Easy to make and unapologetically sweet, this Bunny Bait recipe is the perfect treat for Easter, spring, or just because.
Since parenthood, I’ve enjoyed making a wide range of recipes that seem almost reserved for kids. From chicken tenders to pizza bagels, I’ve done them all. But perhaps the most fun recipes to make are the treats. Classics like puppy chow and cookie bars never disappoint, and I even tried my hand at homemade Pop-Tarts. Then there’s bunny bait, a more recent favorite.
As someone who finds baking a challenge, bunny bait is one of those rare treats that requires no oven, and you can keep your mixer in the cabinet. Just microwave the chocolate, stir everything together, and you’re done.
Bunny bait takes a blend of classic cereals—Chex, Cap’n Crunch, and Honey Nut Cheerios—plus pretzels for crunch. Mixed with M&M’s, peanuts, and a white chocolate coating that holds it all together, so you get that snackable combo of sweet and salty.Â
And with all those pastel colors, bunny bait looks as good as it tastes. For Easter, I like to portion it into little cups or bowls so people have something to graze on between brunch and dessert. But honestly, you don’t need Easter to justify a handful or three of bunny bait. It’s a treat for any season. Also, there’s a reason why this stuff is bunny bait—it’s darn near irresistible.
White chocolate—a finicky ingredient
The first time I melted white chocolate, I assumed it was similar to regular chocolate. Well, I was wrong. Very wrong. White chocolate scorches much faster, mainly because it’s mostly sugar and milk solids. And while any chocolate can turn grainy, white chocolate gets there faster because the fat and solids separate when it overheats.
That’s why you want to microwave in short bursts, even when it looks like the chips aren’t fully melted. Between the stirring and residual heat, the white chocolate will melt in no time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the bunny bait in an airtight container. It should be good for up to 1 week at room temp as long as your kitchen isn’t too warm or humid. You need to keep the bunny bait relatively cool and dry because this stuff gets sticky fast. Otherwise, you can store it in the fridge.
Serving suggestions
If you’re serving your bunny bait with your Easter brunch, it pairs well with other treats, like Slow-Cooker Sweet-And-Spicy Nuts and Chocolate-Covered Marshmallows. On the savory end, serve up some Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella or a Mardi Gras-Inspired Cheeseboard complete with meats and veggies.
Bunny Bait
Ingredients Â
- 2 cups Corn Chex cereal or Rice Chex
- 1 cup mini pretzel twists
- 2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal
- 1 3/4 cups Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
- 1/3 cup peanuts
- 1 cup pastel M&M's
- 3 cups white chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup pastel sprinkles
InstructionsÂ
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine Corn Chex cereal, mini pretzel twists, Cap'n Crunch cereal, Honey Nut Cheerios cereal, peanuts, and pastel M&M's.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave for a few more seconds, stirring until completely melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cereal mixture and stir gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Spread the mix evenly on the prepared baking sheet and evenly pour the sprinkles on top. Chill in the fridge for about 10 to 20 minutes until firm, then break into pieces.
- Serve and enjoy your bunny bait!
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