Bunny Bait is a fun and colorful snack mix that’s perfect for Easter! It combines sweet treats like chocolate, marshmallows, and crunchy cereal to make a tasty surprise.
I love making Bunny Bait with my kids—they love picking their favorite candies. It’s a quick snack to whip up, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chex Cereal: Rice or corn Chex works great for this snack mix. You can also use other cereals like Crispix or even Cheerios if you’re looking for a change.
Pretzel Twists: The crunchiness is essential! If you don’t have pretzel twists, you can substitute with mini pretzels or even bagel chips for a satisfying crunch.
Mini Marshmallows: These add a chewy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using dried fruit like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.
Pastel-colored M&M’s: These give a festive look. Any candy-coated chocolate works well, or swap in chocolate eggs for a seasonal touch.
White Chocolate/Candy Melts: You can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful that it will alter the overall sweetness of the mix.
How Do You Melt White Chocolate Without Burning It?
Melted chocolate can be tricky! Using a microwave is quick but requires care. Follow these simple steps:
- Use a microwave-safe bowl to prevent heat stress.
- Heat in 30-second bursts. Stir and check the consistency after each burst.
- If the chocolate is too thick, add vegetable oil to thin it out.
- Once melted, mix in vanilla extract if desired for an extra layer of flavor.
Stirring helps heat distribute evenly and keeps your chocolate from seizing. Enjoy your perfect melt!
How to Make Bunny Bait – The Perfect Easter Snack Mix
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Snack Mix:
- 4 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn)
- 2 cups pretzel twists
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (or similar candy)
- 1 cup Easter-themed sprinkles
For the Coating:
- 12 oz white chocolate or candy melts
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (optional, for thinning chocolate)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun and festive Bunny Bait recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes for the mixture to cool and set. It’s a quick snack perfect for Easter celebrations!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Snack Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzel twists, mini marshmallows, and half of the pastel-colored M&M’s. Gently mix everything together until well combined and set the bowl aside for later.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, place the white chocolate or candy melts. Microwave the bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If your melted chocolate seems too thick, you can stir in the vegetable oil to thin it out.
3. Add Flavor:
Once the chocolate is melted, if you want an extra hint of flavor, stir in the vanilla extract at this point. It will add a nice touch to your Bunny Bait!
4. Coat the Snack Mix:
Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the chocolate into the mix, making sure everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal or marshmallows!
5. Cool and Top with Sprinkles:
Spread the coated mix onto a large piece of parchment paper or wax paper to cool. While the mixture is still warm and sticky, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s and the Easter-themed sprinkles over the top so they will stick nicely.
6. Let it Set:
Allow the Bunny Bait to set completely, which should take about 30 minutes. It’s important to let it harden, so don’t rush this step!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Bunny Bait has set and hardened, break it into pieces and store it in an airtight container. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a delightful Easter snack. Perfect for sharing with family and friends! Enjoy!
Can I Substitute Dark Chocolate for White Chocolate?
Yes, you can absolutely use dark chocolate! Just melt it similarly, but keep an eye on the melting time as it may vary. Dark chocolate can add a richer flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the mix.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?
If you’d like to skip the vegetable oil, you can use coconut oil for thinning the chocolate. Just remember that it will impart a slight coconut flavor. For a healthier alternative, you can also omit it altogether if the chocolate melts smoothly without it!
How Should I Store Bunny Bait?
Store Bunny Bait in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you prefer it to stay crisp longer, you can keep it in the fridge, but make sure it’s completely cooled before storage!
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to personalize your Bunny Bait by adding nuts, dried fruit, or other types of candies. Just keep an eye on the balance of sweet and salty to keep it yummy!
