How to Make an Edible Easter Basket

If you're looking for an inexpensive and tasty way to package those chocolate bunnies this year, consider making your own edible Easter basket. With a few grocery items and some creative flair, you'll have a gift that makes springtime fun and delicious. Since these baskets are simple to make, they are also a fun Easter project to do with children of all ages.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Waffle ice cream bowls
• Package of thick licorice strands
• Tub of frosting
• Jelly beans
• Grated coconut
• Green food coloring
• Chocolate eggs or bunny
• Cellophane (clear or colored)
• Clear wrapping tape
• Curling ribbon

1. Purchase waffle bowls made for ice cream sundaes to serve as the base of your edible basket.

2. Create the handle for your basket by fastening one strand of licorice to either side of your waffle bowl with a large dollop of frosting. Hold the licorice in place for about a minute, then allow the frosting to dry until set (15 to 30 minutes).

3. Mix several drops of food coloring into a bowl of 3/4 cup grated coconut. Stir the coconut until the food coloring disperses and turns the coconut light green. This will be the grass for your Easter basket.

4. Decorate the outside of your waffle bowl with jelly beans, using a dab of frosting to make them stick. Allow jelly bean decorations to set before filling basket.

5. Sprinkle green coconut into the bottom of your edible basket, and nestle a chocolate bunny or chocolate Easter eggs into the coconut grass.

6. Cut a large piece of cellophane and place your basket in the center. Draw the cellophane corners together above the basket handle, and secure with a piece of clear wrapping tape. The excess cellophane provides a decorative fringe above the basket.

7. Tie a piece of curling ribbon around the tape, creating a bow. Curl the ends of the ribbon using a scissor blade or butter knife to create a frilly finish to your edible Easter gift.

Tips & Warnings

• Use store-purchased frosting rather than making your own, as it adheres better and hardens faster.
• Make your own Easter candy or treats to place in the basket for a truly homemade gift.
• For a different look, try wrapping the basket in an organza bag or piece of Easter fabric tied with a ribbon.
• Even when the frosting sets, your basket will be fragile. Use care when wrapping it in cellophane and while delivering it.
• Do not try to pick the basket up by the handle, as the frosting may crack. The handle is merely decorative.