Springtime brings with it sunshine, blooms, and a whole lot of sweetness — and no snack captures the spirit of Easter quite like Easter Bunny Chow. Imagine crunchy cereal coated in creamy, colorful goodness, tossed with candies and sprinkles that look like they’ve been scooped right out of a rainbow. Whether you’re prepping for an Easter party, crafting treat bags for the neighborhood kids, or just looking for a no-bake treat that’s easy and delicious, Bunny Chow ticks all the boxes.
Sometimes known as “Easter Muddy Buddies” or “Puppy Chow” (but way cuter), this snack is as fun to make as it is to munch on. It’s also completely customizable, so you can go full sugar rush or scale it down to a healthier version — totally up to you. If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t worry — by the end of this guide, you’ll not only know what it is but also how to make it, jazz it up, and even gift it like a pro.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
The base for Bunny Chow is refreshingly simple. Most recipes start with just a handful of pantry staples:
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Chex cereal (usually rice or corn) – Provides the structure and crunch.
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White chocolate chips or candy melts – The glue that binds it all together.
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Peanut butter or almond butter – For flavor and smooth texture (optional).
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Butter – Helps with melting and binding.
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Powdered sugar – The magical snow-like dusting that finishes it off.
This classic combo is flexible. You can keep it traditional or tweak it to suit dietary needs.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Fun
Once you’ve nailed the base, it’s time to customize. Here’s where you can get creative:
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Mini marshmallows
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Easter M&Ms or pastel-coated chocolate candies
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Mini chocolate eggs
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Sprinkles (pastel, bunny shapes, glittery—you name it)
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Pretzel sticks for extra crunch
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Shredded coconut (tinted green to mimic grass)
These extras take your Bunny Chow from basic to festive in seconds. Choose based on your theme, taste, or what you’ve got in the pantry.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Making Easter Bunny Chow
How to Prep Your Ingredients
Before diving into the actual mixing, prepping your ingredients is key. Trust me—having everything lined up makes the process faster, cleaner, and way more fun. Start by measuring out your cereal and pouring it into a large mixing bowl. Go big with the bowl; you’ll need the extra space when it’s time to coat everything.
Next, portion out your white chocolate chips or pastel melts into a microwave-safe bowl. If you’re using peanut butter, almond butter, or even cookie butter, add it to the bowl with your chocolate along with a tablespoon or two of butter. This combo helps the chocolate melt smoothly and cling to the cereal like a sugary hug.
Lay out your add-ins, like M&Ms, sprinkles, and mini eggs, so they’re ready to toss in. And don’t forget the powdered sugar! You’ll want that nearby in a large Ziploc bag or bowl for easy coating later. Preparation takes maybe 10 minutes max—but it’ll save you from mid-recipe chaos.
Mixing and Coating Techniques
This is where the magic happens.
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Melt your chocolate mixture – Pop the bowl into the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until everything is smooth and fully melted. Don’t overheat it, or it could seize up and become grainy.
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Pour it over the cereal – Gently fold the melted chocolate over your Chex cereal using a silicone spatula. Be careful not to crush the cereal—you’re aiming for an even, glossy coat, not cereal soup.
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Coat with powdered sugar – Once coated, transfer the mixture to a large Ziploc bag or large container with a lid. Add your powdered sugar and shake like your life depends on it. You want every piece to be dusted in sweet, powdery perfection.
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Add in the extras – Pour your mixture back into the bowl and toss in your marshmallows, M&Ms, candy eggs, sprinkles, and anything else you’ve prepped. Give it one last gentle mix so the add-ins are evenly distributed.
Boom—you’re done!
Tips for Perfect Bunny Chow Every Time
Want flawless results every time you whip up a batch? Here are a few pro tips:
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Don’t skip the butter – It helps smooth out the chocolate and makes coating easier.
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Use parchment paper – Spread your final mix on parchment to let it cool and set without sticking.
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Don’t over-mix the cereal – Gentle folds keep your pieces from turning to dust.
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Let it cool before bagging – Otherwise, you’ll end up with soggy, sad bunny chow.
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Use pastel candy melts – They add festive flair and can be customized to any color scheme.
