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Easter Garden Nest Cups

Delightful Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups: Your Perfect Spring Dessert

As the days grow longer and nature awakens with vibrant colors, there’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of spring than with a festive and utterly charming dessert. These Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups are more than just a treat; they are a delightful invitation to embrace the season, brimming with the freshness and joy that springtime embodies. Perfect for Easter gatherings, spring brunches, or simply a sweet moment with family, these no-bake wonders capture the essence of renewal in every spoonful.

For another nostalgic classic that evokes childhood memories, be sure to try our beloved Peanut Butter Dirt Cups – a timeless favorite redesigned for deliciousness!

Charming Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups with yellow PEEPS chicks perched on potato stick nests, surrounded by mini chocolate eggs

A Journey Back to Childhood: The Timeless Appeal of Dirt Cups

There’s a special kind of magic in certain desserts that instantly transports you back to simpler times. For me, dirt cups are precisely that kind of confection. They conjure vivid memories of school parties, birthday celebrations, and carefree afternoons. My mother, with her ingenious touch, used to whip up batches of these delightful treats for all our school events, long before the era of individually packaged snacks dictated by allergy concerns. Each spoonful was a bite of pure, unadulterated joy.

Among her repertoire, one of my absolute favorites was her “sandy dirt cup,” a clever twist made with crushed white OREO cookies and creamy vanilla pudding. While these particular Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups might lean more towards a whimsical beach scene than traditional “dirt,” I’ve affectionately kept the classic “dirt cup” moniker to honor that cherished nostalgia. And honestly, they’re so incredibly adorable, it’s hard to resist their charm!

Close-up of Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups, showcasing the layered texture and cute PEEPS chick topping

The Sweet Charm of PEEPS and Easter Traditions

Beyond dirt cups, PEEPS hold a very special place in my heart, deeply intertwined with Easter traditions. From my own childhood Easter baskets, bursting with colorful treats, to now creating those same joyful memories for my children, PEEPS have always been a staple. My kids adore them, and this year, we were incredibly fortunate to receive a generous package from PEEPS themselves, filled with their iconic #PEEPSChick and #PEEPSBunny marshmallows, along with the most adorable slippers for my little ones. Their excitement was palpable, especially since the slippers arrived in their favorite colors!

Adorable PEEPS Bunny Slippers for kids

With eager eyes fixed on the vibrant marshmallows, my children wasted no time begging to dive into the PEEPS stash. Naturally, these Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups became one of the first recipes I prepared for the week, ensuring that some of these delightful treats made their way into our celebration. I utilized some of the pink PEEPS bunny marshmallows for a batch of Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes, reserving the cheerful yellow chicks specifically for these charming dirt cups.

Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups prepared with lemon pudding and vanilla OREOs, ready for serving

For this particular recipe, I chose to infuse a bright, zesty flavor by using lemon pudding. There’s something inherently refreshing about lemon and citrus that just screams “spring” to me, making it the perfect complement to the playful Easter theme. Plus, with a delightful banana pudding recipe planned for later in the week, I wanted to ensure a delightful variety of flavors for our springtime sweets.

Exploring Delicious Dirt Cup Flavor Combinations

While the quintessential dirt cup traditionally features rich chocolate OREO cookies paired with creamy chocolate pudding, the beauty of this dessert lies in its versatility. For our Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups, I opted for a lighter, brighter profile with zesty lemon pudding and classic vanilla (Golden) OREOS. But the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to customizing your dirt cup experience. Here are just a few tantalizing flavor combinations to inspire your next creation, including our popular Peanut Butter Dirt Cups:

  • Zesty Lemon Dream: Lemon pudding with Lemon OREO cookies for an extra citrusy kick.
  • Mint Chocolate Heaven: Rich chocolate pudding with refreshing Mint OREO cookies.
  • Classic Comfort: Timeless chocolate pudding layered with original OREO cookies.
  • Butterscotch Bliss: Creamy butterscotch pudding combined with crisp vanilla OREO cookies.
  • Berry Burst: Vanilla pudding with crushed berry-flavored OREOS or fresh berries.
  • Tropical Paradise: Coconut pudding with crushed shortbread cookies and a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
  • Cookie Dough Delight: Vanilla pudding with edible cookie dough chunks and chocolate chip cookies.
  • Caramel Swirl: Caramel pudding with crushed Biscoff cookies and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • Pumpkin Spice Fall: Pumpkin spice pudding with crushed graham crackers or ginger snap cookies (for an autumnal twist!).

Crafting Your Adorable Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups: A Simple Guide

Making these charming Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups is a breeze, promising a delightful activity for both adults and kids. The simplicity of this no-bake recipe means you’ll have a stunning and delicious dessert ready in no time!

