Easter Nest Cupcakes
Easy Easter Nest Cupcakes with Edible Chocolate Nests
I’ve made lots of chocolate nests over the years using different methods, from piping candy melts (compound chocolate) onto the outside of cupcake liners to shaping them inside pans. These methods can work well and create a similar look, but I’ve found they can be a little less consistent depending on the thickness and setting time.
For this tutorial, I wanted to create a version that was properly tested and easy to recreate at home. Instead, the method I’m sharing here gives you strong, realistic-looking chocolate nests that release cleanly from the pan and are sturdy enough to hold a cupcake inside.
Finished with chocolate buttercream and mini eggs, these Easter nest cupcakes make a fun and slightly elevated Easter treat. They’re perfect for dessert tables, spring celebrations, or anyone who loves classic Easter bakes.
If you’re building a full Easter cupcake display, these pair beautifully with my Mini Carrot Cupcakes and Bunny Cupcakes.
For best results, this method is designed to be made using candy melts or compound chocolate. They set firmly and release cleanly from the pan. Regular chocolate is not recommended as it stays softer and may stick or smudge when removing the nests.
If you are using a piping method instead, simply transfer the melted candy melts to a piping bag and pipe over the outside of an upside down cupcake liner. The same tips apply, pipe the chocolate in layers and allow it to set between each one.
The Easter Nest Cupcakes Design
The nests are made by brushing melted compound chocolate/ candy melts onto the back of an upside-down cupcake pan. This creates sturdy edible shells with a natural woven texture.
If you’re new to working with candy melts, you can follow my Working with Candy Melts Guide for tips on melting, thinning and getting the best results.
To make the shells strong enough to hold the cupcakes, the chocolate is applied in layers. A base layer is brushed on first and chilled briefly before adding additional layers to reinforce the sides and rim.
The final layer is brushed on lightly to create the natural twig-like nest texture.
Once fully set in the freezer, the chocolate nests can be carefully lifted from the pan. A baked cupcake is then removed from its liner and placed directly into the chocolate shell.
If needed, a small amount can be trimmed from the base so the cupcake sits neatly inside the nest.
Why You’ll Love These Easter Nest Cupcakes
Perfect for Easter dessert tables
These chocolate nest cupcakes make a beautiful centrepiece for Easter celebrations and look great alongside other spring-themed cupcakes.
A fun twist on classic Easter nests
Instead of cereal nests, this design hides a cupcake inside a handmade chocolate nest for a slightly elevated version of the traditional Easter treat.
Simple technique, impressive results
Brushing the chocolate onto the pan creates realistic twig-like texture without needing special moulds or complicated tools.
Great for making ahead
The chocolate nests can be made in advance, making it easy to assemble the cupcakes when you’re ready to serve.
Easy to customise
Use different chocolate shades, buttercream flavours or seasonal candy eggs to create your own variation of this Easter cupcake design.
Things I Used
Here are the tools and products that helped bring these Christmas Tree Cupcakes to life. You can use exactly what I used or substitute with what you already have at home.
Cupcakes
Any cupcake flavour works for this design. I used my chocolate cupcakes, but chocolate or vanilla cupcakes work just as well.
Chocolate candy melts
Used to create the edible chocolate nests. I mixed white and milk chocolate Nestlé melts together to create a softer, lighter chocolate colour that looks more like natural twigs. Candy melts are easy to work with and set quickly. If you’re new to using them, check out my Working with Candy Melts Guide for tips on melting and handling chocolate.
Chocolate buttercream
Used to pipe the nest strands on top of the cupcake. Start with my Basic Buttercream Recipe and add cocoa powder or melted chocolate to create a rich chocolate flavour.
Mini chocolate eggs
Placed in the centre of the nests to complete the Easter look. Mini eggs give the nests that classic Easter appearance and add a pop of colour.
Cupcake pan
Used upside down to form the chocolate nests. Make sure the pan is completely clean and dry before brushing on the chocolate.
Small pastry brush
Used to brush the melted chocolate onto the cupcake pan and create the natural twig-like texture.
Piping bags
Used to pipe the buttercream nest strands on top of each cupcake.
Grass piping tip (Wilton 233)
This tip creates multiple thin strands of buttercream at once, which helps mimic the look of woven twigs and makes the nest effect quick and easy to pipe.
Baking tray sized for the freezer
Used to chill the chocolate nests until they are firm enough to release from the pan.
Ingredients
- 12 Chocolate cupcakes
- 1 Batch chocolate buttercream.
- 1 Cup White chocolate melts
- 1 Cup Milk chocolate melts
- 2 Tsp vegetable shortening
- Mini eggs
Equipment
- A 12 hole cupcake/ muffin tin
- A silicone pastry brush
- Heatproof bowl
- A small spoon
- 1 Small grass piping tip (233)
- 1 Piping bag
How to...
Step 1
Add the milk and white candy melts to a microwave-safe bowl. I mixed the two colours together to create a softer brown shade for the nests. If needed, add a small amount of vegetable shortening to help thin the chocolate and make it easier to brush.
Step 2
Microwave the chocolate in short bursts, stirring between each interval until it is completely melted and smooth. The chocolate should be glossy and easy to stir before using.
Step 3
Turn a cupcake pan upside down so the base of the cups acts as the mould for the nests. Make sure the pan is thoroughly washed in hot soapy water, rinsed well, and completely dry before starting. Any grease or residue can prevent the chocolate from releasing cleanly.
Step 4
Using a small silicone pastry brush, coat the base and sides of each cupcake mould with melted chocolate. This first layer does not need to be thick, just make sure the surface is fully covered. Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes until the chocolate firms up.
Step 5
Once the first layer has set, brush on another layer of chocolate, making sure to cover any gaps. This strengthens the nests and helps prevent them from cracking when removed from the pan. Allow the chocolate to set fully before adding the next layer.
Step 6
Brush on a final layer of chocolate to strengthen the nests. This extra thickness helps create a sturdier structure and allows them to release more easily from the mould.
Brush the chocolate in uneven strokes, allowing the brush marks to overlap and criss-cross slightly to create a natural twig-like texture.
Step 7
Place the pan in the freezer for about 5 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully firm.
Before removing, check the nests. If you notice any small cracks, brush over them with a little extra melted chocolate and return to the freezer briefly to set. This will help strengthen the nests before removing.
Gently twist each nest to loosen it from the pan. They should release easily and lift away cleanly.
If a nest doesn’t move, do not force it. Return it to the freezer for another minute or two, then try again. Once fully firm, they should release easily with a gentle twist.
Step 8
Remove the cupcake liner and place the cupcake inside the chocolate nest. If needed, trim a little from the base so it sits flat and fits snugly inside the shell. The top of the cupcake should sit roughly level with the edge of the nest so the eggs sit neatly on top.
Step 9
Prepare a batch of chocolate buttercream and transfer it to a piping bag fitted with piping tip 233 (grass tip). I matched the colour of the buttercream to the chocolate nest as closely as possible. I used cocoa powder rather than food colouring, as food colouring can sometimes darken over time.
Step 10
Starting at the outside edge of the cupcake, pipe a rim of buttercream around the nest. This first layer should sit flush with the edge of the chocolate shell so you can continue building the nest with the buttercream.
Step 11
Continue piping the buttercream toward the centre of the cupcake using loose circular motions. The centre does not need to be fully covered, just enough buttercream to help hold the eggs in place.
Step 12
Pipe an additional layer of buttercream around the outer edge of the cupcake to build up the nest shape. Adding a little extra height around the rim helps the nest look more realistic and keeps the eggs nicely contained in the centre.
Step 13
Place a few pastel mini chocolate eggs into the centre of the buttercream nest. Gently press them into the buttercream so they sit securely in place.
The Results!
Your Easter nest cupcakes are now ready to serve. The chocolate nests paired with the buttercream texture and colourful eggs make a beautiful Easter treat.
Notes & Tips
Candy melts are your best friend here
For this method, they are essential for getting clean, sturdy nests that release from the pan. Real chocolate would need to be properly tempered to work the same way. Candy melts set quickly, stay firm and hold the brush texture beautifully. If you’re new to them, check out my Working with Candy Melts Guide.
Build the nests in layers
Brushing the chocolate in layers helps create a stronger structure and gives the nests their realistic texture. Allow each layer to set slightly before adding the next.
