Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe

Thereโ€™s something truly magical about Easter desserts, and this Chocolate Easter Nest Cake is the ultimate showstopper. Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate cake topped with silky ganache and adorned with crunchy chocolate nests filled with candy eggsโ€”itโ€™s as festive as it is indulgent! Whether youโ€™re making it for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself to some chocolatey goodness, this cake is bound to impress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, youโ€™ll be hooked!

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Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

This isnโ€™t just any chocolate cakeโ€”itโ€™s an experience! Hereโ€™s why youโ€™ll love making (and eating) it:

Perfect for Easter: This cake looks like it came straight out of a bakery window. The chocolate nest decoration makes it a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table.

Rich & Chocolatey: If youโ€™re a chocolate lover, this cake delivers big time. The moist chocolate sponge, paired with smooth ganache, makes every bite an indulgence.

Easy to Make: You donโ€™t need to be a professional baker to pull this off! The recipe is straightforward, and the nest decorations are a breeze to create.

Customizable: Want to add a twist? Try using white chocolate ganache, adding a hint of orange zest, or swapping out the candy eggs for your favorite Easter treats.

Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist a chocolate nest filled with colorful candy eggs?

Ingredients in Chocolate Easter Nest Cake

Letโ€™s talk about what makes this cake so irresistible:

Chocolate Cake: The foundation of this masterpiece! A moist, rich chocolate sponge that melts in your mouth.

Cocoa Powder: Enhances the deep chocolate flavor while keeping the cake light and fluffy.

Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake, making it soft yet sturdy.

Butter: Adds moisture and a velvety texture to the cake.

Sugar: Sweetens the cake just the right amount without overpowering the chocolate goodness.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cake its structure while keeping it tender.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The dynamic duo that helps the cake rise perfectly.

Milk: Adds moisture and creates a smooth batter.

Chocolate Ganache: A dreamy, glossy layer of chocolate that makes this cake ultra-decadent.

Shredded Wheat Cereal: The secret to the realistic, crunchy chocolate nests!

Melted Chocolate: Coats the cereal to form the perfect edible nest.

Mini Chocolate Eggs: The final touchโ€”adorable and delicious!

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to the right temperature so your cake bakes evenly. Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.

Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, then slowly combine them to create a smooth batter.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Ganache: Heat cream until warm, then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before spreading over the cake.

Make the Chocolate Nests: Crush shredded wheat cereal, coat with melted chocolate, and shape into small nests. Place them on parchment paper to set.

Assemble the Cake: Spread the ganache over the cooled cake, then arrange the chocolate nests on top. Fill each nest with mini chocolate eggs.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice, serve, and watch everyone fall in love with this festive dessert!

How to Serve Chocolate Easter Nest Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich chocolate.

With Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a fresh, tart balance to the sweetness.

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream takes this dessert to another level.

Drizzled with Caramel or Raspberry Sauce: A little extra drizzle makes the cake even more indulgent.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Assemble it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days.

Freezing Instructions: The unfrosted cake can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and thaw before decorating.

Customize Your Nests: Not a fan of shredded wheat? Try crushed pretzels or even rice cereal for a fun twist!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the ganache?
A1: Yes! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate will work. Just adjust the cream ratio for the right consistency.

Q2: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A2: Absolutely! Use a flax egg or applesauce as an egg substitute.

Q3: How do I keep my cake moist?
A3: Donโ€™t overbake it! Also, storing it in an airtight container helps retain moisture.

Q4: Can I make the nests in advance?
A4: Yes! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Q5: Whatโ€™s the best way to reheat this cake?
A5: A few seconds in the microwave will warm it up just enough to make the ganache soft again.

Q6: Can I add nuts to the cake batter?
A6: Absolutely! Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts add great texture.

Q7: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of ganache?
A7: Yes, but homemade ganache gives the best texture and flavor.

Q8: Can I make this in cupcake form?
A8: Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to about 18โ€“20 minutes.

Q9: How do I make the cake gluten-free?
A9: Swap the all-purpose flour for a good-quality gluten-free flour blend.

Q10: Can I use a different cereal for the nests?
A10: Yes! Crushed pretzels or puffed rice cereal work well too.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Easter Nest Cake isnโ€™t just a dessert itโ€™s a fun, festive experience that brings joy to every bite. Whether youโ€™re making it for an Easter celebration or just craving a rich, chocolatey treat, this cake will never disappoint. So go ahead, grab your whisk, and letโ€™s make some Easter magic happen!

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Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Chocolate Easter Nest Cake is a rich, moist chocolate layer cake, frosted with smooth chocolate buttercream and decorated with toasted coconut and Cadbury mini eggs for a festive Easter nest effect. Itโ€™s easy to make and perfect for celebrating the holiday! If youโ€™re looking for Healthy Homemade Recipes, Easter desserts, or quick baking ideas, this cake is sure to impress!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chocolate Cake:

  • 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (2oz each)
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk or milk
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) boiling water

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (75g) cocoa powder
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) milk (more if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract

For Decorations:

  • 80g Cadbury mini eggs
  • 75g shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Prepare & Bake the Cake:

    • Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (180ยฐC) or 160ยฐC (fan oven).
    • Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) cake pans with parchment paper.
    • In a bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk in sugar.
    • In a separate bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk (or milk), oil, and vanilla extract.
    • Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
    • Stir in boiling water (mixed with espresso powder if using) to thin the batter.
    • Divide batter between cake pans and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
    • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the Chocolate Buttercream:

    • In a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy (about 3 minutes).
    • Add cocoa powder and mix for 2 minutes.
    • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing for another 2 minutes.
    • Add milk and vanilla, beating for 1 minute until smooth.
  • Toast the Coconut:

    • In a dry pan over medium heat, stir shredded coconut until toasted.
    • Alternatively, toast in the oven at 320ยฐF (160ยฐC) for 5 minutes.
  • Assemble & Decorate the Cake:

    • Spread a layer of buttercream between the two cake layers.
    • Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the outside and chill for 20 minutes.
    • Frost the cake completely with the remaining buttercream.
    • Place Cadbury mini eggs in the center of the cake.
    • Press toasted coconut on top and around the sides for a nest effect.

Notes

  • For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
  • Store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Substitute shredded coconut with desiccated coconut for a finer texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
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