If you’ve never tried this Bunny Bait Recipe, get ready for an addictive, colorful treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat. This delightful snack mix combines crunchy cereals, salty pretzels, sweet butterscotch, and festive Easter M&Ms all coated in creamy vanilla almond bark. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty with a wonderful variety of textures, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for parties, holiday gatherings, or just an easy-to-grab snack. Once you dive into this Bunny Bait Recipe, you’ll want to keep a batch handy all year round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bunny Bait Recipe keeps things simple but packs a punch with ingredients that bring different flavors and textures to create a truly irresistible snack. Each item has a vital role, from the crunch of the cereals to the sweetness of the candy, making every bite unique and satisfying.
- Rice Chex cereal: Provides a light crunch and acts as the perfect base for the mix.
- Honey Nut Cheerios: Adds a sweet, nutty flavor and a golden color to brighten the mix.
- Pretzel sticks: Bring a delightful salty crunch that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Salted peanuts: Offer an extra layer of saltiness and a satisfying chewiness.
- Vanilla almond bark: Melts into a luscious coating, holding everything together with a creamy vanilla touch.
- Easter M&Ms: These colorful candies add vibrant pops of color and melty chocolate pockets.
- Butterscotch chips: Introduce a rich, buttery sweetness that complements the vanilla almond bark perfectly.
How to Make Bunny Bait Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by lining a sheet pan with parchment paper. This little prep makes cleanup a breeze and prevents the Bunny Bait from sticking once it’s ready to set.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts. The mix of these dry ingredients creates the perfect texture foundation, blending crunch with saltiness.
Step 3: Melt the Vanilla Almond Bark
Chop the almond bark and melt it gently in a microwave-safe dish, heating in 15-second increments. This ensures a smooth, silky texture perfect for coating the mix evenly without burning.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal mixture and toss everything until it’s fully coated. This is where all those crunchy bits get enveloped in creamy sweetness, making the Bunny Bait Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Fold in Candy
Gently fold in the Easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips. Try to mix carefully so the candies don’t break or melt prematurely—these colorful elements give Bunny Bait its signature festive flair.
Step 6: Set the Mixture
Spread the coated snack mix evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Let it set at room temperature for about 45 minutes until the almond bark hardens, binding all the yummy pieces together in a delightful, snackable sheet.
Step 7: Break and Serve
Once set, break the Bunny Bait into bite-sized pieces and enjoy immediately or store for later. This final step makes it easy to grab handfuls of this crunchy, sweet, and salty treat anytime.
How to Serve Bunny Bait Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little extra flair, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles on top just after spreading the mixture on the sheet pan but before it sets. This adds a playful touch and even more bursts of sweetness.
Side Dishes
Bunny Bait pairs wonderfully with a refreshing glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a fruity iced tea. Serving it alongside fresh fruit or yogurt can also balance the sweetness and add a healthier twist to your snack time.
Creative Ways to Present
This Bunny Bait Recipe looks irresistible in clear jars or cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons—ideal for seasonal gifting or festive party favors. You can also press it into a baking pan for “bars” or sandwich some between ice cream for a crunchy, sweet treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Bunny Bait in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This keeps the mix crisp and fresh without any risk of sogginess or staleness.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, Bunny Bait freezes beautifully. Place it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. It will keep well for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! Just let frozen Bunny Bait come to room temperature before enjoying it. This way, the almond bark coating will regain its perfect texture, and the mix will taste fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla almond bark with white chocolate?
Absolutely! White chocolate works as a lovely alternative and adds a slightly richer flavor, but make sure to melt it gently to avoid burning and maintain that silky coating consistency.
Is it okay to use different cereals?
Definitely! The fun of Bunny Bait Recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to swap in your favorite cereals like Cheerios or Corn Chex. Just keep a good balance of crunchy and sweet for the best texture.
Can I make Bunny Bait Recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply omit the salted peanuts or replace them with roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds to keep the crunch without nuts. This way everyone can enjoy this delicious snack safely.
What’s the best way to keep the M&Ms from melting?
Add the Easter M&Ms after the melted almond bark cools slightly but is still pourable. Gently folding them in prevents the candy shells from cracking and melting prematurely.
How long does it take to make Bunny Bait Recipe?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes, but you’ll need to let the mixture set for at least 45 minutes. So with minimal hands-on time, you’ll have a tasty treat ready in just over an hour.
Final Thoughts
This Bunny Bait Recipe is a total winner in my book and one of those joyful treats that bring people together. It’s quick, simple, and loaded with flavors and textures that everyone will love. Next time you want a fun-to-make snack or something cheerful for a party, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Bunny Bait Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 45 minutes setting time
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bunny Bait is a festive and crunchy snack mix perfect for Easter celebrations. Combining Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios, pretzels, peanuts, vanilla almond bark, Easter M&Ms, and butterscotch chips, this sweet and salty treat is easy to prepare and sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Dry Mix
- 3½ cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3½ cups Honey Nut Cheerios
- 1½ cups pretzel sticks
- ½ cup salted peanuts
Melted Coating
- 16 ounces vanilla almond bark, chopped
Add-ins
- 10 ounce bag Easter M&Ms
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare Sheet Pan: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Chex cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios, pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts until evenly distributed.
- Melt Almond Bark: Place the chopped vanilla almond bark in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the almond bark is completely melted and smooth.
- Coat the Mix: Pour the melted almond bark over the cereal and nut mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly so all pieces are evenly coated with the melted almond bark.
- Add Candies and Chips: Gently fold in the Easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips to distribute them evenly without breaking the candies.
- Spread Mixture: Evenly spread the coated snack mix onto the prepared parchment-lined sheet pan, creating a uniform layer.
- Set the Mixture: Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for 45 minutes at room temperature so the almond bark hardens and binds the ingredients together.
- Break and Serve: Once set, break the snack mix into pieces of desired size and serve immediately or store for later enjoyment.
Notes
- The almond bark can be melted using a double boiler if preferred for more controlled heating.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a nut-free version, substitute salted peanuts with seeds or omit entirely.
- Use any festive candies such as holiday-themed chocolate chips or sprinkles to customize for different occasions.