Make sure your pan is properly prepared
The pan must be thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water, rinsed well and completely dry. Any grease or residue can prevent the chocolate from releasing cleanly.
Removing the nests
The nests should release easily with a gentle twist. If they don’t move, return them to the freezer briefly before trying again. Do not force them, as this can cause them to break.
Fixing cracks
If you notice small cracks, brush over a little extra melted chocolate and allow it to set again to strengthen the nests.
Chocolate can behave differently
Different brands of candy melts can set slightly differently, so make sure the chocolate is fully firm before removing.
Work in a cool environment if possible
Chocolate can soften quickly in warm weather. If your kitchen is warm, keep the nests in the fridge until you’re ready to decorate.
Reheat your melts as needed
Candy melts thicken as they cool. A quick 10–15 second microwave burst will bring them back to a smooth, brushable consistency.
Make sure the cupcake fits snugly
If needed, trim a small amount from the base so it sits flat inside the nest. The top should sit level with the edge so the eggs sit neatly on top.
Use cocoa powder to colour buttercream
Using cocoa powder instead of food colouring helps match the nests and prevents the colour from deepening over time.
Perfect for more than cupcakes
These nests work beautifully as toppers, dessert table pieces or decorations for larger cakes.
Serving Ideas
These Easter nest cupcakes make a beautiful addition to Easter dessert tables, spring parties or family gatherings. The chocolate nests and colourful mini eggs create a simple but eye-catching Easter treat.
You can serve them as part of an Easter dessert spread alongside cookies, brownies or other festive bakes. They also make a lovely edible gift when placed in cupcake boxes or treat bags.
For an extra special presentation, display the cupcakes together on a cake stand or tray so they look like a collection of little Easter nests.
Share Your Creations
I’d love to see how your Easter Nests turn out!
-
Tag me on Instagram @cakedbyrach so I can share your bakes.
-
If you enjoyed this tutorial, please leave a comment or review on the blog — it helps others find these designs too.
117 Comments
Thank you so much! This is such a cute idea. I can’t wait to try it 😊
So glad you like them ❤️❤️
I can’t wait to make these as an Easter surprise for my grandchildren. They are just old enough to look forward to the Easter egg hunt. They will be so excited that I have these special ‘egg nests’ for them to enjoy! Thank you so much for sharing!
That is so lovely. Thank you and enjoy xx
Beautiful
Thank you ❤️❤️
If I make these (which I really want to do!), I know people will ask me how they’re suppose to eat them. Lol. Do you suggest cutting in half or is the nest thin enough to just bite into? Thanks!
People always ask this with my chocolate liners.The chocolate nest is quite thin, so you can bite straight into it just like a regular cupcake. The chocolate shell cracks easily as you bite and the cupcake inside is soft, so it’s not difficult to eat. If you prefer, you can also cut them in half when serving, especially for little kids.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful and creative ideas.
Thanks for your lovely comment ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for sharing this amazing creative Idea in a straightforward and easy way to follow. 🌹
So happy that you like it. Thank you xx
Excellent!!
Thank you so much ☺️❤️
Absolutely yummy 😋
So glad you like them 🫶🏻🐣
Thank you!
❤️❤️❤️
Norilyn Ducusin
Loved reading about the Easter Cupcakes , I really want to give this a try , thanks for posting this on Facebook .
Thank you! Tag me if you try them 🙏🏻🐰🧁❤️
Amazing ❤️
Thank you xx
Can’t wait to try it
So happy that you like the design. Please tag me if you make them xx
Thank you!
Obrigada
I’m going to give it a try. If it works for me. I’m going to put a 1/2 height brownie in it then top with pistachio cream and katfi topped with more chocolate and sprinkle pistachios on it to create a Dubai choc brownie! Thank you for the recipe
Yay. I can’t wait to see what you make. Please tag me ❤️
Absolutely fabulous 👌
Thank you Trish. I’m so grateful for your lovely comment xx
Thank you so much for the clever idea of the chocolate & cupcake “Easter basket”. It is adorable!!! My great grandchildren will love them.
