Easter Bunny Chow is a colorful, sweet, and crunchy snack mix that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday. Made with cereal, melted white chocolate, and pastel candies, this no-bake treat is easy to whip up and always a crowd favorite. Whether for Easter baskets, parties, or movie nights, this festive version of classic “Puppy Chow” or “Muddy Buddies” is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with no baking required.
- Customizable with your favorite candies and mix-ins.
- Perfect for parties, Easter baskets, or as a holiday gift.
- Combines sweet, salty, and crunchy textures in every bite.
- A fun activity to make with kids.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Rice or corn cereal squares (like Chex or Crispix)
- White chocolate chips or candy melts
- Powdered sugar
- Pastel M&M’s or candy-coated chocolates
- Mini marshmallows
- Pretzel sticks (optional)
- Pastel sprinkles (optional, for extra festivity)
Directions
- Melt the White Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
- Coat the Cereal:
- Place the cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted white chocolate over the cereal and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag, and shake until the cereal is fully coated and no longer sticky.
- Mix the Bunny Chow:
- Pour the coated cereal into a large bowl. Add the pastel M&M’s, mini marshmallows, pretzel sticks, and pastel sprinkles if using. Gently mix to combine.
- Serve or Store:
- Transfer to a serving bowl or divide into individual bags for gifting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 cups
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Bunny Chow: Use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate for a classic twist.
- Peanut Butter Version: Mix melted peanut butter into the white chocolate before coating the cereal.
- Fruit-Flavored: Add dried fruits like cranberries, apricots, or banana chips for a fruity addition.
- Nutty Mix: Include chopped almonds, cashews, or peanuts for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cereal and candies to accommodate dietary needs.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to a week to keep the chocolate firm.
FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but the mix will lose its pastel look. It will still be delicious!
2. How do I prevent the cereal from becoming soggy?
Work quickly to coat the cereal and avoid overmixing with the melted chocolate.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bunny Chow stores well and can be made 1-2 days in advance.
4. Can I use different candies?
Yes, swap M&M’s for jelly beans, Reese’s Pieces, or your favorite Easter candy.
5. How do I ensure even coating with powdered sugar?
Shake the cereal in a resealable plastic bag with powdered sugar for the best coverage.
6. What type of cereal works best?
Rice or corn Chex is ideal, but Crispix or similar cereals work just as well.
7. Can I add salty elements?
Yes, pretzels, salted nuts, or popcorn add a tasty contrast to the sweetness.
8. Can I dye the powdered sugar?
Yes, mix powdered sugar with a small amount of gel food coloring for pastel hues.
9. How do I package this for gifting?
Divide Bunny Chow into clear treat bags or mason jars and tie with a festive ribbon.
10. Is this recipe nut-free?
It can be nut-free if you avoid adding peanut butter or nuts and ensure candies are nut-free.
Conclusion
Easter Bunny Chow is the ultimate festive snack mix for the holiday season. With its sweet crunch, colorful appearance, and endless customization options, it’s a treat everyone will love. Whip up a batch for your Easter celebrations, and enjoy the perfect combination of fun and flavor!
Print
Easter Bunny Chow
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easter Bunny Chow is a colorful and festive twist on classic puppy chow (muddy buddies). Made with Chex cereal, white chocolate, and pastel-colored candies, it’s the perfect no-bake treat for Easter celebrations or springtime snacking!
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Chex or Corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup (175 g) white chocolate chips or white candy melts
- 1/4 cup (60 g) peanut butter (or substitute with almond butter or cookie butter)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 cup (150 g) pastel-colored M&M’s or similar candies
- 1/2 cup (60 g) pastel sprinkles
Instructions
- Melt the Chocolate Mixture:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and melted.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Coat the Cereal:
- Place the Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the cereal and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Add the Powdered Sugar:
- Transfer the coated cereal to a large resealable plastic bag or a large bowl with a lid. Add the powdered sugar, seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and shake well until all the cereal pieces are coated in powdered sugar.
- Mix in the Extras:
- Pour the coated cereal into a clean mixing bowl. Gently stir in the pastel M&M’s and sprinkles.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely.
- Add mini marshmallows or coconut flakes for additional texture and flavor.
- Use food-safe pastel powders to color the powdered sugar for extra Easter flair.