg! those are adorable i must try this! 🙂