With Easter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about sweet treats to enjoy during the holiday. Instead of buying pre-packaged candy, why not try making some homemade Easter candy this year? Not only is it a fun activity to do with friends and family, but it also allows you to customize the flavors and presentation to your liking. In this article, we’ll share some delicious ideas for homemade Easter candy that are sure to impress your loved ones.
Recipe 1: Chocolate Covered Easter Eggs
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Easter candy decorations (sprinkles, mini eggs, etc.)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small egg shapes and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
- In a separate bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Using a fork, dip each peanut butter egg into the melted chocolate until fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate.
- Decorate the chocolate-covered eggs with Easter candy decorations while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
- Store the chocolate eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 chocolate egg
- Calories: 190
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Lined baking sheet
- Fork
- Microwave-safe bowl
Serving Suggestions:
These chocolate covered Easter eggs make a great addition to any Easter basket or dessert table. Serve them alongside other festive treats like carrot cake cupcakes or sugar cookies decorated with pastel colored frosting.
Variations:
Try using different nut butters like almond or cashew for a unique twist on this recipe. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate like white or milk chocolate to suit your taste preferences.
Substitutions:
If you’re allergic to peanuts, you can substitute the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or another nut butter of your choice. If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use vegetable oil or shortening instead.
Storage:
Store the chocolate eggs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- Make sure to freeze the peanut butter mixture before dipping it in chocolate to prevent it from falling apart.
- Use a fork to dip the eggs in chocolate to make sure they are fully coated and to avoid getting chocolate all over your hands.
- Decorate the eggs with Easter candy decorations while the chocolate is still wet so that they stick properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like for this recipe.
How long do these chocolate eggs last?
These chocolate eggs will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe 2: Easter Peeps Marshmallow Pops
Ingredients:
- 1 package of Peeps marshmallow chicks
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Easter candy decorations (sprinkles, mini eggs, etc.)
- Lollipop sticks
Instructions:
- Remove the Peeps marshmallow chicks from their packaging and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each marshmallow chick, making sure it goes about halfway up the chick.
- In a separate bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- Dip each marshmallow chick into the melted white chocolate until fully coated. Tap off any excess chocolate.
- Decorate the chocolate-covered Peeps with Easter candy decorations while the chocolate is still wet.
- Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
- Store the Peeps marshmallow pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Nutritional Information:
Serving Size: 1 marshmallow pop
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 15mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 19g
- Protein: 1g
Cooking Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Equipment:
- Lined baking sheet
- Lollipop sticks
- Microwave-safe bowl
Serving Suggestions:
These Easter Peeps marshmallow pops are a fun and festive addition to any Easter party or celebration. Serve them alongside other Easter candy like jelly beans or chocolate eggs.
Variations:
Try using different colors of Peeps marshmallow chicks to create a colorful assortment of pops. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate and candy decorations to suit your preferences.
Substitutions:
If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use vegetable oil or shortening instead.
Storage:
Store the Peeps marshmallow pops in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure to insert the lollipop sticks into the marshmallow chicks carefully to avoid breaking them.
- Use a fork to dip the marshmallow chicks in chocolate to make sure they are fully coated and to avoid getting chocolate all over your hands.
- Decorate the Peeps with Easter candy decorations while the chocolate is still wet so that they stick properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, you can use any type of chocolate you like for this recipe.
How long do these Peeps marshmallow pops last?
These marshmallow pops will keep for up to 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Easter candy is a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday. Whether you prefer chocolate covered peanut butter eggs or Peeps marshmallow pops, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Not only do these treats taste amazing, but they also make great gifts or decorations for your Easter celebrations. So why not try making some homemade Easter candy this year and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills?