Can I make Easter Bunny Chow without peanut butter?

Absolutely! Substitute cookie butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Nutella if you're dealing with nut allergies. Each alternative will give a slightly different flavor profile, but they all work wonderfully with the chocolate base.

Why did my chocolate mixture seize up?

Chocolate can seize if even a tiny drop of water gets into it. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before starting. If it does seize, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and gently heat again, stirring until smooth.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes! Dark chocolate creates a less sweet version with deeper flavor notes. You might want to increase the powdered sugar slightly to balance the bitterness of dark chocolate.

How do I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping?

Make sure the chocolate coating has cooled slightly but is still sticky before adding powdered sugar. Shake in smaller batches for the most even coating, and if you notice clumping, sift the powdered sugar before adding it.

Easter Bunny Chow Recipe

Name: Easter Bunny Chow Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 11 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup butter; 1 cup milk chocolate chips; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 9 cups Chex cereal; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 cup Easter M&Ms; Spring/Easter sprinkles

This Easter Bunny Chow is a delightful spring treat that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible snack in just minutes. The combination of creamy chocolate-peanut butter coating, crunchy cereal, and festive candies creates a sweet treat that’s perfect for Easter baskets, holiday gatherings, or just satisfying those springtime sweet cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From start to finish, you’ll have this adorable treat ready in under 15 minutes – no baking required!
Kid-Friendly: Children will love both making and eating this colorful snack. It’s a perfect activity for keeping little hands busy during Easter preparations.
Customizable: Switch up the colors and candies to match any holiday or celebration throughout the year.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve never met anyone who can resist this sweet, crunchy, chocolatey goodness – it disappears within minutes at parties!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chex Cereal: The perfect base with its light crunch and honeycomb structure that catches all the delicious coating. Rice or corn Chex both work wonderfully.
Peanut Butter: Provides that rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate. The creamy variety melts beautifully and coats the cereal evenly.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that irresistibly smooth coating.
Milk Chocolate Chips: The star of the sweet coating! They melt perfectly and create that classic puppy chow flavor we all love.
Vanilla Extract: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors and adds subtle warmth.
Powdered Sugar: Creates that signature sweet, snowy coating that makes this treat so addictive.
Easter M&Ms: Brings festive spring colors and chocolate-candy crunch to the mix.
Spring/Easter Sprinkles: The finishing touch that transforms regular puppy chow into a celebration-worthy Easter treat!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cereal Options

Try using Rice Chex, Corn Chex, or even a mix of different Chex varieties for interesting texture combinations.

Flavor Twists

White Chocolate Wonder: Substitute white chocolate chips for milk chocolate for a lighter spring look.
Cookies & Cream: Add crushed Oreos to the finished mix for extra decadence.
Peanut Butter Lover’s: Double the peanut butter and use Reese’s Pieces instead of M&Ms.

Seasonal Adaptations

Simply switch your M&M colors and sprinkles to match any holiday – red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or team colors for game day!

How to Make Easter Bunny Chow

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Mixture

Place your peanut butter, butter, and milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until completely melted and silky smooth. The residual heat usually finishes the melting process, but you can add 15-second intervals if needed. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 2: Coat the Cereal

Pour your Chex cereal into a large bowl with a tight-fitting lid. Drizzle the warm chocolate mixture over the cereal. Secure the lid and gently shake until every piece of cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate-peanut butter goodness.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Once your cereal is completely coated with chocolate, add the powdered sugar to the bowl. Cover again and shake until every piece is dusted with a perfect white coating. The powdered sugar will stick to the chocolate mixture, creating that classic sweet exterior.

Step 4: Add Festive Mix-ins

Open the bowl and add your Easter M&Ms and spring sprinkles. Gently fold them in with a spatula to distribute them evenly without crushing the cereal.

Step 5: Set and Serve

Spread the mixture on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and set for about 15 minutes. Once set, transfer to a serving bowl or portion into individual treat bags.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overheat: Chocolate can burn easily, so microwave in short intervals and use the residual heat to finish melting.
Work Quickly: The chocolate mixture sets fast, so move efficiently when coating the cereal.
Cool Completely: Allow the Bunny Chow to cool before storing it in an airtight container to prevent sogginess.
Shake Method: When coating with powdered sugar, shake in batches for the most even coverage.
Even Coating: If you notice any bare spots after shaking with powdered sugar, you can sprinkle a bit more on those areas and gently toss again.

How to Serve

Party Presentation

Serve in a large Easter-themed bowl as a centerpiece for your holiday dessert table. Place small serving scoops nearby so guests can help themselves.

Gifting Ideas

Fill colorful cellophane bags with Easter Bunny Chow, tie with pastel ribbons, and add to Easter baskets or give as sweet teacher gifts.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve alongside fresh fruit for a nice contrast to the sweetness, or with a glass of cold milk for the perfect snack combination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the coating sets completely!

Freezing

This treat freezes surprisingly well! Place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. The M&Ms and sprinkles might lose some color vibrancy when thawed.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare 1-2 days ahead of your event for best results. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and you’ll have one less thing to prepare on the big day.

FAQs

Can I make Easter Bunny Chow without peanut butter?

Absolutely! Substitute cookie butter, sunflower seed butter, or even Nutella if you’re dealing with nut allergies. Each alternative will give a slightly different flavor profile, but they all work wonderfully with the chocolate base.
Why did my chocolate mixture seize up?

Chocolate can seize if even a tiny drop of water gets into it. Make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before starting. If it does seize, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and gently heat again, stirring until smooth.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?

Yes! Dark chocolate creates a less sweet version with deeper flavor notes. You might want to increase the powdered sugar slightly to balance the bitterness of dark chocolate.
How do I prevent the powdered sugar from clumping?

Make sure the chocolate coating has cooled slightly but is still sticky before adding powdered sugar. Shake in smaller batches for the most even coating, and if you notice clumping, sift the powdered sugar before adding it.

Final Thoughts

This Easter Bunny Chow is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a festive tradition waiting to happen! Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it brings smiles to faces of all ages. Whether you’re filling Easter baskets, needing a last-minute party contribution, or just craving something sweet and crunchy, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try this Easter season, and I guarantee it will hop its way into your regular holiday rotation!