Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog. As Easter is swiftly approaching, I wanted to share my fun chocolate cornflake nests with you all- as well as a beautiful, inexpensive basket makeover. With just a few ingredients and simple supplies- you too, can create a fun Easter-filled day in your own homes.
These playful activities are perfect for a homeschool lesson or a lazy Saturday morning activity. My Happy Hawks Homeschool crew and I would be thrilled if you would join us for a cozy day filled with Easter delights. My chocolate cornflake nests are sure to impress even the littlest of critics.
Right, let’s “hop” right into the kitchen (bunny hop).
~The Inspiration for My Chcocolate Cornflake Nests Came from England~
When my husband was a young boy, he can recall having chocolate cornflake nests as a school dessert during the Easter period. Having now lived in America, he has had plenty of Rice Krispy based desserts- but has often commented on how he prefers the crunchy texture of cornflakes.
With this in mind, my family and I began to experiment a little with cornflakes and chocolate. In fact, this is one recipe that my husband has helped us with. (As much as he enjoys eating our creations, he is not much of a baker. Lucky for him- this is an easy no bake recipe).
~How to Make Easy No Bake Chocolate Cornflake Nests~
No bake Easter treats are always a good option when you need a simple dessert. When a recipe has only 4 main ingredients and does not require an oven…I am always interested.
Seeing as I have four young children, I opted to make this sweet chocolate cornflake nest recipe with them. One of my greatest joys as a mother is spending time with my children. When my babes are gathered around me, and we are doing something creative together- I have much joy. What a gift from God children are.
*To see another seasonal homeschool recipe click here:
~My Chocolate Cornflake Nests Recipe (the Perfect No Bake Easter Treat) ~
Easy Chocolate Cornflake Nests (Baskets)
Ingredients
Method
- Add milk chocolate chips and butter to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 30 second increments-stirring in between. Once the chocolate and butter are completely melted, stir together vigorously so that the two ingredients become one, and are not oily or separated.
- In a separate mixing bowl, add the cornflakes. Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture over the top of the cornflakes. Fold the chocolate over the cornflakes until they are coated in the chocolate mixture. (Note: it is okay if some of the flakes break into smaller pieces.)
- Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners (double line them). Scoop the cornflake mixture into the cupcake liners (about 2 Tablespoons per liner). Use a small measuring spoon to press/create a little cavity in the center of the treats. (This is where the mini eggs will sit.)
- In a small bowl, microwave the Tootsie Rolls (only for a few seconds to slightly soften them- but not allowing the Tootsie Rolls to melt). Separate the Tootsie Rolls into 12 small balls. Then roll each Tootsie Roll ball out into a snake roll (about 4-5 inches long).
- Using a sharp knife, cut little lines into the Tootsie Roll log (this is to make the Tootsie Roll handle look like a proper basket handle with texture.)
- Curve the Tootsie Roll handle into a "c" shape. Gently push and press the handle into the sides of the cupcake liner and the cornflake mixture.
- Place the cornflake nests in the refrigerator- just long enough for the chocolate to harden. Once the chocolate has set, you can add the Cadbury mini eggs to the center of the nest.
Notes
~Step By Step Chocolate Cornflake Nests Instructions~
~Step One: Gather the Ingredients and Supplies~
Thankfully, this step does not take long as there are only a few ingredients to gather- five to be exact. I have tried this recipe with both Kellogg’s cornflakes and the cornflakes sold in Aldi stores. Both produce good results. The Kellogg’s cornflakes are slightly thinner, whereas the Aldi cornflakes are thicker.
Naturally, a good quality chocolate is ideal. Just choose your favorite brand and go with it. (You could also experiment with different chocolate types: semi sweet and dark chocolate).
A bit of butter helps to give a smooth richness to the chocolate cornflake nests.
Additionally, the golden syrup also gives a warmth and a depth of flavor. (Honey can also be used- but it does impart a slightly different flavor). Alternately, you can leave this ingredient out altogether, but I would highly recommend using the golden syrup.
