Name: Bunny Bait Easter Chex Mix
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3½ cups Rice Chex cereal; 3½ cups Honey Nut Cheerios; 1½ cups pretzel sticks; ½ cup salted peanuts; 16 ounces vanilla almond bark (or white chocolate chips); 10-ounce bag Easter M&Ms; ½ cup butterscotch chips

Easter is all about pastel colors, springtime cheer, and of course, delicious treats. One of the easiest and most festive snacks you can make for the holiday is Bunny Bait—a delightful, sweet-and-salty Chex Mix that comes together in minutes and requires no baking. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, filling Easter baskets, or just looking for a fun snack to munch on, this recipe is a must-try.

What makes this mix so special is its combination of textures and flavors. You get the crispy crunch of Rice Chex and Cheerios, the satisfying saltiness of pretzels and peanuts, and the melt-in-your-mouth sweetness of white chocolate. To make it even more festive, pastel-colored Easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips are added, making every handful a perfect blend of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy goodness.

This treat is also highly customizable. You can swap ingredients based on what you have on hand or adjust it for different dietary needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe to make with kids—they’ll love mixing everything together and, of course, sneaking a taste before it even sets.

So, if you’re looking for an effortless yet crowd-pleasing Easter snack, this Bunny Bait is the answer. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings, gifting in cute bags, or just keeping on the counter for anyone who wants a quick and tasty bite. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Easter Chex Mix. First and foremost, it’s ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need an oven, a stovetop, or any fancy equipment—just a microwave or a double boiler to melt the chocolate and a big mixing bowl to toss everything together.

Another reason this recipe is a winner is the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of salty pretzels and peanuts with the sweet white chocolate and butterscotch chips creates an irresistible contrast that keeps you coming back for more. The cereal adds a light, crispy texture, while the M&Ms bring a pop of chocolatey richness. Every bite is packed with variety, so you never get bored.

This snack is also great for entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a large Easter gathering or just having a cozy family movie night, a bowl of Bunny Bait will disappear in no time. It’s a fantastic addition to dessert tables, and it also makes for adorable party favors when packed in little bags with ribbons.

Additionally, this mix is highly adaptable. You can swap in different cereals, add extra candies, or even adjust the mix-ins to match different holidays. Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day—you name it, and Bunny Bait can be customized for the occasion.

Lastly, it’s a great make-ahead treat. You can prepare a big batch in advance and store it for later, so you’re always ready with a quick snack when guests drop by.

Health Benefits

While Bunny Bait is definitely a treat, it does have some ingredients that offer nutritional benefits. Rice Chex and Cheerios, for example, provide whole grains and fiber, which are great for digestion. Whole grains also help keep you full longer and provide steady energy rather than a quick sugar rush.

Peanuts are another nutritious addition. They are packed with protein and healthy fats, which help balance out the sweetness of the chocolate and M&Ms. These healthy fats are great for heart health and can help keep hunger at bay. If you want to increase the protein content even more, you could substitute almonds, cashews, or walnuts for the peanuts.

Pretzels add a satisfying crunch and a bit of salt, which can help replenish sodium levels after exercise. They also contribute some carbohydrates, which provide energy. If you want a slightly healthier option, whole wheat pretzels or unsalted varieties can be used.

White chocolate, while definitely on the indulgent side, contains calcium from milk solids. But if you want to make a slightly healthier version of Bunny Bait, you could swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate, which has antioxidants and less sugar.

Since this snack is sweet, portion control is key. A small handful can be a great way to satisfy a craving without going overboard. And because it includes a mix of proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, it’s a better choice than some other sugary Easter treats.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. You only need about 15 minutes to prepare it, and then you just let it set until the chocolate hardens.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Setting Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12 people (varies depending on portion size)
Calories per Serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (varies based on ingredients)
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fats: 10g

Ingredients List

3½ cups Rice Chex cereal – Light and crispy, this adds a satisfying crunch.
3½ cups Honey Nut Cheerios – Slightly sweet and crunchy, it balances the saltiness of the pretzels.
1½ cups pretzel sticks – Adds a salty contrast to the sweet chocolate coating.
½ cup salted peanuts – Brings protein, healthy fats, and a great crunch.
16 ounces vanilla almond bark or white chocolate chips – The creamy coating that holds everything together.
10-ounce bag Easter M&Ms – Adds festive color and a chocolatey bite.
½ cup butterscotch chips – Brings a warm, caramel-like flavor to the mix.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the mixture from sticking as it sets.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  - Rice Chex
  - Cheerios
  - Pretzel sticks
  - Peanuts
- Gently toss everything together until well distributed.
Melt the White Chocolate
- Chop the vanilla almond bark into smaller chunks for even melting.
- Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
Combine Everything
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredients.
- Using a rubber spatula, gently stir until everything is well coated.
Add the Finishing Touches
- Gently fold in the Easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips to avoid breaking them.
Let It Set
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes until fully hardened.
Break It Up and Serve
- Once set, break the mix into smaller, bite-sized clusters.
- Transfer to a large serving bowl or store in an airtight container.

