Help out the Easter bunny this year and fill your baskets with homemade sweets and candies. Find recipes for chocolate-covered eggs, coconut nests, marshmallow treats, jelly bean bark and much more!
40 Homemade Easter Candy Recipes That Beat What the Bunny Brings
Updated on Sep. 17, 2024
Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
Get the kids involved in making these chocolate and peanut buttery easter treats, well worth the sticky fingers! —Mary Joyce Johnson, Upper Darby, Pennsylvania
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2/40
Coconut Egg Nests
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for an Easter activity that kids will enjoy assembling and eating? Try these sweet birds nest cookies. They’re a snap to make and call for just a few ingredients. —Tonya Hamrick, Wallace, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 127 calories, 7g fat (6g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
3/40
Marshmallow Easter Eggs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve been making these wonderful marshmallow Easter eggs for years. These candies are a big hit with marshmallow lovers. —Betty Claycomb, Alverton, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 147 calories, 4g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
4/40
Peanut Butter Fudge with Marshmallow Creme
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pounds (64 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister shared the recipe for this unbelievably easy peanut butter fudge with marshmallow cream. I prefer using creamy peanut butter for this mouthwatering dessert, but the chunky style works just as well. —Mary Jane Rummel, Linglestown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 67 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/40
Homemade Chocolate Easter Eggs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
I roll out these chocolate Easter eggs when the weather gets warm. The recipe is over 35 years old; my high school economics teacher had us make it as a class project. Sometimes I substitute butterscotch or vanilla pudding for the chocolate. —Julie Warren, Conyers, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 egg: 513 calories, 29g fat (12g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 199mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
To balance out all the sweets, make sure to have plenty of appetizers, entrees, seasonal sides and other Easter recipes at the ready.
6/40
Bunny Tails
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My granddaughters and I came up with this clever and easy idea for Easter. —Kelly Ciepluch, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 29 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
7/40
Bird’s Nest Treats
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this birds nest recipe in the spring when the birds are starting to build their own nests. They are so easy to make and disappear fast. —Pam Painter, Poseyville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 296 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 149mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
8/40
Chocolate Angel Food Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
about 11/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Also called fairy food or sponge candy, this candy is crunchy, honeycombed, chocolate-covered and irresistible. You might want to hide it until Christmas! —Geralyn Emmerich, Hubertus, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
2 ounces: 413 calories, 14g fat (12g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 76g carbohydrate (57g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
9/40
Marshmallow Puffs
Total Time
10 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
With peanut butter, chocolate and marshmallows, these treats were very popular with our three kids as they were growing up—and now I make them for our two grandchildren. They're perfect for the holidays when time is so precious. —Dody Cagenello, Simsbury, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 83 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 28mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
10/40
Black Cherry Swirl Fudge
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 3 pounds (117 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
This colorful treat is sure to satisfy the sweetest tooth in any family! It's always been a favorite with my nine kids, eight grandkids and my Bible study group. I vary the soft-drink flavors to get colors that match other holidays during the year. —Pauletta Bushnell, Lebanon, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 55 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 14mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
11/40
Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Balls
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I make more than 40 different types of treats during the holidays for friends and family. These crispy peanut butter balls with crispy rice cereal are one of my favorite candies to give away as gifts.—Liz David, St. Catharines, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 133 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 54mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
12/40
Bird Nests
Total Time
40 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a fun, kid-friendly recipe I pulled together a few years ago. My kids love helping me make these. —Jessica Boivin, Nekoosa, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 nest: 276 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
13/40
Coconut Joys
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like coconut, you’ll love these no-bake, no-fuss sweets. They are cute as can be and make a satisfying after-school snack to keep in the fridge. —Flo Burtnett, North Gage, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 101 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 38mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
14/40
Candy Bar Fudge
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2-3/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
My manager at work, who knows I like to try new treat recipes, shared this one with me. I've made this chewy and chocolaty fudge many times since. Packed with nuts and caramel, it's like a candy bar. Everyone who's tried it loves it. —Lois Freeman, Oxford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 101 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
15/40
Easter Bunny Treats
Total Time
15 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Our whole family has fun making these bunny-riffic treats together. They are just so cute! —Holly Jost, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 treat: 128 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
16/40
Salted Peanut Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 5 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
A Christmas gift of homemade candy is always a hit with sweet tooths. I dip these peanut rolls in chocolate, but they’re yummy plain, too. —Elizabeth Hokanson, Arborg, Manitoba. Check out these resurrection rolls that will surprise and delight kids of all ages.
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 154 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 48mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
17/40
Sprinkle Fudge
Total Time
10 min
Servings
64 pieces
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent treat is the perfect sweet to make your birthday special. Or prepare it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 59 calories, 2g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
18/40
Chocolate Butterscotch Haystacks
Total Time
25 min
Servings
3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother used to make this haystacks recipe to give to my cousin Vonnie and me when our parents didn't want us to have any more sweets. —Christine Schwester, Divide, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 haystack: 160 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
19/40
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 pounds (81 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator:
Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 85 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
20/40
Trail Mix Clusters
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious snacks make wonderful gifts, and although they look and taste like they came from an expensive chocolate shop, they couldn’t be more guilt-free. The dried fruit and nuts are heart-healthy and full of fiber. Bet you can’t eat just one! —Alina Niemi, Honolulu, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 79 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 26mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
21/40
Pretzel Strawberry Bark
Total Time
10 min
Servings
about 1 pound
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my candy version of the classic strawberry pretzel dessert. It uses ruby chocolate, which is fairly new on the market. If you can't find it, you can substitute white chocolate in its place. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 161 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 126mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
22/40
Coconut Almond Candy
Total Time
45 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The secret ingredient in this homemade candy is a true surprise—no one tasting these delicious morsels will guess what’s in the sweet, creamy filling! —Katrina Smith, Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 candy: 167 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 61mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
23/40
Nut Butter Cups
Total Time
20 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My indulgent, nutty treat is simple to make and looks fabulous. At our house, we use all-natural ingredients for them. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 date nut bite: 293 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein.
24/40
Rainbow Strawberries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dip fresh strawberries in melted candy-coated discs to create a rainbow of color. Or get adventurous and make a unicorn. The creative possibilities are endless. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
25/40
Crunchy Candy Clusters
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
about 6-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These cereal and marshmallow clusters are so simple that I make them for the holidays each year, as my family looks forward to them. —Faye O'Bryan, Owensboro, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 112 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
26/40
Peeps House
From the Recipe Creator:
Create a sweet house for your favorite Easter basket treat. Use pastel candies to decorate the roof and nest. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
27/40
Coconut Creme Chocolates
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a proud wife, mom of three and grandma of many. I've cooked many things over the years, including these marshmallowy chocolates. —Dolores Wilder, Texas City, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
28/40
Lemon Bark
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1-3/4 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
I wasn't a fan of white chocolate until I made this candy. It's tangy, sweet and creamy all at the same time. The bark was a lovely treat during a springtime shower but would be nice year-round. —Diana Wing, Bountiful, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 122 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 20mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
29/40
Chocolate-Covered Pretzels
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 pretzels
From the Recipe Creator:
These chocolate-covered pretzels came from my grandma, who loves to make candy and treats for my students. I have followed in her footsteps and make these for people at work and for other family members. —Aimee Worth, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 pretzel: 207 calories, 10g fat (9g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
30/40
White Chocolate Easter Egg Candies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2 dozen (1-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
Candy making can be easy! Have kids help roll the candies in sprinkles, colored sugar or jimmies. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 76 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
31/40
Peanut Clusters
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There are a few recipes I absolutely have to pull out every Christmas, and this is one of them. The chocolate covered peanuts are so tasty.
32/40
Jelly Bean Bark
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
Homemade Easter candy really doesn't get easier than this. It's so simple—all you need are three ingredients, a microwave and a pan! It makes a perfect gift. —Mavis Dement, Marcus, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 ounce: 154 calories, 5g fat (5g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
33/40
Caramel Candy
Total Time
40 min
Servings
64 pieces (2-1/2 pounds)
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this caramel recipe in a local newspaper years ago and have made these soft buttery caramels ever since. I make them for Christmas, picnics and charity auctions. They are so much better than store-bought caramels. Once people have a taste, they ask for the recipe. —Marcie Wolfe, Williamsburg, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 72 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 45mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
34/40
Orange Gumdrops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
about 6 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I get nothing but rave reviews when I make these gumdrops and usually have to prepare three batches. The refreshing orange flavor is a nice change from the usual chocolate holiday candies. —Becky Burch, Marceline, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 gumdrop: 30 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 16mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
35/40
Chocolate-Covered Eggs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These pretty little candies beat any store-bought variety hands down! Decorating them can take as little or as much effort as you like. The looks of delight on the faces of those who try them make every minute worth it. —Louise Oberfoell, Bowman, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 180 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 22mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
36/40
Turtle Dove Nests
Total Time
30 min
Servings
15 nests
From the Recipe Creator:
Inspired by the traditional carol "The Twelve Days of Christmas," our Test Kitchen staff created these cute chocolate nests. With jelly bean eggs, they would make fun treats for Easter, too. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 nest: 217 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
37/40
Pinwheel Mints
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Both my grandmother and my mom used to make these eye-catching confections as a replacement for ordinary mints. When I offer them at parties, guests tell me the candies are wonderful, and then ask how I created the pretty swirl pattern. —Marilou Roth, Milford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 90 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 15mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
38/40
Marshmallow Pops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Making these pops is a fun activity for a children's party because any age can participate. Customize them for holidays or special occasions by rolling them in coordinating colored sprinkles. —Marcia Porch, Winter Park, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 136 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
39/40
Magic Wands
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
These fun and colorful wands don’t need to be made by a magician to be magical. You can change the colors to fit any party theme. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 wand: 103 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 164mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
40/40
Marbled Orange Fudge
Total Time
30 min
Servings
about 2-1/2 pounds
From the Recipe Creator:
This decadent treat doesn't last long at our house. The Creamsicle flavor of this soft fudge brings on the smiles. Bright orange and marshmallow swirls make it a perfect takealong for events and get-togethers. —Diane Wampler, Morristown, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
about 1 ounce: 109 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 12mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
