Bunny Bait Easter Mix
This Bunny Bait Easter Mix is a colorful, no-bake, sweet-and-salty popcorn candy mix loaded with pastel candies, crunchy pretzels, cereal, mini marshmallows, and creamy white chocolate. It’s quick to make, perfect for Easter parties, dessert tables, and gift bags, and loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 8 cups popped popcorn plain, lightly salted; avoid heavily buttered microwave popcorn
- 3 cups mini pretzel twists or pretzel sticks broken in half
- 2 cups rice or corn cereal squares such as Rice Chex or Corn Chex
- 1 1/2 cups Easter M&M’s or other pastel chocolate candies
- 1 cup pastel candy-coated chocolate eggs such as Cadbury Mini Eggs, optional
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 16 oz white chocolate chips or white candy melts about 2 2/3 cups
- 1-2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps the white chocolate melt smoothly
- 1/4 cup pastel sprinkles or nonpareils
- 1 pinch fine sea salt to balance the sweetness
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet (or two smaller ones) with parchment paper. Spread the popped popcorn on the sheet and pick out any unpopped kernels.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the popcorn, pretzels, cereal, mini marshmallows, and about three-quarters of the M&M’s and candy eggs. Reserve the remaining candies for topping. Gently toss to combine.
- Place the white chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted, 1 1/2–2 minutes total. Do not overheat.
- Pour the melted white chocolate over the popcorn mixture. Using a large spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold and toss until everything is evenly coated, working from the bottom of the bowl upward.
- Transfer the coated mixture to the parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer. While the coating is still wet, sprinkle the remaining M&M’s, candy eggs, pastel sprinkles, and a pinch of fine sea salt evenly over the top so they stick.
- Let the mix sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or until the white chocolate is firm. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the tray for 10–15 minutes to speed up setting.
- Once set, break the Bunny Bait into clusters and chunks. Transfer to a serving bowl, jars, or treat bags and serve.
Notes
Store Bunny Bait in an airtight container at room temperature for 5–7 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in zip-top freezer bags for up to 2 months. Air-popped or lightly salted popcorn works best; avoid heavily buttered popcorn. A small pinch of sea salt helps balance the sweetness. For toddlers, consider skipping very hard candy eggs and stick with softer candies and cereal.
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