Bunny Bait is the ultimate sweet and salty snack that’s perfect for Easter gatherings or simply to enjoy during springtime. This delightful mix of cereals, pretzels, and chocolate treats makes it an irresistible option for both kids and adults. With its crunchy texture and vibrant colors, Bunny Bait stands out as a fun treat that’s easy to whip up in no time. Whether you’re hosting an Easter egg hunt or just looking for a festive snack, Bunny Bait will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Cereal Base
- Crunchy Add-ins
- Sweet Coating
- How to Make Bunny Bait
- Step 1: Prepare the Sheet Pan
- Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Melt the Almond Bark
- Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Step 5: Add M&Ms and Butterscotch Chips
- Step 6: Transfer to Sheet Pan
- Step 7: Spread Evenly
- Step 8: Break Into Pieces
- How to Serve Bunny Bait
- In a Decorative Bowl
- As Party Favors
- On a Snack Table
- With Milk or Hot Chocolate
- At an Easter Egg Hunt
- How to Perfect Bunny Bait
- Best Side Dishes for Bunny Bait
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Bunny Bait
- Reheating Bunny Bait
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Bunny Bait?
- How do you customize Bunny Bait?
- Can I make Bunny Bait ahead of time?
- What are some good substitutes for almond bark?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can make Bunny Bait in under an hour.
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for Easter celebrations, movie nights, or as a sweet treat anytime.
- Sweet and Salty Flavor: The blend of honey nut cheerios, pretzels, and chocolate creates a deliciously balanced taste.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the colorful M&Ms and fun textures, making it great for family gatherings.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite nuts or candy to make it your own!
Tools and Preparation
Preparing Bunny Bait is straightforward. Having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe dish
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Microwave-safe dish: Essential for melting the almond bark safely and evenly.
- Sheet pan: Helps in spreading out the mixture for even setting.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
Ingredients
Bunny Bait is a quick and easy, sweet and salty snack that is perfect for an Easter celebration or springtime treat.
Cereal Base
- 3½ cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3½ cups honey nut cheerios
Crunchy Add-ins
- 1½ cups pretzel sticks
- ½ cup salted peanuts
Sweet Coating
- 16 ounces vanilla almond bark (chopped (2 cups or 8 squares))
- 10 ounce bag easter M&Ms
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
How to Make Bunny Bait
Step 1: Prepare the Sheet Pan
Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper. Set it aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the rice Chex cereal, honey nut cheerios, pretzel sticks, and salted peanuts until evenly combined.
Step 3: Melt the Almond Bark
Melt the vanilla almond bark in a large microwave-safe dish. Microwave it in increments of 15 seconds, stirring after each interval until completely melted.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the melted almond bark into the bowl with the cereal mixture. Toss everything together until thoroughly combined.
Step 5: Add M&Ms and Butterscotch Chips
Gently fold in the easter M&Ms and butterscotch chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Transfer to Sheet Pan
Transfer the mixture to your prepared sheet pan.
Step 7: Spread Evenly
Spread everything out onto the sheet pan evenly. Allow it to set for about 45 minutes at room temperature.
Step 8: Break Into Pieces
Once the almond bark has set and hardened, break into pieces before transferring to a serving dish. Enjoy your Bunny Bait!
How to Serve Bunny Bait
Bunny Bait is a delightful snack perfect for sharing at gatherings, especially during Easter. Here are some fun serving ideas that will make your Bunny Bait stand out.
In a Decorative Bowl
- Use a colorful bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the M&Ms and other ingredients. This adds a festive touch to your table.
As Party Favors
- Package Bunny Bait in small bags or jars tied with ribbons. These make great take-home treats for guests.
On a Snack Table
- Create a dedicated snack table with Bunny Bait alongside other treats like cupcakes and cookies. It’s sure to be a hit among both kids and adults.
With Milk or Hot Chocolate
- Serve Bunny Bait as an accompaniment to milk or hot chocolate. The sweetness pairs perfectly with these drinks, making it a delightful treat.
At an Easter Egg Hunt
- Place Bunny Bait in plastic eggs for children to find during an Easter egg hunt. This adds an exciting twist to the traditional hunt.

