Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe

Whip Up a Playful Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe Today

Crafting a delightful chocolate easter nest cake brings pure joy to any festive celebration.

Sweet chocolate crumbles mingle with delicate marshmallow strands, creating a whimsical dessert.

Springtime calls for playful treats that spark excitement around the table.

Fluffy layers of rich cocoa promise a decadent experience for chocolate enthusiasts.

Colorful candy eggs nestled atop the cake add a cheerful touch of whimsy.

Minimal kitchen skills guarantee success with this simple yet impressive confection.

Let your baking adventure begin and delight everyone with this charming seasonal masterpiece.

Chocolate Nest Cake That’s A Spring Showstopper

  • Festive Family Fun: Create a showstopping dessert that brings everyone together, perfect for Easter celebrations with kids helping decorate and placing colorful mini eggs.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Simple step-by-step instructions make this cake approachable for home bakers of all skill levels, with no complicated techniques or fancy equipment required.
  • Quick Weekend Delight: From start to finish, this cake takes just over an hour to prepare, making it an ideal weekend baking project that delivers maximum wow factor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Combines rich chocolate flavor with playful Easter theme, suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, or a special seasonal treat that impresses both kids and adults.

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Elements

Cake Base:
  • Flour, Cocoa Powder: Provides structure and rich chocolate flavor, choose high-quality unsweetened cocoa for deep color.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for cake's soft texture.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs, Buttermilk: Creates moisture and tenderness in the cake, room temperature eggs blend better.
  • Oil: Keeps cake moist and soft, neutral vegetable oil works best.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to chocolate flavor.
Sweeteners and Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake's texture.
  • Espresso Powder: Optional ingredient that intensifies chocolate flavor, deepens color.
Buttercream:
  • Butter: Creamy base for frosting, unsalted butter recommended for better control of saltiness.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives rich chocolate color and taste.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
  • Milk: Adjusts frosting consistency, use whole milk for richness.
Decoration:
  • Shredded Coconut: Creates nest-like texture, toasting enhances flavor.
  • Cadbury Mini Eggs: Adds festive Easter touch, colorful chocolate eggs.

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe – Baking and Decorating Guide

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe - Baking and Decorating Guide

Step 1: Whip Up the Chocolate Cake Base

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Grab two cake pans and give them a quick spray and parchment paper hug.

In one bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Sugar
In another bowl, gather your wet ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

Pour in some boiling water to create a silky smooth batter.

Divide the mixture between your pans and bake for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Craft Decadent Chocolate Buttercream

Fire up your stand mixer and beat the butter until it transforms into a creamy dream.

Dust in cocoa powder and mix thoroughly.

Gradually rain in powdered sugar, creating a luscious frosting.

Splash in milk and vanilla, whipping until everything looks smooth and irresistible.

Step 3: Transform Coconut Into Golden Treasure

Toast your coconut in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Watch it turn a beautiful golden brown.

Alternatively, spread it on a baking sheet and pop into the oven at 320°F for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Your Spectacular Nest Cake

Spread a generous layer of buttercream between your cake layers.

Give the entire cake a thin crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes.

Frost the cake completely with remaining buttercream.

Nestle Cadbury mini eggs in the center.

Press toasted coconut around the sides and top, creating a magical nest-like appearance.

Nest Cake Tips With Chocolate Crunch

  • Mix wet and dry ingredients separately to prevent overmixing, ensuring a light, tender chocolate cake texture.
  • Add espresso powder to intensify the rich chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
  • Watch coconut carefully while toasting, stirring frequently to prevent burning and achieve an even golden-brown color.
  • Chill the initial thin frosting layer for 20 minutes to lock in crumbs, creating a smooth, professional-looking final decoration.
  • Swap Cadbury mini eggs with different chocolate eggs or use dairy-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.

Easter Nest Cake Reheats Light and Fluffy

  • Store leftover cake covered in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap individual cake slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for 2-3 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Remove cake from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to revive softness and bring back the cake's original delicious flavor.

Rich Matches For Nest Cake

  • Delightful Drink Pairing: Serve a rich, creamy Irish coffee that complements the chocolate cake's deep flavor profile, balancing the sweetness with its warm, robust espresso notes.
  • Flavor-Boosting Beverage: Enjoy a chilled glass of chocolate milk, which echoes the cake's chocolatey essence and provides a smooth, refreshing counterpoint to the dense dessert.
  • Unexpected Sip Companion: Try a raspberry-infused red wine that offers a bright, fruity contrast to the rich chocolate, cutting through the buttercream's intensity with its crisp acidity.
  • Sweet Sidekick Suggestion: Pair with a smooth, velvety hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, creating a decadent chocolate lover's dream that amplifies the cake's indulgent character.

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe Styles

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Nest Cake: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Nest Cake: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter alternative, and vegan chocolate mini eggs for a compassionate version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Nest Cake: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free chocolate decorations, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
  • Nut-Free Easter Nest Cake: Omit coconut toasting if concerned about nut allergies, replace with toasted seeds like pumpkin seeds or crispy rice cereal for similar textural nest effect.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this cake so chocolatey?

The cake’s deep chocolate flavor comes from cocoa powder mixed directly into the batter and the chocolate buttercream frosting, which uses additional cocoa powder for intense richness.

  • Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a whisk. The key is to mix ingredients until just combined without overmixing the batter.

  • Why do I need to add boiling water to the batter?

Boiling water helps activate the cocoa powder, creating a more intense chocolate flavor and making the cake batter smoother and more liquid.

  • Is this recipe good for beginners?

Absolutely! The recipe has clear step-by-step instructions and uses simple techniques like whisking, mixing, and spreading frosting, making it perfect for home bakers of all skill levels.

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Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe

Chocolate Easter Nest Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate Easter nest cake brings springtime cheer with delightful layers of rich chocolate and playful nest decorations. Sweet chocolate crumb and delicate chocolate ganache create a festive centerpiece perfect for holiday celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cake Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 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
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)

Chocolate Cake Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs (2 ounces each)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk or milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) boiling water

Chocolate Buttercream and Decorations:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup (75 grams) cocoa powder
  • 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) milk (more if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
  • 80 grams Cadbury mini eggs
  • 75 grams shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Craft the cake foundation by sifting dry ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture of flour, cocoa, leavening agents, and sugar.
  2. Whisk liquid components separately, blending eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until uniformly incorporated.
  3. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures, stirring minimally to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Introduce boiling water to thin the batter, creating a silky, pourable consistency.
  5. Distribute the mixture evenly between prepared cake pans, tapping to release potential air bubbles.
  6. Bake in a preheated oven until a testing skewer emerges clean, indicating perfect doneness.
  7. Allow cakes to rest briefly in pans before transferring to a cooling rack, preventing potential moisture retention.
  8. Whip butter until luxuriously creamy, developing a light and airy base for the frosting.
  9. Incorporate cocoa powder, creating a rich, deep chocolate foundation.
  10. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, beating thoroughly to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  11. Enhance the frosting with milk and vanilla, blending until glossy and uniform.
  12. Transform coconut into a golden, fragrant topping using gentle stovetop or oven techniques.
  13. Sandwich cake layers with a generous chocolate buttercream filling.
  14. Apply a delicate crumb coat, chilling to set the initial frosting layer.
  15. Enrobe the entire cake with remaining buttercream, creating a smooth finish.
  16. Artfully arrange Cadbury mini eggs as decorative centerpiece elements.
  17. Sprinkle toasted coconut around the cake, mimicking a rustic nest-like appearance.

Notes

  • Customize the cake’s chocolate intensity by adjusting the cocoa powder quantity for deeper or lighter chocolate flavor.
  • Swap buttermilk with yogurt or plant-based milk alternatives to accommodate dairy-free dietary needs.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dessert without compromising taste.
  • Control coconut toasting carefully to prevent burning, stirring frequently and watching closely to achieve golden-brown color.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 40g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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