Potato sticks mixed with melted candy melts to form the 'nest' components for Birds Nest Dirt Cups

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Nests: First, we’ll create the adorable “nests” using another childhood favorite: potato sticks! In a bowl, combine the potato sticks with a light-colored brown candy melt (salted caramel works wonderfully for both color and flavor). Stir gently until the potato sticks are evenly coated. Spread this mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow it to cool and set completely. Once firm, break the mixture into small, nest-like pieces and set them aside. This step adds a fantastic crunchy texture and visual appeal to our dirt cups.
  2. Whip Up the Pudding: For ultimate convenience and a consistently smooth texture, I often turn to instant pudding mixes – and for these dirt cups, it’s the perfect choice. Prepare the instant lemon pudding according to the package directions, ensuring it’s smooth and lump-free. Once prepared, set it aside to chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the other components. Chilling is key for a firm, creamy texture.
  3. Crush the Cookies: While the pudding chills, take your vanilla (Golden) OREO cookies and crush them thoroughly. You can do this by placing them in a Ziploc bag and crushing them with a rolling pin, or by using a food processor for a finer crumb. These crushed cookies will form the “dirt” layers in our cups.
  4. Fold in Whipped Topping: Once the pudding is chilled and slightly set, gently fold in an entire container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip). This step makes the pudding mixture incredibly light, airy, and even more luscious, adding to the overall dessert experience.
  5. Assemble the Dirt Cups: Now for the fun part – assembly! Take your serving glasses (9oz glasses work perfectly for individual portions). Start by placing approximately 2 tablespoons of the crushed vanilla OREO cookies into the bottom of each glass.
  6. Layering Perfection: Next, spoon about 1/4 cup of the creamy lemon pudding mixture over the cookie layer. Follow this with another 2 tablespoons of crushed cookies, creating a visible “dirt” layer. Evenly divide the remaining pudding mixture among the glasses, ensuring each cup is generously filled.
  7. Add the Birds Nests: Carefully place the broken potato stick “birds nest” pieces on top of the final pudding layer in each cup. Arrange them artfully to resemble a small, welcoming nest.
  8. Final Touches: To complete the springtime tableau, gently place a cheerful PEEPS chick into each potato stick nest. Finally, scatter a few colorful, egg-shaped chocolate candies around the chick and nest, creating the illusion of delicate baby eggs.

Detailed shot of Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups with PEEPS chicks and chocolate eggs, ready to serve

And voilà! You now have a delightful springtime bird comfortably chilling in her nest, surrounded by her precious baby eggs. These Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups are truly a delicious way to bring a little sunshine and whimsy into your day, making them an unforgettable centerpiece for any celebration.

Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups on a vibrant spring table setting, ready for guests

Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups in a clear glass

Print Recipe

Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups

Prep Time:

Inactive Time:

Total Time:

Author: Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield: 6 servings

These Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups are the epitome of welcoming Spring and all things that remind us a new season is upon us.

Ingredients

  • 1 (4.5 oz. bag) Original Potato Sticks
  • 1 cup Salted Caramel Flavor Candy Melts (from an 8 oz. bag)
  • 20 Golden OREO cookies, crushed
  • 1 (3.4oz) Jell-O Instant Lemon Pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 container Cool Whip (or similar whipped topping)
  • 6 PEEPS Chicks
  • 18 candy coated chocolate eggs

Instructions

  1. Place potato sticks into a bowl.
  2. Melt candy melts in a microwave-safe liquid measuring cup. Pour into the bowl with potato sticks and stir to combine. Lay out on a parchment-lined sheet pan and allow to set. Break into pieces once cooled.
  3. Make instant pudding according to package directions, then fold in whipped topping until combined.
  4. Place 2 tablespoons crushed cookies into the bottom of 6 (9oz) glasses. Place 1/4 cup pudding mixture on top. Top with 2 more tablespoons of crushed cookies and evenly divide the remaining pudding mixture.
  5. Top each dirt cup with broken potato stick pieces to form a nest, then add a PEEP chick and a few candy-coated chocolate eggs.

Courses: Dessert

Cuisine: American

These adorable Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making them an ideal addition to your Easter brunch table or any elegant springtime soiree. They are incredibly quick and easy to assemble, guaranteeing that everyone, from the youngest guest to the most discerning palate, will adore and devour them with delight!

A heartfelt thank you to PEEPS for sending us their wonderful care package. As an added bonus, the festive striped slippers even fit me, so my daughter and I can share them – a sweet memory in itself!

Completed Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups, ready for a spring celebration

Join the #SpringSweetsWeek Celebration!