How to Perfect Bunny Bait
To ensure your Bunny Bait turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all cereals and snacks are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
- Mix thoroughly: When combining the melted almond bark with the cereal mixture, make sure everything is evenly coated for maximum taste.
- Let it set properly: Allow the Bunny Bait to cool completely on the sheet pan before breaking it apart to maintain its structure.
- Store correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to retain freshness.
- Customize your mix: Feel free to swap out ingredients like nuts or cereals based on your personal preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Bunny Bait
Bunny Bait can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance your gathering experience. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the richness of Bunny Bait.
- Veggie Platter: Offer crunchy vegetables with dip for a healthy contrast to the sweet snack.
- Mini Sandwiches: Cute, bite-sized sandwiches provide savory options that pair well with the sweetness of Bunny Bait.
- Cheese Board: Include assorted cheeses and crackers for a sophisticated touch that appeals to adult guests.
- Deviled Eggs: These classic appetizers add protein to your spread and are always popular at gatherings.
- Chips and Salsa: A crunchy option that provides a nice contrast in texture while being easy to prepare.
- Popcorn Bar: Set up a popcorn station with various toppings where guests can create their own flavors.
- Cupcakes or Brownies: Sweet treats like cupcakes or brownies complement Bunny Bait perfectly, offering more dessert options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Bunny Bait can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind.
-
Skipping the parchment paper: Always line your sheet pan with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, making it easier to break into pieces later.
-
Not measuring ingredients properly: Use precise measurements for the cereals and snacks. Too much or too little can affect the overall flavor and texture.
-
Overheating the almond bark: Melt the almond bark in short increments. Overheating can cause it to seize up, ruining your Bunny Bait.
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Forgetting to mix gently: When folding in M&Ms and butterscotch chips, do so gently. Rough mixing may break the candies apart or ruin their appearance.
-
Skipping the cooling time: Allow Bunny Bait to cool completely on the sheet pan. Cutting it too soon might result in a gooey mess instead of neat pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Bunny Bait in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Bunny Bait
- Place Bunny Bait in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Reheating Bunny Bait
-
Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Spread Bunny Bait on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes to refresh its crunch.
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Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds until slightly warm. Be cautious not to melt any chocolate.
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Stovetop: Gently heat in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bunny Bait?
Bunny Bait is a delightful sweet and salty snack mix featuring cereals, pretzels, nuts, and candies. It’s perfect for Easter celebrations!
How do you customize Bunny Bait?
You can mix different cereals or add your favorite candies like jellybeans or chocolate eggs for unique flavors.
Can I make Bunny Bait ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Bunny Bait a few days in advance. Just store it properly as mentioned above.
What are some good substitutes for almond bark?
If you don’t have almond bark, you can use white chocolate chips as an alternative. Just melt them carefully using the same method.
Final Thoughts
Bunny Bait is not only quick and easy to make but also versatile for any occasion beyond Easter. You can customize it with different cereals and candies based on your preferences. Try this fun snack mix today and enjoy its delightful blend of flavors!
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Bunny Bait
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About 8 servings 1x
Description
Bunny Bait is the ultimate sweet and salty snack mix that perfectly captures the essence of spring celebrations. Ideal for Easter gatherings or simply to enjoy during the season, this delightful combination of cereals, pretzels, and colorful chocolate treats will charm both kids and adults alike. With its crunchy texture and vibrant hues, Bunny Bait is not only visually appealing but also incredibly easy to prepare. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up this festive treat that’s sure to become a favorite at any occasion. Whether you’re hosting an egg hunt or looking for a cheerful snack, Bunny Bait will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 3½ cups Rice Chex cereal
- 3½ cups honey nut Cheerios
- 1½ cups pretzel sticks
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- 16 ounces vanilla almond bark (chopped)
- 10 ounces Easter M&Ms
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix Rice Chex, honey nut Cheerios, pretzels, and peanuts.
- Melt almond bark in a microwave-safe dish in short increments until smooth.
- Combine melted almond bark with the cereal mixture; toss until coated.
- Fold in M&Ms and butterscotch chips.
- Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan.
- Let it set at room temperature for about 45 minutes before breaking into pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (40g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg