This Easter snack mix recipe combines cereal, candies and chocolate and is super easy to make. The combination of flavors and textures is a truly magical treat. Make a batch, and you'll see everyone munching on it all day.
Snacking candy
Also called Easter muddy buddies or Easter bunny chow, this version today is a twist on the traditional one that uses peanut butter; this one doesn't. I usually don't add powdered sugar (another popular ingredient), but you can. We find it too sweet, but that's us here.
You can make half the recipe or double it if you have large bowls and trays. It's very simple, but there are a few details to consider so the snack mix doesn't get soggy or clumpy.
Choose the colors according to the occasion: just like our chocolate bark recipes, you can change the add-ins' colors and adapt this snack. Since this is an Easter treat, we added pastel-colored candies and sprinkles. But you can adapt it to other occasions by changing the add-ins: use red, white and blue for a 4th of July treat, green and red for Christmas, and orange and yellow for Halloween. And so on.
This is a quick and fantastic sweet snack that works not just for a special celebration, but also game day and movie night. It's a great project with kids and can vary depending on the occasion, like the patriotic puppy chow.
FAQ
Due to their shape and texture, Rice Chex or Corn Chex are the traditional choices, but you can experiment with other cereals like Crispix and different flavors of Chex.
How to ensure the candy melts coat the cereal evenly?
Use a spatula and a large bowl to gently fold and mix until all the cereal is evenly coated. Be patient.
Typically, candy melts don't need additional ingredients. However, if the melted chocolate is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to thin it out for better coating.
How to make Easter bunny bait
Melting the chocolate:
- Microwave: Place white chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium power for 1 minute, then stir and continue in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Double boiler: Use a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Avoid water: Ensure no water gets into the white chocolate candy melts, as it can cause them to seize and become unusable.
Melted white chocolate
Drizzle it over the cereal mix. Make sure the bowl is large enough to stir everything comfortably.
Stir to coat
The chocolate mixture should be warm, and you must work carefully but quickly before it sets.
Prevent clumps
After coating the cereal mixture with the melted chocolate, spread the preparation in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow it to cool and set before eating it. This is a crucial step to prevent or minimize clumping.
Storage
- Store the bunny chow mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to preserve its crunch and freshness and prevent it from becoming stale. It should be away from direct sunlight and moisture to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Refrigeration: If you live in a particularly warm or humid climate, consider storing the puppy chow in the refrigerator to keep it from melting or becoming sticky.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Some people like to eat it very cold.
- Portioning: Divide it into smaller, individual snacking portions to make it easier to grab a quick snack and minimize exposure to air each time you open the container.
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Easter Bunny Bait (puppy chow)
Ingredients
- 5 cups mixed cereal, I used honey nut Chex cereal and honey nut Cheerios
- 1 ½ cups mini pretzels, or pretzel sticks, broken in pieces
- 1 ½ cups peanuts, I use toasted and salted
- 15 ounces white chocolate that melts well, I use Ghirardelli melting wafers or Callebaut callets
- 1 cup pastel blend milk chocolate m&m candies
- ¼ cup Easter sprinkles mix
Instructions
- Have a large baking tray lined with parchment paper ready.
- Place 5 cups mixed cereal, 1 ½ cups mini pretzels and 1 ½ cups peanuts in a large bowl and mix to combine.
- Heat 15 ounces white chocolate that melts well (candy melts or good-quality callets) according to the package instructions.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mix and carefully but quickly stir until all the pieces are coated. I use a silicon or rubber spatula.
- Stir in 1 cup pastel blend milk chocolate m&m candies (don’t add them before or you’ll risk the color starting to melt) and immediately scatter place on the prepared tray in a single layer. Add ¼ cup Easter sprinkles mix and let dry. You might need to break some large clumps before serving, similar to making granola.
- Store in airtight containers. You can refrigerate or freeze it if the room is too warm or humid so they stay crisp.
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