Welcome to #SpringSweetsWeek 2019, an annual celebration hosted by the fabulous Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks and Christie from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures! What better way to usher in the vibrant season of spring than with an abundance of delicious food and an exciting giveaway? This year, 30 talented bloggers from across the country have united to share over 100 sweet recipes, each perfectly crafted for spring. Get ready to shed those winter layers and indulge in an array of delightful treats, from elegant cupcakes and comforting cookies to artisanal sweet breads and refreshing cocktails!

Our incredible #SpringSweetsWeek sponsors have generously provided some fantastic prizes for our giveaway, making this celebration even sweeter. We extend our immense gratitude to Swiss Diamond, Dixie Crystals, Nancy’s Yogurt, Sprinkle Pop, Adams Extracts, Barleans, Melissa’s Produce, and PEEPS® for their wonderful generosity. We encourage you to take a moment to learn more about the incredible prizes up for grabs and how you can enter to win!

Discover the Amazing Prizes in Our #SpringSweetsWeek Giveaway!

Prize #1: Swiss Diamond Cookware – XD Nonstick 6 Piece Newlywed Kitchen Kit! One lucky winner will receive this exceptional set from Swiss Diamond Cookware. This ultimate nonstick collection includes a 9.5″ fry pan, an 8″ fry pan, a 2.2-quart saucepan with lid, and a 5.5-quart soup pot with lid. Known for their superior heat distribution and durable XD nonstick coating, Swiss Diamond pans offer effortless cooking and cleanup, allowing you to cook without excess oil or butter. Swiss Diamond International, founded in 1974, revolutionized nonstick cookware in 2001 with their diamond-reinforced coating. Visit https://www.swissdiamond.com/ for inspiring recipes and to explore their premium cookware.

Prize #2: Dixie Crystals – Wilton Ultimate Cake Decorating Tools Set! Elevate your baking game with this incredible prize from Dixie Crystals! One winner will receive the Wilton Ultimate Cake Decorating Tools Set, perfect for adding artistic flair to cakes made with Dixie Crystals sugar. This comprehensive set includes 263 pieces, such as piping tips, a practice board, decorating bags, spatulas, flower nails, an icing comb, and a variety of fondant tools including a roller, cut-out sets, impression mats, modeling tools, shaping foam, and a fondant smoother. It’s truly a cake decorator’s dream! Since 1917, Dixie Crystals has been renowned for its high-quality, pure cane sugar products, which are all-natural and non-GMO. Explore www.dixiecrystals.com for hundreds of recipes, festive ideas, and engaging baking videos for all ages.

Prize #3: Melissa’s Produce – Organic Family Produce Box! Fuel your healthy lifestyle with an Organic Family Produce Box from Melissa’s Produce! One winner will receive a box brimming with 100% organic fruits and vegetables, including kale, cucumbers, apples, pears, lemons, oranges, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, and much more. It’s the easiest and most delicious way to ensure you get your daily servings of fresh produce. Founded by Joe and Sharon Hernandez, Melissa’s Produce has grown from humble beginnings into a leading supplier of fresh, exotic, and organic produce. Visit https://www.melissas.com to discover the finest fruits, vegetables, gourmet gifts, and a wealth of tasty recipes.

Prize #4: Nancy’s Yogurt – Fabulous Tote Bag with Goodies! One winner will receive an amazing tote bag from Nancy’s Yogurt, packed with exciting items! This charming tote will include coupons for free Nancy’s Yogurt products, a super cute T-shirt, handy recipe cards, and useful Post-Its. It’s the perfect package to help you explore and enjoy everything Nancy’s Yogurt has to offer. Chuck and Sue Kesey established Springfield Creamery in Oregon in 1960. In 1969, Nancy Van Brasch Hamren joined, bringing her yogurt recipe that pioneered live probiotics in U.S. yogurt. Today, Nancy’s Yogurt distributes to all 50 states, offering over 100 cultured dairy and soy products. Learn more about their story, products, and unique production process at https://nancysyogurt.com/.

Prize #5: PEEPS – Gift Card to PEEPS® & Co.! Indulge your sweet tooth with a gift card to PEEPS® & Co., courtesy of PEEPS! The winner will have the freedom to choose from a delightful array of PEEPS® & Co. candy items, as well as an exciting selection of apparel and fun gifts like cozy throw blankets, comfy slippers, plush bunnies, and whimsical socks. The choice is entirely yours! Just Born, the company behind PEEPS® & Co., began in 1923 and settled in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in 1932. Their founder, Sam Born, famously declared his freshly made candies “just born.” Today, PEEPS® Brand Marshmallow Candies are celebrated for their unique combination of sweet colored sugar and fluffy marshmallows. Discover their full range of candy, gifts, and apparel at https://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/.