How to Serve

In Easter Baskets – Package small portions in clear bags tied with ribbons.
For Parties – Serve in large bowls so guests can grab handfuls.
As a Movie Snack – Perfect for munching while watching a family film.
On a Dessert Board – Add to a tray with other Easter treats like chocolate eggs and sugar cookies.

Pairing Suggestions

Drinks: Serve with hot chocolate, vanilla milkshakes, or fruit smoothies.
Other Snacks: Pairs well with popcorn, fresh fruit, or yogurt-covered pretzels.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
Freezer: Keep in a sealed bag for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Bunny Bait is one of the easiest Easter treats to make, a few common mistakes can impact the texture, flavor, or overall appearance. Avoiding these pitfalls will ensure that your mix turns out perfect every time.

One of the biggest mistakes is not melting the chocolate properly. White chocolate and almond bark can easily overheat and become grainy or seize up if melted too quickly. The best way to prevent this is by microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each one. If using a stovetop, use a double boiler to gently melt the chocolate without burning it.

Another issue is adding the M&Ms and butterscotch chips too soon. If your melted chocolate is still hot when you mix everything together, the candies can start to melt, leaving streaks of color and changing the texture. Always wait a minute or two before adding them, allowing the chocolate to cool slightly.

Using too much chocolate is another common mistake. While it might seem like more chocolate will make the mix extra delicious, an excessive amount can lead to clumping and a heavy, sticky texture. Make sure to use just enough to coat the dry ingredients evenly without creating pools of excess chocolate.

Finally, improper storage can make Bunny Bait lose its crunch. If left uncovered or stored in a humid environment, the pretzels and cereal can become stale. Always store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Pro Tips

Making Bunny Bait is already simple, but a few expert tips can take it to the next level, making it even more delicious and visually appealing.

For the best crunch, use fresh cereal and pretzels. Stale ingredients can make the mix feel chewy instead of crisp. If you’re unsure about freshness, taste a small piece before mixing everything together.

When melting the white chocolate, add a teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother texture. This helps prevent clumping and makes it easier to coat the dry ingredients evenly. If you don’t have coconut oil, a small amount of vegetable shortening can work as well.

For even chocolate distribution, use a large mixing bowl so you have plenty of room to toss the ingredients. Pour the melted chocolate in small batches, stirring as you go. This ensures that every piece is coated without overwhelming the mix.

If you want to make this treat extra festive, add holiday-themed sprinkles just before the chocolate sets. This works well for Easter but can also be customized for other holidays—red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pink and red for Valentine’s Day, or orange and black for Halloween.

To keep things extra crunchy and fresh, store Bunny Bait in a sealed container with a paper towel inside. The paper towel will absorb any excess moisture, preventing the pretzels and cereal from becoming soft over time.

If you want to reduce the sweetness, you can balance the flavors by using dark chocolate chips instead of butterscotch chips or swapping the vanilla almond bark for white chocolate with a slightly lower sugar content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of cereal in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Rice Chex and Cheerios are traditional choices, you can substitute them with Corn Chex, Wheat Chex, Kix, or even Lucky Charms for a fun twist. Just be sure to choose cereals that hold up well when mixed with melted chocolate.

What if I don’t have almond bark? Can I use white chocolate chips?
Yes, you can use white chocolate chips instead of almond bark. However, white chocolate chips tend to melt thicker and may need a little coconut oil or shortening to help them achieve a smooth consistency.

How long does Bunny Bait last?
Bunny Bait stays fresh for up to one week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Can I make Bunny Bait ahead of time?
Yes! Since this mix keeps well, you can make it a few days in advance before a party or holiday gathering. Just store it in an airtight container to maintain its crunch.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Definitely! If you or someone in your family has a nut allergy, you can omit the peanuts and replace them with additional pretzels, popcorn, or even sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

What’s the best way to package Bunny Bait for gifts?
For gifting, place portions of Bunny Bait into clear cellophane bags and tie them with festive ribbons. You can also use small mason jars or decorative tins to make the presentation extra special.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Bunny Bait Easter Chex Mix is one of the easiest, most festive snacks you can make for the holiday season. With its irresistible combination of crunchy cereal, salty pretzels, creamy white chocolate, and bursts of colorful M&Ms, it’s a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The best part is that it requires no baking, making it the perfect last-minute snack for Easter gatherings, school parties, or simple at-home celebrations.

This recipe is also highly customizable. You can swap ingredients to fit different dietary needs, add your favorite mix-ins, or adjust the colors to match any holiday theme. Whether you prefer extra sweet, extra salty, or a balance of both, Bunny Bait can be tailored exactly to your taste.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and troubleshooting advice, it’s time to try making Bunny Bait yourself! Gather your ingredients, melt that chocolate, and create a batch of this delicious Easter treat. Once you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out!

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family or post a picture on social media. Tag me so I can see your creations—I love seeing how everyone puts their own unique spin on this classic snack! If you have any questions, drop them in the comments, and I’ll be happy to help. Happy Easter and happy snacking!