Looking for a snack so irresistible even the Easter Bunny would stop mid-hop for a bite? This Bunny Bait recipe is a sweet and salty mix of crunchy cereal, popcorn, pretzels, and a dreamy white chocolate coating—topped with festive sprinkles for extra magic. Warning: it disappears faster than a bunny in a magic act!
This Easter Bunny Bait recipe, also known as Easter Chex Mix, is the perfect Easter treat. With its crunchy blend of cereal, popcorn, and pretzels coated in creamy white chocolate and colorful sprinkles, it’s the perfect sweet-and-salty snack for Easter baskets, spring parties, or just munching while waiting for the Easter Bunny’s arrival. Plus, it’s easy to make gluten-free—just swap the regular pretzels and Cheerios for certified gluten-free versions, and you’ll have a snack that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary needs!
Looking for other irresistible desserts the whole family will love? Try my Chocolate Rice Krispies Squares or No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars.
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make this Bunny Bait recipe:
- Corn or Rice Chex – This light and crispy cereal adds the perfect crunch to the mix. Look for it in the cereal aisle, and if you're making a gluten-free version, be sure to grab Rice Chex, which is certified gluten-free.
- Pretzel Sticks (gluten-free if desired) – These add a salty, crunchy contrast to the sweet white chocolate. Regular pretzel sticks are found in the snack aisle, and gluten-free pretzels are usually stocked in the same section or a dedicated gluten-free area.
- Popcorn – Plain, lightly salted popcorn works best for this recipe. You can pop your own at home or grab a bag of pre-popped popcorn from the snack aisle for convenience.
- Cheerios – Another great crunchy element! Original Cheerios are found in the cereal aisle, but if you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free Cheerios, which are labeled accordingly.
- White Chocolate Chips – These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chips coat everything in sweetness. You’ll find them in the baking aisle, often near regular chocolate chips. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, some brands offer dairy-free white chocolate alternatives.
- Coconut Oil – A little coconut oil helps the white chocolate melt smoothly. It’s typically found in the baking aisle or near other cooking oils.
- Sprinkles – These add a fun and festive touch! You’ll find them in the baking aisle, usually near the cake decorating supplies. Choose seasonal pastel sprinkles for an extra Easter vibe!
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make this Bunny Bait Recipe
1. In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and Cheerios, stirring gently to mix everything together.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
3. Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredients, gently folding everything together until evenly coated.
4. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, then sprinkle the sprinkles evenly on top. Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Once set, break into pieces and serve, or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy!
Hint: To keep your Bunny Bait from clumping together, spread it out in a single layer on the baking sheet right after mixing in the melted chocolate. This ensures even coating and makes it easier to break into bite-sized pieces once it sets!
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in this Bunny Bait recipe? Here's how:
- Corn or Rice Chex - Swap for Honey Nut Chex, Crispix, or Gluten-Free Rice Chex if needed. For a chocolatey twist, Cocoa Chex works too!
- Pretzel Sticks - Use gluten-free pretzels if needed, or replace with broken graham crackers, mini breadsticks, or extra Cheerios for a similar crunch.
- Popcorn - Try puffed rice cereal, kettle corn for a sweeter version, or lightly salted popcorn for a more balanced flavor. If you want to skip popcorn, use extra Chex or pretzels.
- Cheerios - Use Honey Nut Cheerios for extra sweetness, gluten-free Cheerios, or another crunchy cereal like Kix or plain cornflakes.
- White Chocolate Chips - If you’re dairy-free, use dairy-free white chocolate chips (such as Lily’s or Enjoy Life). If you prefer a different flavor, swap for milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or peanut butter chips.
- Coconut Oil - Use an equal amount of vegetable oil, butter, or ghee to help smooth out the chocolate while melting.
- Sprinkles - Use crushed pastel M&Ms, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or colored sugar for a festive look without traditional sprinkles.
Variations
Try one of these variations on this Bunny Bait recipe:
- Gluten-Free – Simply use gluten-free pretzels and Cheerios, and double-check that your white chocolate chips are gluten-free. Rice Chex is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great option.
- Sugar-Free – Swap the white chocolate chips for a sugar-free alternative like Lily’s or ChocZero. Use sugar-free sprinkles (found in specialty baking aisles or online) to keep the festive touch without the extra sugar.
- Vegan Bunny Bait – Use dairy-free white chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life or Pascha) and vegan-friendly pretzels (some brands contain dairy, so check the label). Make sure your sprinkles are also vegan-friendly, as some contain confectioner’s glaze or other animal-derived ingredients.
- Dark or Milk Chocolate – If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, swap white chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist.
- Fruity – Mix in dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or freeze-dried strawberries for a sweet, chewy contrast to the crunch.
Equipment
This equipment comes in handy when making this Bunny Bait recipe:
- Large Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the dry ingredients. Choose one that has enough space to easily mix everything together without spilling.
- Small Microwave-Safe Bowl - You'll need a small microwave-safe bowl to melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Make sure the bowl is deep enough to hold both ingredients and has a sturdy base to avoid spills while stirring.
- Microwave - The microwave will be used to melt the white chocolate and coconut oil. It's quick and easy, so you’ll have the melted chocolate ready for coating your dry ingredients in no time!
- Sheet Pan or Large Baking Sheet - Use a sheet pan or baking tray lined with parchment paper to spread out your Bunny Bait mixture. This allows for easy cleanup and helps the chocolate set quickly.
- Spatula or Spoon - A spatula or large spoon is essential for stirring the mixture gently and evenly, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in white chocolate.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper - Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper or wax paper helps prevent the Bunny Bait from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze. You can also use silicone baking mats as an alternative.
- Refrigerator or Freezer - A fridge or freezer is needed to let the Bunny Bait cool and set properly. A quick chill in the fridge or freezer helps the chocolate firm up and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
Storage
Here's how to store this Bunny Bait recipe:
To keep your Bunny Bait fresh and crunchy, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If your home is warm, you can refrigerate it to prevent the chocolate from melting.
For longer storage, freeze Bunny Bait in an airtight bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving so the chocolate isn’t too hard to bite into.
Top tip
For an extra festive touch, switch up the sprinkles and mix-ins to match different holidays! Use pastel sprinkles for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween—Bunny Bait isn’t just for Easter, it’s a year-round treat!
FAQ
Yes! Bunny Bait snack mix can be made up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place so the chocolate doesn’t melt.
Absolutely! Almond bark melts smoother and is great for coating. If using, just chop it into small pieces before melting.
Related
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Pairing
Serve this Bunny Bait recipe with one of these other snacks:
Recipe
Bunny Bait Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups Rice Chex cereal
- 2 cups popcorn
- 2 cups Cheerios cereal
- 1 cup pretzel sticks
- 16 oz white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 1 Tablespoon sprinkles
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the Chex cereal, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and Cheerios, stirring gently to mix everything together.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry ingredients, gently folding everything together until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined sheet pan, then sprinkle the sprinkles evenly on top. Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer for 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. Once set, break into pieces and serve, or store in an airtight container until ready to enjoy!
Shannon
This is irresistible!