Every year, I used to Google “fast Easter dessert recipes” to try and find the most fabulous showstopper to make or take to wherever our family was going. I’ve stopped looking. Last year, I found my answer and I’m sticking to it Forever and Ever Amen. Fast. Easy. Finito. And to think I fooled everyone when I actually cheated my way through it. (I’m a big fan of cheating a fabulous dessert… I do it as often as I can.)
How do you fancy this springtime bird’s nest cake for your family feast table?
If I may be bossy: DO THIS. Last year, I made this dessert the day before – stored it in the fridge – and all ended up pretty and yummy and happy on Easter day. I was WAAAAAAAY too excited about it. Almost shamefully excited about it. Now I want YOU to be shamefully excited about it too.
Here’s what you need to grab from the grocery store: 1 package of sweetened flaked coconut, 1 frozen plain cheesecake, 1 quart of heavy whipping cream (plus a dash vanilla and sugar to taste), 1 bag pastel chocolate egg candies, 2-3 packages of berries of any kind.
Put frozen cheesecake in fridge to thaw according to package instructions (2 days before, usually). Toast entire package of flaked coconut by spreading out evenly on an un-greased cookie sheet in a 250 degree oven, it usually takes 5-7 minutes (make sure you WATCH it…. coconut has a reputation of burning the second you take your eyes off it it).
Whip all of whipping cream in carton according to package instructions… dash in vanilla extract and sugar to taste. Spread whipped cream on top of thawed cheesecake. Sprinkle (or, if you’re like me, PILE) toasted coconut in a circle shape on top of whipped cream to make a “nest.” Place a handful of pastel chocolate candy eggs in “nest” and then garnish with as many or as few berries as you like.
DONE. FABULOUS. FUN. In about 10 minutes. Place in full view in the middle of colorful flowers and bunnies for when your Easter guests arrive. Ooh! Ahh! My my my! You outdid yourself! (It was nothing, you’ll say, and gleefully giggle inside about how you pulled a fast one over everybody’s eyes…)
[…] sit on the floor and chomp on Jelly Bellys all day with your daughters. Or dish up experiences on how to build a bird’s nest cake so that your family can think you’re more fabulous than the Easter Bunny. (How’s that […]