Scandal Boggs ┃ Fashion, Beauty & Home

Create a show-stopping centerpiece for your Easter celebration with a Chocolate Easter Egg Nest Cake. This indulgent and visually stunning cake combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the whimsy of edible nests and mini chocolate eggs. Impress your guests with a dessert that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captures the festive spirit of Easter. Follow this step-by-step guide to craft a chocolate masterpiece that will be the highlight of your Easter dessert table.

For our Easter 2024 Master List of Recipes, click here

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped

For the Edible Nests:

• 1 cup chow mein noodles
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips or melting chocolate

For Decoration:

• Mini chocolate eggs or candy-coated chocolate eggs

Instructions:

Making the Chocolate Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Boiling Water: Gradually add boiling water to the batter, mixing well. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Chocolate Ganache:

7. Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, place finely chopped chocolate. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for a minute. Stir until smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool to room temperature.

Assembling the Cake:

8. Level and Stack Cakes: If needed, level the cooled cakes. Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache over the cake. Repeat with the remaining layers.
9. Cover with Ganache: Coat the entire cake with a thin layer of chocolate ganache to create a smooth surface. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the ganache.

Making the Edible Nests:

10. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips or melting chocolate in short intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
11. Combine with Chow Mein Noodles: Add chow mein noodles to the melted chocolate and gently mix until the noodles are fully coated.
12. Shape Nests: Take handfuls of the chocolate-covered noodles and shape them into nest-like structures on parchment paper. Create a well in the center of each nest to hold the mini chocolate eggs.
13. Chill: Place the nests in the refrigerator to allow the chocolate to set and harden.

Decorating the Cake:

14. Place Nests on the Cake: Once the nests are firm, gently place them on top of the chilled cake. Arrange them in a visually pleasing manner.
15. Fill with Mini Eggs: Fill the center of each nest with mini chocolate eggs or candy-coated chocolate eggs.
16. Final Touch: Drizzle additional chocolate ganache over the nests and eggs for a finishing touch.

Serve and Enjoy:

17. Slice and Serve: Slice the Chocolate Easter Egg Nest Cake and serve. Enjoy the decadent layers, rich ganache, and delightful surprise of edible nests and mini eggs in every bite.

Variations and Tips:

• Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavored ganache by adding a splash of flavored extract such as mint or orange.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts (such as almonds or hazelnuts) to the chocolate ganache for added texture.
• Fruit Infusion: Introduce a fruity twist by layering the cake with a thin spread of fruit preserves before adding the ganache.
• Pastel Colors: Add a festive touch by tinting white chocolate ganache with pastel food colors for drizzling.
• Coconut Shavings: Sprinkle coconut shavings over the cake for added texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
• Individual Nest Cupcakes: Create mini nest cupcakes by placing a small nest on top of each cupcake and filling it with mini eggs.

The Chocolate Easter Egg Nest Cake is a masterpiece that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the whimsy of edible nests and mini eggs. This delightful creation will not only impress your guests but also add a touch of elegance to your Easter celebration. Share the joy of Easter by presenting this visually stunning and delicious cake as the centerpiece of your dessert table. Allow the layers of moist chocolate cake, velvety ganache, and playful nests to create a memorable and indulgent experience for everyone gathered around your table.