Easter Candy: Top Picks, Recipes, and Fun Ideas for All Ages

Easter candy always seems to matter alot to families and friends, it shows joy and celebration. We see it when spring arrives and all those chocolate bunnies and jelly beans appear. It dont just satisfy a sweet tooth, it also brings festive feeling and make memories with your family. People now create new twists on the old candies and its fun to try them.

The history of candy at Easter goes way back. It started with simple sugar eggs that symbolized new life. Later in the 19th century, chocolate became easier to get and so folks started makin’ chocolate eggs and bunnies. Over time candy makers got creative, adding different shapes, fillings, and colors so everyone can pick their favorite.

This article will take you through the best Easter candies ever made. You’ll see top picks, home recipes you can try, big brand names and whats hot right now. Whether you love old school sweets or wanna try somethin’ new, there’s something here for you.

Introduction to Easter Candy

Easter candy always seems to matter alot to families and friends, it shows joy and celebration. We see it when spring arrives and all those chocolate bunnies and jelly beans appear. It dont just satisfy a sweet tooth, it also brings festive feeling and make memories with your family. People now create new twists on the old candies and its fun to try them.

The history of candy at Easter goes way back. It started with simple sugar eggs that symbolized new life. Later in the 19th century, chocolate became easier to get and so folks started makin’ chocolate eggs and bunnies. Over time candy makers got creative, adding different shapes, fillings, and colors so everyone can pick their favorite.

This article will take you through the best Easter candies ever made. You’ll see top picks, home recipes you can try, big brand names and whats hot right now. Whether you love old school sweets or wanna try somethin’ new, there’s something here for you.

The Top Easter Candies of All Time

1. Chocolate Bunnies

The chocolate bunny is that classic Easter treat. It started in Europe in the 1800s and now you can find milk, dark or white chocolate versions. Lots of people love to unwrap and munch them, even if sometimes they break a ear or fall apart.

2. Easter Eggs

Chocolate Easter eggs represent rebirth and renewal. Some are hollow shells with bright patterns, others got cream or caramel inside. Different countries have their own egg traditions, so you might see lots of cool designs and flavors.

3. Marshmallow Peeps

Peeps are those squishy marshmallow shapes—chicks or bunnies—that first appeared in the 1950s. They’re coated in sugar and come in colors like yellow, pink, and blue. Some folks love their texture, others say theyre way too sweet.

4. Jelly Beans

Jelly beans are small, chewy candies with all kinds of flavors. Their bright colors make them perfect for Easter baskets. Kids hunt for them, parents sneak them, and everyone gets surprised by weird flavors like popcorn or buttered popcorn.

5. Cadbury Crème Eggs

Cadbury Crème Eggs are only around at Easter, and that makes them special. They have a thick chocolate shell and a gooey center that looks like a real egg yolk. Some say theyre too sweet, but we all keep buying them anyway.

Homemade Easter Candy Recipes

1. Chocolate-Covered Easter Eggs

These eggs are easy to make at home. They got a sweet filling and a chocolate coat that hardens nice and smooth.

Ingredients

• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter or coconut cream
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix sugar and peanut butter until a dough forms.
2. Shape into little eggs and put them on parchment paper.
3. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Microwave chocolate chips and coconut oil until melted.
5. Dip eggs in melted chocolate, then set back on paper.
6. Chill until chocolate hardens, then enjoy.

Advice

• Try different fillings like coconut or jelly.
• Let the chocolate cool a bit before dipping so it sticks better.

2. Homemade Marshmallow Peeps

Making Peeps at home is fun and you can pick any color or flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 packet unflavored gelatin
• ⅓ cup cold water
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Extra sugar for coating

Directions

1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl.
2. In a pan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and salt, then heat til it’s thick.
3. Pour hot mix into gelatin and beat until fluffy.
4. Add food coloring to get your favorite Peep shades.
5. Pipe shapes on a tray and let them set.
6. Sprinkle with sugar so they dont stick.

Advice

• Use extracts like vanilla or strawberry for extra flavor.
• Experiment with shapes—stars or hearts are cool too.

Popular Brands of Easter Candy

1. Lindt

Lindt makes fancy chocolate bunnies and eggs. Their stuff is kinda pricey but really smooth and rich.

2. Russell Stover

Russell Stover has all kinds of chocolate goodies, from eggs to assorted boxes. They’re sold everywhere and always on sale after Easter.

3. Jelly Belly

Jelly Belly is famous for jelly beans. They got tons of flavors and special Easter packs that look great in baskets.

4. Reese's

Reese’s eggs are peanut butter cups shaped like eggs. Theyre super popular with anyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate.

Easter Candy Trends in 2023

This year, people want gourmet and artisanal candies with weird flavors like lavender or chili. Eco-friendly packaging is also a big deal, so some brands use recycled wrappers or no plastic at all.

Fun Ways to Use Easter Candy

1. Decorating Easter Baskets

Fill baskets with a mix of candy and small toys. Bright colors make any basket look awesome.

2. Easter Egg Hunts

Hide candy-filled eggs all over the yard or house. Use different candies in different spots so kids get a surprise at each one.

3. Baking with Easter Candy

Stir jelly beans or chopped eggs into cookie dough or sprinkle on cupcakes. It looks festive and tastes great.

Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Easter Candy

If you wanna skip the sugar rush, look for organic or sugar-free treats. Some brands now use natural sweeteners and real fruit flavors so you dont feel so guilty.

FAQs About Easter Candy

1. What is the most popular Easter candy?

Chocolate bunnies, marshmallow Peeps, and jelly beans usually top the list.

2. How can I properly store Easter candy?

Keep candy in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. If it’s warm, put chocolate in the fridge so it wont melt.

3. Are there any vegan Easter candy options?

Yes, tons of gummy candies and some chocolate brands use non-dairy milk.

4. When does Easter candy go on sale?

Right after Easter, stores put candy on sale—sometimes 50–75% off—so it’s a good time to stock up.

5. What are some unique homemade Easter candy ideas?

Try coconut macaroons shaped like eggs or make fruit gummies in fun molds. You can even add edible glitter for sparkle.

Conclusion

Easter candy brings a lot of fun from classic chocolates to new recipes. Making treats with family or friends can become a new tradition. So grab some ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the sweet side of Easter!

easter candy

This Easter Candy recipe creates delicious chocolate-covered treats that are perfect for celebrating the holiday. With a combination of creamy peanut butter, crispy rice cereal, and a rich chocolate coating, these candies are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 parchment paper
• 1 microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 1 ½ cups milk chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

 

• In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter and crispy rice cereal. Stir until the cereal is fully coated with the peanut butter.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, form the peanut butter mixture into small, bite-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the peanut butter balls to firm up.
• While the balls are chilling, melt the milk chocolate chips and unsalted butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
• Once the peanut butter balls are firm, remove them from the refrigerator. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Place the chocolate-covered balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Once all the candy is coated, return the tray to the refrigerator to set the chocolate for about 15-20 minutes.
• Serve the Easter candy once the chocolate has hardened, and store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Notes

You can add sprinkles or crushed candy on top of the chocolate for a festive touch.

For a different flavor, try using dark chocolate or white chocolate instead.

Adjust the size of the balls based on your preference for smaller or larger bites.