Gram’s Buttercream Easter Eggs

You GUYS.

You’re going to either love me or hate me after you try this recipe I’m about to share.

It’s just THAT delicious, and you *might* just find yourself eating an absurd amount and you *might* fall into a sugar induced coma…then go back for more.

For realz.

So today I posted this pic on Instagram…

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The kids and I made my Gram’s famous buttercream Easter eggs today, and I posted a pic of the girls finishing up the chocolate stage (their favorite part, obvi).

I received lots of comments, from friends and family members remembering these amazing treats, along with some requests for the recipe. I emailed my aunt to ask her opinion – didn’t know if it would offend any family members if I shared this or not! In my awesome-aunt fashion, she said to OF COURSE share it! Her exact words were, “Everyone should have the pleasure in life of eating one of those eggs!”

So with her blessing, I thought I would share my Gram’s beloved eggs with YOU.

You’re welcome, and my apologies…;)

One of the things I love most about pulling this recipe out every Easter is THIS:

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There’s just something about handwritten recipe cards, am I right? This one is dated 1984. I was FIVE. It’s even more special when that loved one is no longer with you. When you see their handwriting staring back at you…there’s just a comfort there, and suddenly you can almost feel their amazing, warm, squishy hugs. (No one ever has nor ever will hug like my Gram. SERIOUSLY. Ask any one of her grandkids, they will say the same).

Some of you know the story, but if you don’t…we live in what was once my grandparents’ house. The only owners have been them and us. So every time I bake one of Gram’s recipes, I always think about the connection…I’m in Gram’s kitchen, looking at Gram’s recipe…it’s surreal. And incredibly awesome. We have been so happy here, and I know she’s just beaming watching her great grandkids grow up in this home, enjoying her food. She was quite the baker. Weddings, parties, each and every birthday – Gram was the one who brought the dessert. And certain recipes, like this one, really take me back to being a kid, coming to her house at Easter to visit…and now that house is mine and I’m making these eggs with my kids. Surreal, I tell you.

Now, I didn’t take any photos, because I honestly hadn’t planned on turning this recipe into a post until one of my friends’ suggested it. I apologize. But it’s very easy, you just have to mix in a bowl:

  • lb 10x (Confectioner’s) sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Tablespoon evaporated milk (although I forgot to pick some up, so I substituted heavy whipping cream I had in the fridge and worked perfectly – you could probably use half and half or light cream too)
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2  teaspoons water
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup

Lay some wax paper on a plate or small cookie sheet.

Make egg shapes out of the mixture – you can make them any size you want. Gram always made them large, but I usually make them smaller. (Maybe it’s so when I devour an entire egg I don’t feel QUITE as guilty;). Totally up to you.

If you want, you can add coconut (about a cup or so), or chopped nuts, whatever your heart desires. We love coconut in this house, so I added it to half the mixture, and left half just the delicious buttercream.

Place the eggs on the wax papered plate, stick in the fridge for a few minutes while you get the chocolate ready.

I use a large microwaveable container and empty a bag of my favorite chocolate morsels. For this, I usually use Nestle Dark Chocolate morsels. I nuke it at 30 second intervals, stirring after each round, until it’s all melted.

Take the eggs from the fridge, and roll each one in the melted chocolate, using a spoon (or two). Place it back on the wax paper when you’re done. This part is messy, just embrace it;). Repeat for each egg, and pop the plate back in the fridge for them to harden. Doesn’t take too long, maybe half hour to an hour?

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Dig in, and try not to eat every last one.

I double dog dare you. 😉

Happy Easter, friends!

 

Comments

  1. Kim Worden says:

    They look so yummy, can’t wait to try them! So glad you saved Gram’s hand written recipe and so glad you treasure it! Easter blessings to you & yours!

  2. Chris Boyle says:

    Liz, you are amazing! This is so nice! Of course I was crying! And Grace agreed with your description of Gram’s hugs! I miss those hugs! Thank you for carrying on the traditions so beautifully! Happy Easter !

  3. Beautiful story and great treat. Going to try these in the next day or so…they look yummy! thanks for sharing. LOVE your stories…. 🙂

  4. What is Pet milk? I’ve never heard of it!

  5. Lauralynn Hollister says:

    Recipes are meant to be shared. I cherish every hand written one I have, I have gone digital but I scanned them and made a family memory cookbook filled with pictures and comments about different events so each and everyone has that special hand written memory. Our handwriting is so personal as our own face. I have had family friends request copies too because our table always had friends included. May your family be blessed, thank you for sharing.

  6. Does the mixture need to be refrigerated for a period of time to solidify? Mine isn’t thick enough to form into a shape or dip into chocolate…

  7. Rose Emerick says:

    These are amazing, dangerously amazing, especially since I keep most of these ingredients in my house at all times. Thanks for sharing!

  8. Another Jen says:

    I’m thinking there is no end to the uses for this recipe. Spread it out flat and then cut into hearts for valentines day, trees or ornaments for Christmas, or flowers or butterflies for any old time! Of course, there’s also cars for the little buddy’s birthday, bugs for summertime…

    • Yes! We actually did make heart shapes last year and handed them to the kids’ teachers as a Valentine’s Day treat! Endless yummy possibilities…;)

  9. My gram used to make these and a Peanut butter version too! Delish!

  10. Shannon hansen says:

    How much powdered sugar does it call for? 1 pound? I can’t quite tell. Thanks!

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