Easter Bunny Chow Recipe

There’s something so nostalgic about recipes that are as fun to make as they are to eat, and Easter Bunny Chow is one of those classics that never gets old. It’s crunchy, sweet, chocolatey, and just plain festive—perfect for springtime celebrations or an easy snack for the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too). Every time I whip up a batch, I’m transported back to Easter mornings as a kid, with pastel-colored treats scattered across the table and the sweet aroma of chocolate wafting through the air. Let me walk you through this delightful treat—trust me, it’s as easy as it is addicting.

this RECIPE

A sweet memory: why this recipe always feels like home

Growing up, Easter was always a big deal in our house. My mom would spend hours crafting the perfect holiday spread, complete with pastel-colored everything and enough candy to keep us bouncing off the walls. But the real star of the day was always the Bunny Chow. She’d hand my siblings and me giant mixing bowls, and we’d shake up the cereal, powdered sugar, and sprinkles until the kitchen looked like it had been caught in a powdered sugar blizzard. There’s something magical about being part of the process—and the irresistible mix of creamy chocolate and crunchy cereal is the kind of joy that sticks with you long after childhood. These days, I make it for my own kids (or just myself when the craving hits). It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fun way to keep the holiday spirit alive.

Easter Bunny Chow: a bit of a backstory

Easter Bunny Chow, also known as Muddy Buddies or Puppy Chow, is a sweet snack mix that originated as a variation of the classic Chex cereal treat. The base is always cereal coated in a melted mixture of chocolate and peanut butter, then tossed with powdered sugar for that irresistible sweetness. Over the years, creative cooks have adapted it for every holiday, adding themed candies and sprinkles to fit the season. This Easter version stands out with its cheerful pops of pastel color and festive mix-ins like M&Ms and spring sprinkles. It’s a playful, no-bake recipe that’s perfect for whipping up with kids or as a last-minute dessert for any gathering.

Let’s talk ingredients: the stars of the show

This recipe keeps things simple and delicious. Here’s why each ingredient matters (and some tips to make them work for you):

• Chex cereal: The crispy, light texture of Chex cereal is the perfect base for soaking up the chocolatey goodness. Rice Chex or Corn Chex both work great—use whichever you have on hand. If you’re out of Chex, plain popcorn or pretzels can make a fun substitute.
• Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the coating its rich, nutty flavor and helps everything stick together. You can swap it for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Butter: Butter adds just the right amount of richness to the chocolate coating. Use unsalted butter if you want full control over the flavor, but honestly, salted butter works in a pinch.
• Chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips are a classic choice here, but you can switch to semi-sweet or white chocolate for a different vibe. Go for high-quality chocolate if you want that ultra-smooth finish.
• Powdered sugar: This is the magic dust that gives Bunny Chow its signature sweetness and fluffy texture. A light coating is all you need, but don’t be afraid to pile it on if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
• Easter M&Ms and sprinkles: The colorful candy and sprinkles make this recipe feel like a party in a bowl. Feel free to swap in other candies or even mini marshmallows if you’re feeling adventurous.

Kitchen gear: what you’ll need

This recipe is about as low-maintenance as it gets, but having the right tools makes things even easier:

• Microwavable mixing bowl: You’ll use this to melt the peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips. If you don’t have a microwave, a stovetop double boiler works too.
• Large mixing bowl with a lid: The bigger, the better—you’ll need plenty of room to toss the cereal without making a mess. If your bowl doesn’t have a lid, you can use a resealable plastic bag instead.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the melted chocolate mixture and coating the cereal. A silicone spatula works especially well since it scrapes the bowl clean.

