Bunny Bait: A Sweet and Simple Easter Snack Mix

Bunny Bait is my go to solution for that very specific Easter problem: you want something cute and sweet on the table, but you do not want to bake, frost, or wash a million dishes. I started making it when I needed a last minute snack for a school party and I have been kind of obsessed ever since.

It is crunchy, salty, and sweet all at once, and it looks like spring in a bowl. If you have kids, they will hover like little snack detectives while you stir. If you do not have kids, you will still hover.

Ingredients: Chex, Cheerios, Pretzels, Popcorn, Bunny Grahams, Pastel M&M’s, White Chocolate, Sprinkles

This is one of those recipes where you can eyeball things and it still works, but I will give you a solid base so it comes out balanced. The goal is lots of crunch plus a few pops of chocolate candy and sprinkles.

• 3 cups Chex (rice or corn both work)
• 2 cups Cheerios
• 2 cups mini pretzels (twists or sticks)
• 3 cups popped popcorn (plain, not buttery)
• 1 to 1.5 cups Bunny Grahams
• 1 cup pastel M&M’s
• 12 to 16 ounces white chocolate
• 2 to 3 tablespoons sprinkles (pastel jimmies or confetti style)

If you are short on one ingredient, just add a little more of another crunchy thing. That is the beauty of Bunny Bait. Also, if you like snack mixes as much as I do, I usually keep a little section on my site for party snacks like this, and I link them there for quick grabs, like easy party snack ideas when I am in a rush.

Best White Chocolate Options (Chips vs Almond Bark vs Candy Melts) + Melting Tips

White chocolate is the glue that pulls everything together, so choosing the right one matters. Here is the real life breakdown from my kitchen.

White chocolate chips are convenient, but they can be a little thicker when melted. Some brands melt smoother than others, and sometimes they need a tiny bit of neutral oil to help them loosen up.

Almond bark is the easiest for beginners. It melts super smooth, coats evenly, and sets up nicely. It is not technically white chocolate all the time, but for snack mix it is perfect.

Candy melts are also easy and come in fun colors. If you want a very pastel, “Easter basket” vibe, candy melts make that simple.

Melting tips that save the day:

Use a microwave safe bowl and heat in short bursts, like 20 to 30 seconds. Stir every time, even if it looks like nothing is happening yet. White chocolate likes to play tough, then suddenly it is melted and ready. If it starts getting thick, stir more before heating again. And keep water far away, even a tiny drop can make it clumpy.

How to Make Bunny Bait Trail Mix Step-by-Step (Mix, Melt, Coat, Set, Break)

This is the part where it feels like a craft project you can eat. I like to put on music and set everything out before I start, because once the chocolate is melted you want to move quickly.

1) Mix
In a very large bowl, mix Chex, Cheerios, pretzels, popcorn, and Bunny Grahams. Hold back the pastel M&M’s and sprinkles for a minute so they do not get too warm and messy.

2) Melt
Melt your white chocolate using the tips above until smooth and pourable.

3) Coat
Pour the melted white chocolate over the big bowl of crunchy mix. Use a spatula and gently fold until everything looks lightly coated. You are not looking for a thick shell, just enough to cling and set.

4) Set
Spread the mix onto a parchment lined baking sheet in an even layer. While it is still tacky, sprinkle on the sprinkles and scatter the pastel M&M’s on top. Press a few pieces in lightly so they stick.

5) Break
Let it sit at room temp until fully set, usually 30 to 45 minutes. Then break into snacky clusters. This is where Bunny Bait starts disappearing, so you have been warned.

When I make Bunny Bait for a party, I usually double it and portion it out right away so it does not mysteriously vanish. I also like to keep a little list of packaging ideas and printable tags, and I tuck those links into my holiday prep notes like Easter basket filler ideas for when I need something quick.

Pro Tips for Crunchy Texture & Even Chocolate Coating

If you want that perfect bite where everything feels crisp and the coating is even, these are the little habits that help.

Keep your popcorn plain and fully cooled. Warm popcorn makes the coating weirdly steamy.

Use a huge bowl. If it is crowded, you end up stirring too hard and crushing everything.

Fold, do not stir aggressively. Think gentle turns so you do not break the Chex into dust.

Spread it out fast. On the baking sheet, a thin layer helps it set without clumping into one mega slab.

Add M&M’s after the chocolate. Pastel M&M’s can get a little cloudy if you mix them in too early, especially if your chocolate is hot.

Best Mix-Ins & Add-Ins (Cadbury Eggs, Marshmallows, Nuts, Coconut, Jelly Beans)

This is where you can make it feel personal. I usually aim for one or two extras, not five, because too many add ins can make it hard to coat and eat.

My favorites:

Cadbury mini eggs for crunch and that classic Easter candy vibe. Mini marshmallows for soft little bites. Toasted coconut if you like a slightly nutty, sweet flavor. Jelly beans are fun, but I only add a few because they are very chewy next to all the crunch.

Nuts? Totally optional. Peanuts, almonds, or cashews are great if you want it more snacky and less purely sweet. If you are packing this for a school event, I usually skip nuts and keep it simple.

