Description
These Easter cupcake ideas are a whimsical and festive treat. Featuring vanilla or lemon cupcakes topped with speckled egg frosting, bird nest cupcakes are finished with toasted coconut and mini chocolate eggs. A creative coconut nest dessert that brings springtime charm to your table, this Easter cake or cupcake recipe is perfect for parties, brunches, or baking with kids.
Ingredients
Cupcakes (makes 12):
-
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
-
1/4 tsp salt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract (or 1/2 tsp vanilla + zest of 1 lemon)
-
1/2 cup milk
Buttercream Frosting:
-
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
-
2-3 tbsp milk or cream
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
Blue gel food coloring (aqua/teal for Robin’s egg blue)
Decorations:
-
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
-
36 mini candy-coated chocolate eggs
-
1 tsp cocoa powder + 1 tsp water (for speckling)
Instructions
1. Bake Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line muffin tin with paper liners. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. In a second bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla (and lemon zest, if using). Add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Divide into liners and bake 18–20 minutes. Cool completely.
2. Make Buttercream:
Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually, then vanilla and milk. Beat on high until fluffy. Add blue gel coloring until desired Robin’s egg shade is achieved.
3. Toast Coconut:
Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden. Let cool.
4. Assemble Nests:
Frost cupcakes with blue buttercream. Roll edges in toasted coconut to form nests. Use a spoon to make a slight indentation in the center. Place 2–3 mini candy eggs in the nest.
5. Speckle Effect:
Mix cocoa powder with water. Use a clean food-safe brush to flick tiny speckles over the blue frosting. Practice on parchment for control.
6. Serve:
Arrange on a platter for a festive, spring-ready display. These nest cupcakes are as adorable as they are delicious!
Notes
-
Customize frosting flavor with lemon or almond extract.
-
Great for spring baby showers or Easter brunch.
-
Speckling is a fun step for kids – just cover your counters!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