Prize #6: Barlean’s – Wellness Bundle! One winner will receive a fantastic wellness bundle from Barlean’s, including a bottle of Seriously Delicious Omega-3, Extra Strength Ideal CBD Hemp Oil, and a bag of Super Seeds. Seriously Delicious Omega-3 offers a tasty way to boost your Omega-3 intake without any fishy aftertaste. The Extra Strength Ideal CBD Hemp Oil, made from US-grown hemp, is natural, gluten-free, vegan, and promotes overall health and resilience. Super Seeds are a delightful addition to your breakfast or smoothies, packed with antioxidants and Omega-3s. Barlean’s is dedicated to producing premium natural supplements and functional foods, using their profits to support outreach programs globally. Visit www.barleans.com to explore their products, learn about their community initiatives, and find purchasing locations.

Prize #7: Adams Extract – Extract and Food Color Set! Enhance your baking with this incredible prize from Adams Extract! One winner will receive four of their renowned extracts—Pure Almond, Pure Vanilla, and Pure Lemon—along with a set of vibrant food colors. This prize also includes Adams Best Twice as Strong Vanilla, a baker’s secret for intensified flavor. John A. Adams, who began selling extracts in 1888, developed his famous vanilla formula in Beeville, TX, in 1905, leading to the birth of “Adams Best.” Today, Adams continues to be a trusted name in extracts and seasonings. To learn more about Adams Extract, shop their extensive product line, or discover delicious recipes, visit https://www.adamsextract.com/default.aspx.

Prize #8: Sprinkle Pop – Six Easter Sprinkle Mixes! Add a touch of magic to your spring baking with six fabulous sprinkle mixes from Sprinkle Pop’s Easter collection! One winner will receive delightful blends such as Hangin’ with my Peeps, Bewitched, Signature, Green Tea, Cottontail Confetti, and Egg Hunt. These fun and festive sprinkles are the perfect embellishment for any spring or Easter baked goods. Founded by Liz Butts in Texas, Sprinkle Pop quickly grew from a home-based operation to a dedicated warehouse, creating unique, vibrant, and luxurious sprinkle mixes. Over 50% of their sprinkles are custom-dyed in-house, ensuring one-of-a-kind designs. Explore their beautiful sprinkles, learn about their community contributions, and find fun recipes at https://sprinklepop.shop/.

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Thursday #SpringSweetsWeek Recipes to Explore:

  • Berry Chia Scones with Lemon Glaze by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
  • Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
  • Blueberry Lemon Coffee Cake by Our Good Life
  • Bunny Cards by The Freshman Cook
  • Chocolate Crepe Cake Roll by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
  • Chocolate Fruit Pizza by Creative Southern Home
  • Chocolate Panna Cotta by The Gingered Whisk
  • Cottontail Confetti Krispies by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
  • Creamy Lemon Cheesecake Parfaits by Cheese Curd In Paradise
  • Easter Chocolate Bark by Sweet Beginnings
  • Easter Fudge by Family Around the Table
  • Fruit & Yogurt Popsicles by Kate’s Recipe Box
  • Fun Spring Meringues by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
  • Funfetti White Chocolate Brownies by Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats
  • Lemon Cookie Bars by A Day in the Life on the Farm
  • Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfaits by The Tip Garden
  • Meyer Lemon Pudding Cake by House of Nash Eats
  • Panna Cotta with Berry Coulis by Cookaholic Wife
  • Spring Rolo Pretzel Bites by Blogghetti
  • Spring Sugar Cookie Cake by Books n’ Cooks
  • Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes by The Crumby Kitchen
  • Sugar Cookie Dough Frosting by Cooking With Carlee
  • Vegan Banana Split Cake by The Baking Fairy

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Birds Nest Easter Dirt Cups served in glasses, ready for a gathering

A special thank you to our #SpringSweetsWeek Sponsors: Dixie Crystals, Swiss Diamond, Nancy’s Yogurt, Barlean’s, Sprinkle Pop, PEEPS, Melissa’s Produce, and Adams Extracts for generously providing the prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also provided the bloggers with product samples to use for their #SpringSweetsWeek recipes. All opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. The #SpringSweetsWeek giveaway is exclusively open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries submitted by the winner will be thoroughly checked and verified to ensure fairness. By entering this giveaway, you grant permission for your name and likeness to be used. The ultimate odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Eight (8) winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be shipped directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. The #SpringSweetsWeek Bloggers, including myself, are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of these prize packages. Bloggers participating in this giveaway, along with their immediate family members residing in the same household, are not eligible to enter or win. No purchase is necessary to enter. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. Please note that this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media channel mentioned in the #SpringSweetsWeek posts or entry forms.