Description
These Chocolate Meringue Easter Nests are a light and crispy treat perfect for Easter celebrations. Crisp meringue nests are baked low and slow, then drizzled with rich melted chocolate and filled with colorful candy eggs to create a festive and delightful dessert that’s sure to please both kids and adults. They offer a satisfying crunch combined with sweet chocolate and candy centers, making them an ideal holiday dessert or party favor.
Ingredients
Scale
Meringue Nests
- 4 large egg whites
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Drizzle and Filling
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Candy eggs (mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans), quantity as desired for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure the meringues don’t stick.
- Prepare the Meringue: In a large, clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat until the meringue is thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. Then, add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to combine.
- Shape the Nests: Using a spoon or a piping bag, form small nest-shaped mounds on the prepared baking sheet. Create a shallow well in the center of each mound to resemble a nest where the candy eggs will sit.
- Bake the Meringues: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until the meringues are firm to the touch and lift easily from the parchment. After baking, turn off the oven and let the meringues cool inside for one hour to minimize cracking.
- Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle: While the meringues cool, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted.
- Assemble the Nests: Once the meringues are completely cool, drizzle the melted chocolate over each nest. Then, fill the wells in the centers with your choice of colorful candy eggs, such as mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Allow the chocolate to harden slightly at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Make sure all bowls and beaters are perfectly clean and free of grease to achieve stiff meringue peaks.
- Do not open the oven door during baking to prevent meringue from cracking or collapsing.
- You can store unfilled meringue nests in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The chocolate drizzle and candy fillings can be customized to your preference.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume and stability in the meringue.
