Easter Bunny Bait Recipe
Easter Bunny Bait is pure springtime magic: a colorful, irresistibly snackable mix of crispy cereal, crunchy pretzels, fluffy marshmallows, and pastel candies—all lovingly cloaked in sweet, silky white chocolate and confettied with cheerful sprinkles. It’s the ultimate treat for Easter celebrations, bursting with texture, gorgeous color, and playful whimsy. Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, setting out a festive snack bar, or just looking for something special to munch on after an egg hunt, this sweet and salty party mix never fails to bring smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cereal Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1½ cups pastel-colored M&M’s
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Coating and Toppings:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles
How to Make Easter Bunny Bait
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is essential because it prevents sticking and makes cleanup a total breeze. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re breaking the clusters apart and transferring the Easter Bunny Bait to your serving dish or storage container!
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a big mixing bowl, toss together the Rice Chex cereal, mini pretzel twists, pastel M&M’s, and mini marshmallows. Mix them gently to distribute everything evenly—this way, each cluster will be packed with all the good stuff, not just cereal!
Step 3: Melt the White Chocolate
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and add your white chocolate chips or melting wafers. Zap them in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. Melting in intervals prevents scorching and guarantees silky perfection.
Step 4: Coat and Toss
Immediately pour the melted white chocolate over the dry mixture. Use a spatula to gently but thoroughly stir, making sure every piece is nicely coated—aim for a glossy, even look. Work swiftly, as the chocolate will begin to set up quickly!
Step 5: Spread and Sprinkle
Spread the chocolate-coated mixture onto your prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Right away, shower the top with plenty of pastel sprinkles so they stick before the chocolate hardens. Not only does this add a burst of color, but it really gives the finished snack that trademark Easter Bunny Bait pizzazz!
Step 6: Cool, Break, and Enjoy
Let the whole tray sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set—about 20 minutes. Once it’s firm, break the mixture into chunky clusters. Now, all that’s left is to serve, share, and prepare for everyone to beg you for the recipe!
How to Serve Easter Bunny Bait
Garnishes
Pile your Easter Bunny Bait high in a big bowl or platter, then scatter on a little extra pastel sprinkles or a handful of candy-coated sunflower seeds just before serving. It’s practically impossible not to smile at all that colorful crunch!
Side Dishes
This mix pairs so well with other festive spring snacks—think fresh-cut fruit, pastel sugar cookies, deviled eggs, or even a platter of veggies and dip for a sweet-and-savory balance. For an Easter brunch, serve Bunny Bait alongside coffee, lemonade, or fruity punch for a perfectly complete treat tray.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Easter Bunny Bait into an adorable party favor by scooping clusters into clear treat bags and tying them with ribbon. Or, fill small mason jars or colorful paper cups for individual servings—perfect for gifting or tucking into Easter baskets. For a party, arrange the mix in a giant “bunny” shape on a platter for extra wow!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Bunny Bait in an airtight container at room temperature, and it will stay deliciously fresh for up to five days. Keep the container away from direct sunlight or heat sources so the white chocolate doesn’t melt.
Freezing
You can freeze Easter Bunny Bait if you like to prep ahead. Transfer cooled clusters to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to a month. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving so the chocolate softens just enough for that perfect bite.
Reheating
No reheating required! Easter Bunny Bait is designed to be crunchy and cool, so just enjoy straight from the container or after a quick thaw if you froze it. If it seems too firm, simply let it sit out at room temp for a few extra minutes before snacking.
FAQs
Can I use different cereals besides Rice Chex?
Absolutely. Corn Chex or even Cheerios work well and add a slightly different flavor and texture, but Rice Chex keeps the mix super light and crispy. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
I don’t have pastel-colored M&M’s—what can I substitute?
You can use regular M&M’s, candy-coated sunflower seeds, jelly beans, or any colorful candies you like. The key is to keep those happy pops of color that make Easter Bunny Bait so festive.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Rice Chex is gluten-free, but you’ll want to check the labels on your pretzels and candies. If you need the whole recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels and double-check your add-ins to be safe.
Can I make this with dairy-free chocolate?
Yes! There are plenty of non-dairy white chocolate chips and melting wafers available. Just be aware that melting textures might differ a bit, but your Bunny Bait will still taste fantastic.
How far in advance can I make Easter Bunny Bait?
You can whip it up several days ahead of your party or Easter morning since it’ll keep crunchy and delicious for up to five days when stored well. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat for stress-free entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser, you simply can’t go wrong with a big bowl of Easter Bunny Bait. It’s sweet, crisp, salty, and irresistibly snackable—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll want to return to every spring. Gather your favorite people, your favorite candies, and make some Bunny Bait memories this Easter!
Print
Easter Bunny Bait Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes (includes cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Bunny Bait is a delightful and colorful snack mix that combines the sweet flavors of white chocolate, marshmallows, pastel candies, and crunchy cereal. This no-bake treat is perfect for spring gatherings, Easter celebrations, or as a fun snack for kids.
Ingredients
Cereal Mix:
- 4 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
- 1½ cups pastel-colored M&M’s
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Coating and Toppings:
- 12 oz white chocolate chips or melting wafers
- ½ cup pastel sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare the Cereal Mix: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine Rice Chex cereal, pretzel twists, M&M’s, and mini marshmallows.
- Melt the White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal mixture and gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Toppings: Quickly spread the mixture out onto the prepared baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the pastel sprinkles over the top before the chocolate sets.
- Cool and Serve: Let the mixture cool completely at room temperature, then break into clusters and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- You can substitute popcorn or corn chips for the pretzels for a sweet-salty twist.
- Add pastel-colored candy-coated sunflower seeds or jelly beans for extra fun.
- Store at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 handful (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 2mg
