Spring is here, and Easter is just around the corner. It’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends, enjoy the beautiful weather, and indulge in some tasty treats. Unfortunately, for those with nut allergies, Easter candy can be a minefield. But fear not, we’ve got you covered with some delicious nut-free candy recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Recipe 1: Nut-Free Easter Bark
Ingredients:
- 1 pound white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup mini pretzels
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1/4 cup pastel M&Ms
Instructions:
- Melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.
- Add the mini marshmallows and mini pretzels to the melted chocolate, and stir until fully coated.
- Pour the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the rainbow sprinkles and pastel M&Ms on top of the chocolate mixture.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, break it into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 30mg
Total Carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
This nut-free Easter bark is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it as a sweet snack after Easter dinner or package it up in cute bags to give as gifts.
Variations:
Get creative with your toppings! You can use any candy or sprinkles you like to make this bark your own. Try adding chopped up Oreos, gummy bears, or even some shredded coconut.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have white chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead. Just be sure to check the label to make sure it’s nut-free.
Storage:
Store the Easter bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Tips:
Make sure to use mini pretzels for this recipe, as they will fit better in the bark. You can also crush them up if you prefer a more textured bark.
FAQ:
Q: Can I make this recipe with dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
A: Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like. Just be sure to check the label to make sure it’s nut-free.
Recipe 2: Nut-Free Easter Egg Truffles
Ingredients:
- 1 package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pastel sprinkles
- 1 pound white chocolate candy coating
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, beating until fully combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and pastel sprinkles, and stir until fully incorporated.
- Using a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into small egg shapes and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the eggs are firm.
- Melt the white chocolate candy coating in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted.
- Dip the chilled truffles into the melted chocolate, using a fork to fully coat them.
- Place the coated truffles back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle them with additional pastel sprinkles.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.
- Once the chocolate has hardened, serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 truffle
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Electric mixer
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Small cookie scoop
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Fork
Serving Suggestions:
These truffles are perfect for Easter baskets or as a sweet treat after Easter dinner. You can also package them up in cute boxes or bags to give as gifts.
Variations:
You can use any type of sprinkles you like for this recipe, or leave them out altogether. You can also use different candy coating colors to make your truffles even more festive.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese instead. Just make sure they are softened before mixing with the other ingredients.
Storage:
Store the truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Tips:
Make sure the truffles are fully chilled before dipping them in the melted chocolate, or they may fall apart. You can also add a little bit of vegetable oil to the melted chocolate to make it easier to dip.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of candy coating you like. Just be sure to check the label to make sure it’s nut-free.
Final Thoughts:
Easter is a time for celebration, and these nut-free candy recipes are sure to bring some extra joy to your festivities. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or a sweet treat to share with friends, these recipes are easy to make and absolutely delicious. So why not give them a try and see for yourself?