Step-by-step: how to make Easter Bunny Chow

1. Melt the chocolate mixture
   Start by combining the peanut butter, butter, and milk chocolate chips in a microwavable bowl. Microwave it for one minute, then give it a good stir until it’s smooth and creamy. If there are still a few unmelted chips, pop it back in for 15-second intervals, stirring in between. Don’t overheat it—burnt chocolate is no fun. Add the vanilla once it’s melted and stir it in.
2. Coat the cereal
   In a large bowl, pour the melted chocolate mixture over your Chex cereal. This is where the magic happens! Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal into the chocolate mixture, making sure every piece gets a nice, even coating.
3. Shake on the powdered sugar
   Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the coated cereal. Cover the bowl with its lid (or transfer everything to a large resealable bag) and shake, shake, shake! The goal is to get every piece of cereal dusted with that sweet, powdery coating.
4. Add the festive flair
   Toss in your Easter M&Ms and spring sprinkles. Mix them in gently so you don’t crush the cereal. That’s it—you’re done!

Variations: because options are always fun

• Nut-free: Swap the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter and double-check your sprinkles and candies to ensure they’re nut-free.
• Gluten-free: Use a certified gluten-free version of Chex cereal and confirm that your sprinkles and M&Ms are safe too.
• Vegan: Substitute the butter for coconut oil and use vegan chocolate chips. Some powdered sugars may not be vegan, so be sure to check the label.
• White chocolate twist: Replace the milk chocolate chips with white chocolate and toss in some freeze-dried strawberries for a sweet-and-tangy flavor combo.
• Seasonal swaps: Try this recipe with red and green M&Ms for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween. It’s endlessly customizable!

Serving and presentation ideas

To really make this Easter Bunny Chow pop, serve it in a pastel-colored bowl or divide it into little treat bags tied with ribbons. It’s also a fun addition to an Easter dessert board—just surround it with other festive treats like mini cupcakes or chocolate-covered pretzels. A sprinkle of extra powdered sugar right before serving gives it that fresh, snowy look that’s irresistible.

What to drink with Bunny Chow?

Since this is a sweet, chocolaty snack, pair it with something light and refreshing. A glass of cold milk is a classic choice, but if you’re serving adults, a crisp rosé or sparkling wine complements the chocolate beautifully. For the kids, a fruity punch or even a cup of herbal tea would be perfect.

Storage and reheating tips

Store your Easter Bunny Chow in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—if it lasts that long! You can also freeze it for up to three months in a resealable bag. To thaw, just let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Avoid reheating it, as the chocolate can get messy and lose its texture.

Scaling the recipe: more or less to love

This recipe is super easy to scale up or down depending on how much you need. For a smaller batch, just cut everything in half. If you’re making it for a party, double or triple the recipe—just make sure you have a big enough bowl for all that shaking! One thing to keep in mind is that the powdered sugar might need a little adjusting; start with less and add more as needed.

Troubleshooting tips

• If your chocolate mixture is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil to thin it out.
• Powdered sugar not sticking? Make sure the chocolate coating hasn’t cooled too much before shaking.
• Cereal getting crushed? Be gentle when tossing and shaking—use your hands if needed.

Ready to make this sweet Easter treat?

Easter Bunny Chow is a treat that never fails to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re making it with little helpers or just looking for an easy way to add some holiday cheer to your day, it’s a recipe worth trying (and sharing). Don’t be afraid to play around with flavors and colors to make it your own. Once you’ve tasted that perfect mix of chocolate, peanut butter, and crunch, you’ll understand why this snack is such a hit. Go ahead—grab your mixing bowl and get shaking!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cereal?
Yes, you can! While Chex cereal is the classic choice, plain popcorn, pretzels, or even puffed rice cereal can work as substitutes.

2. How do I prevent the cereal from getting soggy?
Make sure the chocolate coating is evenly distributed and work quickly to coat the cereal before it cools.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bunny Chow stays fresh for up to a week in an airtight container, making it perfect for prepping in advance.

4. What if I don’t have a bowl with a lid?
No problem! Use a large resealable plastic bag for shaking—it works just as well.

5. Can I skip the sprinkles and M&Ms?
Sure! The core of the recipe is the chocolate-coated cereal and powdered sugar. You can skip the extras or replace them with your favorite add-ins.

Print