I’m a big fan of holiday-themed snack mixes, and this Easter Bunny Bait is my favorite no-bake treat to make in spring. It combines fruity Cheerios, pastel M&M’s, crunchy peanuts, and pretzel sticks for a sweet-and-salty bite that’s irresistibly crunchy. Everything is coated in silky white chocolate for a colorful, festive snack the kids love.
Bunny Bait Snack Mix
This bunny bait was supposed to lure the Easter bunny, but my kids and I end up snacking on it right away. I make several batches for parties, school treats, or just for an after-school snack. It takes less than 10 minutes to assemble, and the kids like helping with the mixing and decorating.
I prefer berry-flavored Cheerios as the base because they add a bright, fruity note that feels perfect for spring. The pretzels and peanuts add salty crunch, while the melted white chocolate ties everything together. You can drizzle or pour the chocolate over the mix—either way it makes the pieces stick together and creates a delicious coating.
Avoid Burnt or Clumpy Chocolate!
Melting white chocolate requires a little care since it can clump or burn quickly. Melt in short bursts in the microwave—check and stir every 15–30 seconds—or use a double boiler. Adding a tablespoon of coconut oil smooths the chocolate and helps it coat the mix evenly.
Easter Bunny Bait Snack Mix Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 3 cups Very Berry Cheerios cereal*
- 3 cups Blueberry Cheerios cereal
- 10 ounces Easter M&M’s candies (1 bag)**
- 2 cups dry roasted lightly-salted peanuts
- 1 cup mini pretzel sticks
- 12 ounces white chocolate chips (1 bag)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1/4 cup pastel-colored sprinkles (optional)
- Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine both cereals, the M&M’s, peanuts, and pretzel sticks; toss gently to mix.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and coconut oil. Heat in 15–30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir quickly but gently to coat evenly.
- Spread the coated mix on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with pastel sprinkles and edible glitter if desired. Let set for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate hardens.
- Break into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
*You can swap one or both Cheerios flavors for Froot Loops if you prefer, though the mix will be sweeter.
**Any M&M variety or another candy-coated chocolate works well.
Tips:
- Heat white chocolate slowly to avoid burning; stir often.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet so the mix releases easily once set.
- Allow the chocolate to fully harden before storing or serving.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
This snack mix is very flexible—use whatever cereal, candy, and salty add-ins you have on hand. Some easy swaps and ideas:
- Cereal: Use plain, honey nut, or any flavored Cheerios. Chex cereal also works well.
- M&Ms: Pastel or Easter-colored M&Ms are festive, but regular M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, mini eggs, or other candy-coated chocolates are great alternatives.
- Nuts: Try almonds, cashews, or honey-roasted nuts instead of peanuts.
- Pretzels: Mini pretzel twists or sticks both work for crunch and salt.
- Chocolate: White chocolate chips melt easily, but candy melts, milk, semi-sweet, or dark chocolate can be used depending on your preference.
- Other add-ins: Mini marshmallows, popcorn, jelly beans, shredded coconut, or seasonal candies make fun variations.
More Easter Recipes to Try!
-
Easter Rice Krispie Treats
-
Easter Bunny Bark
-
Bird’s Nest Cookies