Flavor Variations (Peanut Butter Drizzle, Chocolate Chex, Themed Colors)

You can keep the base the same and change the vibe with one small twist.

Peanut butter drizzle: Melt 1 to 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with a tiny bit of coconut oil, then drizzle over the set mix. It tastes like a candy bar situation.

Chocolate Chex: Swap part of your Chex for chocolate Chex. This makes the whole mix taste richer, which is nice if you think white chocolate can be too sweet.

Themed colors: Use different sprinkles and candy colors to match your party. This is also how I reuse the same recipe year round without anyone noticing. If you are into color themes, I keep a quick guide for party color snacks in my notes, like pastel dessert ideas.

Holiday & Seasonal Versions (Valentine’s, Halloween, Christmas, 4th of July)

This mix is basically a holiday chameleon.

Valentine’s: pink sprinkles, red and pink candies, add strawberry mini marshmallows if you can find them.

Halloween: orange and black sprinkles, candy corn, and maybe chocolate drizzle.

Christmas: red and green M&M’s, crushed peppermint on top, or mini pretzel rings for extra crunch.

4th of July: red, white, and blue sprinkles and candies, plus a handful of dried blueberries if you like that sweet tart bite.

Dietary Swaps (Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Dairy-Free Options)

You can make Bunny Bait work for a lot of needs with a few swaps.

Gluten free: Use gluten free Chex and pretzels, and double check your Bunny Grahams or use a gluten free cookie swap.

Nut free: Skip nuts entirely and avoid any peanut butter drizzle. Also double check candy labels for “may contain” warnings if you are serving someone with a serious allergy.

Dairy free: Use dairy free white style chips or melts. There are good options now, but they vary by brand, so melt a small test amount if you are unsure.

Make-Ahead Tips & Scaling for Parties and Easter Baskets

This is a great make ahead snack because it actually gets better once it has fully set and the flavors hang out together.

Make ahead: I like making it the night before. Once it is set, break it up and store it right away so it stays crisp.

Scaling: For a big party, use two sheet pans instead of cramming everything onto one. If you are making it for Easter baskets, do a slightly heavier candy to crunch ratio so it feels extra special in smaller portions.

Here is a quick portion guide I use when I am packing it up, especially if I am making Bunny Bait for multiple baskets and I do not want to run out too soon.

Serving Ideas (Goodie Bags, Party Cups, Gift Packaging)

This is where it gets really cute with almost no effort.

Put Bunny Bait in clear treat bags with a ribbon. Or scoop it into small paper cups for a party table so everyone can grab and go. For gifting, I love using mason jars or those little plastic containers with snap lids, then adding a simple tag that says “Sweet Bunny Bait” so nobody thinks it is just cereal.

If you are doing a bigger snack table, it is fun to pair it with something fresh like strawberries or grapes so there is a little break from the sweetness. I also keep a small list of grab and go party portions, like snack table setup tips, because it makes hosting feel less chaotic.

Storage & Freezing Instructions (Room Temp & Freezer Guide)

Room temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 to 7 days. Keep it in a cool spot so the coating does not get soft.

Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it. Put it in a freezer safe bag or container, press out extra air, and freeze up to 6 weeks. Let it sit at room temp for about 15 to 20 minutes before eating so the texture is not too hard on your teeth.

Troubleshooting (Seized Chocolate, Sticky Mix, Candy Bleeding)

My chocolate seized and turned grainy. Usually this happens from overheating or a tiny bit of water. If it is only slightly thick, you can try stirring in a little neutral oil. If it is fully clumpy, it is often easiest to start over with a fresh batch of chocolate.

My mix is sticky, not crunchy. The popcorn might have been warm, or the mix got stored before the coating fully set. Spread it out again and let it dry longer at room temp.

My candy colors bled. This can happen if the mix is warm or humid. Let the coated base cool a few minutes before adding candies, and store it airtight. Some candies bleed more than others, so if it keeps happening, add the candies right before serving.

Common Questions

Can I make Bunny Bait ahead of time?
Yes. I actually prefer it made the night before, as long as you store it airtight once it sets.

Do I have to use Bunny Grahams?
Nope. Any small cookie or cracker you like works. Bunny shapes are just extra fun for Easter.

How do I keep it from clumping into one big chunk?
Spread it out in a thin layer on parchment and break it up once it is set. Do not leave it in a thick pile while it cools.

What is the best white chocolate for coating?
Almond bark is the easiest for smooth coating. Chips can work too, just melt them slowly and stir often.

Can I make Bunny Bait without M&M’s?
Absolutely. Swap in Cadbury mini eggs, jelly beans, or even extra sprinkles for color.

A sweet little send off for your Easter table

If you need a simple treat that feels festive without a lot of work, Bunny Bait is the one I keep coming back to. It is crunchy, colorful, and easy to customize for whatever you have in the pantry. If you want to compare my method to another no fuss version, I have also enjoyed reading Bunny Bait No Baking! – Chelsea’s Messy Apron for extra ideas. Now go make a batch, tuck some into little bags, and try not to snack on half of it before it even hits the table.

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