The beauty of Bunny Chow is that even if it gets a little messy or imperfect, it still tastes amazing. It’s low stress and high reward—my kind of recipe!
Storage and Shelf Life
Best Practices for Storage
You’ve made your Bunny Chow masterpiece—now let’s talk about how to keep it fresh and fabulous.
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Room Temperature: Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It’ll stay crunchy and tasty for about 5–7 days.
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Avoid Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can melt the chocolate and ruin the texture.
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Keep the lid sealed tight: Air is the enemy here. Once it gets in, the cereal gets stale and sad.
If you’re gifting Bunny Chow, package it as close to delivery time as possible so it’s still at peak crunchiness when they open it.
Can You Freeze Easter Bunny Chow?
Short answer: yes! You can freeze Bunny Chow if needed, but with a few precautions.
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Use freezer-safe bags or containers: Make sure there’s no air left in the bag to avoid freezer burn.
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Label and date it: It’s easy to forget what that pastel mix in the freezer is a month from now.
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Thaw at room temperature: Let it sit on the counter for 30–60 minutes before serving.
Frozen Bunny Chow can last up to 2 months. The texture might change slightly depending on your toppings, but it’s still a great make-ahead option for busy hosts or snack prep lovers.
Nutritional Breakdown
Caloric Information
Let’s get real—Easter Bunny Chow isn’t exactly health food, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy it. A single serving (about 1 cup) can average between 200–350 calories depending on your ingredients. The bulk of those calories comes from the chocolate, peanut butter (if used), and sugary toppings.
Here’s a basic breakdown of a standard Bunny Chow recipe per serving:
| Ingredient | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|
| Chex cereal (1 cup) | 110 |
| White chocolate (2 tbsp) | 150 |
| Peanut butter (1 tbsp) | 90 |
| Powdered sugar (1 tbsp) | 60 |
| Candies & sprinkles | 100–150 |
That’s a total of around 300–400 calories per cup, depending on how generous your handfuls are (and let’s be honest, they usually are). It’s a snack meant to be savored in moderation.
FAQs
Can I make Easter Bunny Chow ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How long does Easter Bunny Chow stay fresh?
When stored properly, it stays fresh for about 5–7 days. If it starts tasting stale, it’s probably time to make a new batch!
Can I make Bunny Chow without peanut butter?
Absolutely. Just skip it or use an alternative like almond or sunflower butter—or go without entirely and rely on chocolate alone.
What cereals work best for Bunny Chow?
Rice Chex, Corn Chex, and Crispix are top picks. Just make sure the cereal is sturdy enough to hold up under the melted coating.
Is Bunny Chow only for Easter?
Not at all! You can switch up the colors and candies to fit any holiday or occasion. Try red and green for Christmas, or red and pink for Valentine’s Day!
Print
Easter Bunny Chow
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Easter Bunny Chow is the ultimate spring snack! A colorful twist on the classic “Muddy Buddies,” this no-bake treat is made with crunchy cereal coated in melted white chocolate and powdered sugar, then mixed with festive Easter candies and sprinkles.
Ingredients
6 cups Rice or Corn Chex cereal
1½ cups white chocolate chips or pastel candy melts
½ cup peanut butter (or almond butter) – optional
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 cup pastel M&Ms or candy-coated chocolates
1 cup mini marshmallows
½ cup Easter sprinkles
Optional: ½ cup pretzel sticks, broken in half
Optional: ½ cup shredded coconut (tinted green)
Instructions
Prep: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Measure out cereal and place in a large mixing bowl.
Melt: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips, peanut butter (if using), and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Mix: Pour the melted mixture over the cereal. Gently fold until all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
Coat: Add powdered sugar to a large Ziploc bag. Pour in coated cereal, seal the bag, and shake until fully covered.
Combine: Transfer the mix back to the bowl. Add in M&Ms, marshmallows, sprinkles, and any other mix-ins. Gently stir to combine.
Cool: Spread the mixture on the parchment-lined tray to cool and set for 10–15 minutes.
Serve or store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
Use a rubber spatula to fold in melted chocolate without breaking the cereal.
Add coconut oil (1 tsp) if your candy melts are too thick.
Customize colors and candies for different holidays or themes.
Want to make ahead? Store Bunny Chow in airtight containers up to 5 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes