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    Home » Recipes

    Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

    Published: Mar 25, 2015 · Modified: Jan 27, 2024 by Alison · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe

    These Bird’s Nest Cupcakes are the cutest dessert for Easter or Spring! They are easy to make using box cake mix, frosting and marshmallow Peeps.

    birds nest cupcakes

    Spring is in the air and Easter is just around the corner, just in time to whip up these delicious Easter treats.

    These cupcakes are quite easy to make and fun for little ones to help decorate. You can choose to make them from scratch or you can use a box cake mix for convenience. Either way, they will be tasty and adorable.

    Easter Peeps birds nest cupcakes

    After the cupcakes are baked and cooled, they are topped with a layer of frosting to resemble a little bird’s nest. A pastel colored marshmallow Peeps are placed in the center of each cupcake to finish off the nest.

    If you are looking for more Easter recipes using marshmallow Peeps, try my 2 Ingredient Peeps S’mores Dip. It is another fun and easy recipe for the holiday.

    yellow chick peeps on top of cupcakes
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to Make Easter Birds Nest Cupcakes
    • Variations & Substitutions
    • How to Store
    • FAQs
    • More Easter Recipes
    • Recipe
    ingredients for birds nest cupcakes

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • White boxed cake mix: PLUS ingredients listed on box; water, oil and eggs.
    • Green frosting: I used the green frosting in the pouch but you could use white frosting and add green food coloring.
    • Chocolate frosting: I used store bought chocolate frosting for the birds nest.
    • Marshmallow Chick Peeps: You will need 1 peep for each cupcake. I like the yellow ones but you could use any color.
    • Cake tips or decorator: I used a Wilton star tip to make the grass. If you don’t the cake tips you can use a cake decorator or a ziploc bag with a small hole cut in one corner.

    How to Make Easter Birds Nest Cupcakes

    Preheat oven to temperature stated on the cake mix box.

    cupcake batter in muffin tins

    Mix and bake cupcakes according to box directions. Let the cupcakes cool.

    green frosting in a circle on a cupcake

    Add a star tip to the green frosting pouch or use a cake decorator. Using the large star cake decorator tip, pipe around the edge of the cupcake to create a grass-like effect and then add a larger drop in the middle of the cupcake.

    chocolate frosting on top of cupcake

    Add the chocolate frosting to a clean cake decorator. Using the small circle cake decorator tip make a continuous line around the middle of the cupcake forming a bird’s nest.

    marshmallow chick on top of cupcake

    Add the marshmallow Peep on top of the nest and enjoy!

    Variations & Substitutions

    • Use different box cake mixes to change up the flavor.
    • Can use shredded coconut dyed with green food coloring for the nest effect instead of green and chocolate frosting.
    • If you don’t have Peep chicks, consider using jelly beans or candy eggs as alternative toppings.
    • Make them gluten free using a gluten free cake mix. Make sure to check that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free if necessary.

    How to Store

    Allow to cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

    If you use a frosting that contains eggs such as whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Peeps on top of cupcakes

    FAQs

    Can I use a different type of cake mix for the cupcakes?

    Absolutely! While this recipe calls for a basic white cake mix, you can get creative and use flavors like chocolate or yellow if you prefer.

    Are there any alternatives to using Peeps marshmallows?

    If you’re not a fan of Peeps marshmallows, you can substitute them with other Easter-themed candies like Cadbury mini eggs or jelly beans. Get creative and have fun with it!

    Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

    Yes! You can bake the cupcakes in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to wait until closer to serving time before adding the chocolate frosting and decorations.

    Can I freeze these cupcakes?

    Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

    More Easter Recipes

    • Easter Chocolate Blossom Cookies
    • Bird’s Nest Cookies
    • Fruity Easter Dip
    • Easter Bunny Martini
    • Easter Carrot Cheeseball

    Recipe

    Bird’s Nest Cupcakes

    Alison McFadden
    These Bird's Nest Cupcakes are the cutest dessert for Easter or Spring! They are easy to make using box cake mix, frosting and marshmallow Peeps.
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 18 minutes mins
    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 cupcakes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 White boxed cake mix, PLUS ingredients listed on box; water, oil and eggs.
    • Green frosting
    • Chocolate frosting
    • Marshmallow chick Peeps

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to temperature stated on the cake mix box.
    • Mix and bake cupcakes according to box directions.
    • Let the cupcakes cool.
    • Add a star tip to the green frosting pouch or use a cake decorator.
    • Using the large star cake decorator tip, pipe around the edge of the cupcake to create a grass-like effect and then add a larger drop in the middle of the cupcake.
    • Add the chocolate frosting to a clean cake decorator.
    • Using the small circle cake decorator tip make a continuous line around the middle of the cupcake forming a bird’s nest.
    • Add the marshmallow Peep on top of the nest.

    Notes

    Allow to cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
    If you use a frosting that contains eggs such as whipped cream or cream cheese frosting, store the cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

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    Alison is a wife and mother of three who embraces the simple life, finding joy in easy recipes, DIY projects, life hacks, and her passion for travel. Learn more about me!

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    Alison McFadden

    Welcome to Everyday Shortcuts, where I share delicious and simple recipes that anyone can cook, practical household tips and clever shortcuts to help simplify your everyday life. 

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