Oh hey there! So, let me tell you about this adorable little snack that’s become a staple during our Easter get-togethers: Easter Bunny Chow. You know those moments when you’re just craving something sweet and crunchy, but you can’t decide if you want chocolate or peanut butter? This is where Bunny Chow hops in! I first made this for my nephew’s Easter party, and let me tell you, it was a hit. Even my brother, who pretends he’s above all things cutesy, couldn’t stop munching on it!
Why You’ll Love This
I whip this up whenever I need a quick treat that looks like I put in way more effort than I actually did (a sneaky little secret!). My family goes nuts for it because, well, who doesn’t love chocolate and peanut butter? And if you’re like me, you might appreciate that it’s forgiving—you can tweak it a bit (or a lot) and it still turns out great.
What You’ll Need
- 8 cups of Rice Chex cereal (or Corn Chex if that’s what you’ve got on hand)
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips (sometimes I use dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter (creamy’s best, but chunky adds a fun twist)
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 cup pastel-colored M&M’s (optional, but they make it festive!)
- 1 cup of mini marshmallows (my personal touch, ’cause why not?)
How to Make It
- Start by melting the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until it’s all smooth and combined. Don’t rush this bit—I once tried to crank up the heat and ended up with a scorched mess!
- Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract. This is where I usually sneak a taste (just for quality control, you know?).
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal in a large bowl, gently folding until every piece is coated. It’s a bit messy, but that’s half the fun!
- Dump the coated cereal into a large resealable plastic bag, add the powdered sugar, and shake it like you’re in a dance-off. This might be my favorite part!
- Spread the mixture on wax paper to cool, then mix in your M&M’s and marshmallows once it’s set. Voilà! You’re ready to munch.
Notes
I’ve found that letting the Bunny Chow cool on the counter instead of the fridge keeps it from getting too hard. But hey, if you’re in a hurry, the fridge works just fine too.
Try These Variations
I’ve tried adding shredded coconut once—it was a bit too much for my taste, but maybe you’ll love it! Another fun twist is using white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might seize up.
What If I Don’t Have the Right Tools?
No worries! If you don’t have a large resealable bag, just use a big bowl with a lid and shake away. Or, honestly, you can just mix it up with a spoon if that’s easier.
How to Store Your Bunny Chow
You can keep this delightful snack in an airtight container for up to a week, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day or two!
Best Ways to Serve
I love serving this in a big bowl at our Easter brunch, right next to the deviled eggs (eggs and bunnies, it’s a theme!). But it’s also perfect for bagging up as cute little party favors.
Pro Tips
I’ve learned the hard way not to skimp on the powdered sugar; I once thought I’d be clever and use less, but it didn’t have the same magic. Also, waiting until the cereal is completely cool before adding the extras keeps those M&M’s from melting.
FAQ
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Absolutely! It gives a nice twist, and it’s great if you’re avoiding peanuts.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free? Yes, just make sure your cereal is certified gluten-free, and you’re all set!
What if I don’t like marshmallows? Leave ’em out! Or swap with something crunchy like pretzel bites.