(Note: If you are in America, you can purchase golden syrup in the international section of Publix-or you can make your own using my homemade golden syrup recipe here🙂
~Step Two: Line a Muffin Pan with Cupcake Liners~
Perhaps self-explanatory but simply lining a 12-hole muffin pan with cupcake liners helps to create a perfect “nest” or “basket” shape. All the while, keeping any mess at bay.
I opted to double line my muffin pan. Choosing an Easter, or spring-themed, cupcake liner created a fun effect. Once the muffin pan is lined- you can set it aside and move on to the next step.
~Step Three: Making the No Bake Easter Treats (Aka Chocolate Cornflake Nests)~
Using a medium microwave safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30 second intervals (stirring in between). Being careful not to let the chocolate burn.
Once the chocolate chips are completely melted, stir the mixture vigorously for about ten seconds to evenly incorporate the butter into the chocolate. (You do not want the chocolate and butter to be separated-but instead, as one silky, shiny chocolatey liquid).
Next, add your golden syrup and stir.
After this, fold in the cornflakes. (Note: it is fine if some of the cornflakes break during this step).
Lastly, spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the chocolate cornflakes into the prepared cupcake liners.
Top tip: use the back of a teaspoon to gently press into the center to create an indention for the mini eggs to sit in. (Note: rubbing the back of the teaspoon with butter helps the chocolate cornflake mixture not to stick to the back of the teaspoon. Therefore, making an easier process with less mess).
Allow the chocolate cornflake nests to cool and harden. (You can also put these in the refrigerator to speed up this process. However, in my opinion- the chocolate cornflake nests are the tastiest when served at room temperature.
~Step Four: Adding the Edible Garnish to Your Chocolate Cornflake Nests~
Cadbury Mini Eggs are something I first sampled during my time living in Australia. Later, when I lived in England, my husband and I often enjoyed a shared bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs. In fact, as many of you may be aware- Cadbury was founded in England and has been around since the early 1800’s.
As a schoolboy, my husband can remember savoring the chocolate cornflake nests with mini eggs at school. Of course, the mini eggs are always the highlight. They add a punch of color to the otherwise brown nests. The crispy outer shell of the mini eggs’ pairs nicely with the crunch of the cornflakes.
Note: I also used 1/2 cup of shredded coconut flakes, and a few drops of green food coloring, to create “grass” to line the bottom of our chocolate cornflake nest baskets. This is optional. (I only added the coconut grass to two of my nests seeing as my children are not big fans of coconut.)
Step Five: Adding the Tootsie Roll Handle to Create a Basket Effect~
Again, this step is optional, but it does offer a slight twist from the traditional chocolate cornflake nests recipe.
As a mom, I often think of things through my children’s eyes. Therefore, I thought it would be fun to transform the chocolate cornflake nests into Easter baskets. This step was the children’s favorite part.
I used 2-3 Tootsie Rolls per basket handle. I would recommend making the basket handle on the thicker side to help it to be more stable.
I simply unwrapped the Tootsie Rolls and put them in a microwave safe bowl. I warmed the Totsie Rolls (only just so- literally a few seconds). The goal is to soften the Tootsie Rolls only slightly -as opposed to allowing them to melt. After this, I divided the taffy into 12 pieces and began to roll the Tootsie Rolls out into snake rolls (about 4-5 inches long). Then, I used a sharp knife to make little slanted marks (to create a basket handle effect).
Having completed the above steps, I then simply curved each Tootsie Roll handle into a “c” shape and pressed the Tootsie Roll handle onto each side of my chocolate cornflake nests. (Note: if the Tootsie Rolls begin to droop, you can use wooden toothpicks, or even dried spaghetti noodles, to stabilize them). Also, placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes will help the Tootsie Roll handles to hold their shape. (However, do not leave them in the refrigerator for too long or the Tootsie Roll handles will become very hard and difficult to eat).
~Step Six: Serve the Chocolate Cornflake Nests (Baskets) and Enjoy~
In the end, I thought the chocolate cornflake nest (baskets) turned out well. My four children can confirm this.
