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Chocolate Easter Egg Nest Cake

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  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert, Holiday
  • Method: Baking, No-Bake (Nest)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Chocolate Easter Egg Nest Cake features a rich, moist chocolate cake topped with a decadent ganache and a stunning chocolate nest filled with colorful mini Easter eggs. Perfect for Easter celebrations, this festive cake combines indulgent chocolate flavor with an impressive visual presentation.


Ingredients

For the Cake:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup cocoa powder

2 cups sugar

1½ tsp baking soda

1½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

1 cup buttermilk

½ cup oil

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup hot coffee (or water)

  • For the Ganache:
  • 8 oz dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp butter

  • For the Nest:
  • 4 oz dark chocolate

  • Mini Easter eggs for filling


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake:

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch cake pan.

    • In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

    • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

    • Stir in the hot coffee (or water), mixing until smooth.

    • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

    • Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.

  2. Make the Ganache:

    • Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).

    • Pour the hot cream over the chopped dark chocolate and stir until fully melted and smooth.

    • Stir in the butter for a glossy finish. Set aside to cool slightly.

  3. Assemble the Cake:

    • Once the cake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

    • Allow the ganache to set for about 10–15 minutes.

  4. Create the Nest:

    • Melt the dark chocolate for the nest.

    • Using a piping bag or a spoon, pipe overlapping lines of chocolate onto a piece of parchment paper to form a nest shape.

    • Chill the nest in the refrigerator until firm (about 20–30 minutes).

  5. Finish the Cake:

    • Once the chocolate nest has hardened, gently lift it off the parchment paper and place it on top of the ganached cake.

    • Fill the nest with mini Easter eggs. Optionally, dust with cocoa powder or decorate with extra chocolate decorations.


Notes

Milk Chocolate Option: For a sweeter taste, use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the ganache and nest.

Decorative Touches: You can also decorate the cake with edible flowers, chocolate truffles, or sprinkles for a festive look.

Make Ahead: The cake can be made a day in advance, and the ganache and nest can be prepared before serving.