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This irresistible bunny bait has become my go-to Easter treat for family gatherings and classroom parties. The perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors creates a snack that disappears faster than the Easter Bunny himself!
I first made this bunny bait when my daughter's preschool needed last-minute Easter party treats. The kids went wild for it, and now it's requested every spring by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Chex cereal rice or corn varieties both work beautifully for their light crunch and ability to hold chocolate well
- 1½ to 2 cups Cheerios adds a wonderful honey sweetness and fun circular shape to the mix
- 1 to 2 cups pretzel sticks broken in half for the perfect salty crunch that balances the sweetness
- 1 cup Easter M&Ms plus extra for topping the pastel colors make this truly festive
- 10 ounces white chocolate I recommend Ghirardelli wafers for the smoothest melting and best flavor
- Optional Easter sprinkles for extra festive flair and color
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the Chex cereal, Cheerios, broken pretzel sticks, and M&Ms until evenly distributed. Use a gentle touch when mixing to avoid crushing the cereal.
- Melt the white chocolate
- Place white chocolate in a microwave safe bowl and heat at 50% power for 1 minute. This lower power prevents scorching. After the initial minute, stir completely even if it doesn't look fully melted. Continue heating in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring between each interval until completely smooth. The chocolate should be fluid but not hot.
- Coat the mixture
- Pour the melted white chocolate over your cereal mixture while it's still warm and fluid. Using a rubber spatula, fold the ingredients together with a gentle lifting motion until every piece is evenly coated with chocolate. Work quickly before the chocolate begins to set.
- Set and decorate
- Spread the coated mixture onto a sheet of wax or parchment paper in an even layer. While the chocolate is still tacky, sprinkle additional Easter M&Ms and sprinkles on top for a colorful presentation. These extra candies will stick to the setting chocolate.
- Allow to harden
- Let the mixture set completely for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. For faster setting, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes. Once hardened, break into chunks of desired size.
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The white chocolate is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that using high quality white chocolate makes all the difference, creating a creamy coating that isn't too sweet or waxy like some cheaper white chocolates can be.
Storage Tips
For short term storage, place bunny bait in an airtight container or zip top bag at room temperature for up to a week. The mixture stays remarkably fresh and crunchy when properly sealed.
For longer storage, this treat freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just place in a freezer safe container with parchment between layers. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Endless Variations
The beauty of bunny bait lies in its versatility. Try swapping regular Cheerios for Honey Nut or Apple Cinnamon varieties. Replace M&Ms with Easter-colored chocolate chips, mini eggs, or even jelly beans.
For different holidays, simply change the candy colors pink and red M&Ms for Valentine's Day, red and green for Christmas, or school colors for game day treats.
Gifting Ideas
Bunny bait makes adorable and affordable Easter gifts. Package in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for teachers or neighbors. For a more substantial gift, fill a colorful Easter bucket or mason jar with bunny bait and attach a clever tag like "Some bunny thinks you're special!"
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Common Questions
- → Can I substitute different cereals in Bunny Bait?
Yes! While the recipe calls for Chex (rice or corn) and Cheerios, you can substitute with other crunchy cereals like Rice Krispies, Golden Grahams, or Honey Bunches of Oats. Just maintain similar proportions to ensure the white chocolate properly coats all ingredients.
- → How do I prevent the white chocolate from burning?
Always melt white chocolate at 50% power in the microwave, starting with 1 minute, then continuing in 30-second increments while stirring between each interval. White chocolate burns easily, so it's crucial to stir frequently and remove from heat as soon as it's mostly melted.
- → Can I make Bunny Bait ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! Bunny Bait stays fresh in a sealed container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Make it 1-2 days before your event for the freshest taste and texture.
- → What makes Bunny Bait special for Easter?
The festive Easter colors from pastel M&Ms and optional spring-themed sprinkles give this snack mix its holiday appeal. You can enhance the Easter theme by using bunny-shaped pretzels or pastel-colored cereals for additional seasonal charm.
- → How can I customize Bunny Bait for different holidays?
Simply change the color scheme of your M&Ms and sprinkles to match any holiday! Use red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or red and pink for Valentine's Day. The base recipe stays the same while the colors create a themed appearance.
- → Is there a way to make Bunny Bait without using a microwave?
Yes, you can melt the white chocolate using a double boiler method. Place the chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering (not boiling) water. Stir constantly until melted, then remove from heat immediately to prevent overheating.