Obviously, you can leave the Tootsie Roll handle and the coconut grass out of the recipe. The original chocolate cornflake nest (without the Tootsie Roll handle) are equally as cute. However, I know my children especially enjoyed eating the Tootsie Roll handles and helping with this slightly sticky, extra step.
Oh, and seeing as our English ducks, Gussie and Quack, are an ever-present figure in our kitchen space, we thought we would invite them to the table to enjoy our no bake Easter treats with us.
“Quack, quack, smack, smack!”
FAQ:
Do I have to use cupcake liners when making chocolate cornflake nests?
No, the chocolate cornflake nests will solidify if placed on parchment paper and allowed to set. Once dry, the no bake Easter treats can be picked up and eaten with your hands. However, I find the cupcake liner creates the perfect serving vessel.
Can I experiment with different chocolates or cereal types?
Absolutely! This simple recipe is adaptable and has room for experimentation. Some recipes even add peanut butter to the chocolate to create a salty, sweet treat.
Do I have to use Cadbury Mini Eggs?
No, although the Cadbury Mini Eggs do add a lovely crunch and pair nicely with the chocolatery cornflake flavors. However, malted milk eggs and jellybeans are good alternatives.
How do I store my chocolate cornflake nests?
This recipe, like most recipes, is best eaten fresh. Storing your nests in an airtight container is best. The moisture in the air can cause this no bake Easter treat to get soft and may cause the Tootsie Roll to get sticky.
~A Beautiful Basket Receives an Inexpensive Makeover: ~
While your chocolate cornflake nests (baskets) cool, come on over to our dining room space where we are revamping a thrifted Easter basket.
Last week in a local thrift store, I spotted a vintage Easter basket. Upon closer inspection, I noted it was sturdy and sweet-beautiful and inexpensive.
(*Indeed, I do love a thrifted basket. See more thrifted baskets here.)
This year my youngest daughter is old enough to hunt Easter eggs, so I was in need of an Easter basket for her. Therefore, I added the vintage Easter basket to my shopping cart.
Afterwards, my browsing led me to a bag of what looked like wooden, hand-painted Easter eggs. There were six eggs that had been creatively transformed into a pair of earrings and some adorable button covers.
I was not sure what I could do with these… but knew an idea would come to me eventually. Naturally, I added those to my shopping cart as well.
Once the children and I arrived back home from our thrift store outing, we set about the task of giving our thrifted Easter basket an inexpensive makeover
~Our Beautiful, Inexpensive Basket and Finds~
~How to Revamp an Old Easter Basket in an Inexpensive Way~
Seeing as the basket was already adorable, only a few upgrades were necessary.
I dissected the Easter egg earrings, and the button covers, by removing their metal parts.
Then, a bit of hot glue allowed me to attach the adorable, hand-painted eggs to my Easter basket.
After this a purple Easter bow, some green Easter grass, and my grandmother’s ceramic Easter eggs, where all this basket needed to really shine. (*To see another way I have decorated with my grandmother’s ceramic Easter eggs, read here:).
For a total of $1.50, I was able to save- and repurpose- a vintage basket and some vintage handmade jewelry to create a beautiful, inexpensive Easter basket for my youngest daughter.
~Chocolate Cornflake Nest Baskets and Easter Basket Makeovers-an Exciting Day of Crafts!
If you like baskets, sweet treats that are easy to make, and thrifting… then this post was for you.
Hopefully, it provided some new ideas for you to try with your children- or even to enjoy by yourself.
Simple things are also lovely things. Afterall, ordinary items paired with creativity, often produce lovely results.
If you enjoy Easter recipes and Easter crafts, let me know about some of your favorite recipes or crafts in the comments as I would love to hear from you.
~Final Thoughts on My Basket-Themed Day~
Another post shall be concluded with a fun challenge. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to use your imagination and be creative. Exercise those brain muscles, smile, and enjoy. I hope my chocolate cornflake nests (baskets) and my beautiful, inexpensive Easter basket makeover have given you ideas to try yourself.
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Well, that is it from me for now. I hope to see you all again very soon.
~Elizabeth~