May God continue to bless your creative endeavors.🙏👍🙂
Thank you so much xxx
Thanks for motivation. I wish making this delicious.
Thank you for being here. Happy creating xxx
These look so good. Do you put the cupcake pan with chocolate on in freezer
Hi, yes i do. All the steps are in the tutorial for you. xx
Amazing
Thank you xxx
Amazing
Thanks so much xxx
Thank you!
Thank you xxx
Thank You
You are so welcome. Enjoy xx
Woderfulll
Thank you xxx
I want to know how to make the eastern cake and balls
The eggs are store bought mini eggs. Cadbury or Darell lea xx
I want to know how to make
All the steps are in the tutorial xxx
Looks so easy! Thank you for sharing 😌
I’m so happy that you like them. I’m always here if you need a hand xx
Karla Cordoba
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Very original idea, love it..
Thanks Karla xxx
Idéia maravilhosa
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank You
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Lovely
I am looking forward to making the nests for easter! 😁👍😋
I hope you enjoy making them xxx
These are really cute. Someone else suggested dying some coconut green to look like grass under the eggs.
great idea xx
Yum
So happy you like them xx
Thank yiu
❤️❤️❤️
Mmmmm they awesome
Thanks so much xx
J’adore vos pâtisseries pour Pâques
What brand are those chocolate eggs? Where did you get them?! They are much prettier than what I’ve seen before. Thanks in advance!
These are an Australian brand called Darrell Lea xx
Ramil dela cruz
Amazing your creation
Thank you xx
1st time
Flip Coetser
Thank you!! I love a good buttercream frosting!
Great. Enjoy xxx
It’s look delicious
Thank you xx
I have to try this. It looks amazing
Thank you xx
Looks delicious
Thanks Brenda xxx
Good
Such a sweet idea for kids!
Thank you so much xx
Thank you for sharing this great idea!! I will be making them for a Easter Egg hunt at church. 🐣
You are so welcome. Thank you Pam. Please be sure to use candy melts or compound chocolate to make these xx
Thank you
Looks delicious 😋 😍
Thank you xx
I made a chocolate one and it looked great. I tried a colored chocolate one and I can’t get it off the cupcake pan so I greased the pan on the second try and still couldn’t get it off. Please Help!!
Thank you
Cindy
Hi Cindy, this problem is usually caused by the type of chocolate used. I always use candy melts/ compound chocolate to make these. Real chocolate needs to be tempered to work xx
I love your creativity
Thank you xx
Has the brush got to be silocone?
Hey, I only tried this with a silicone brush. I’m sure a pastry brush would be fine too xx
Can these be frozen?
I wouldn’t suggest freezing the candy melts nests.
Thank you
Brill thanks for the tip
Going to give these a try! Any hints on melting the candy melts?
Hi Hayley, I have a full post about candy melts in the tutorials section https://cakedbyrach.com/news/working-with-candy-melts/
Enjoy the tutorial xx
I want to make this recipe but shortening is not in my cupboard. I would usually substitute with butter. Will that be a problem?
You dont need to use shortening. I don’t recommend adding butter x
I just made the cupcakes and the nests, just need to put it together and ice. I plan on serving them tomorrow – can I fully decorate them today or should I wait until morning? I will be traveling with them if that makes any difference. Thanks!
They can be decorated the day before. I always keep my cakes in an airtight container until serving. Happy Easter xx
I made these in a mini muffin version! Thank you for your email support, Rachel! I also added micro mini eggs to the nest, cause they are so darn cute! Wish I could post a pic with my comment, I’ll be tagging you Rach! ❤️
Aww so happy that we got there in the end. Happy Easter and thank you for the lovely comment xxx
My 12 year old daughter has made these today. They took time but are wonderful.
One issue she had was getting the chocolate nests off the cookie tray, so we ended up using silicone cup cake cases and then easy to remove the silicone afterwards.
My kitchen is a mess – including chocolate on the ceiling somehow! However, they taste great and she’s made them herself. From a proud Dad.
Hey Gary, thank you so much for this lovely comment, it made my day.
Please let her know she did an amazing job. A few people have found this one a little tricky, so it’s absolutely nothing she did wrong.
I love that you found a solution, that’s exactly what baking is all about. 🤍