This Easter Bunny Chow is one of those sweet, no-bake treats that disappears faster than you can make it.
It’s crunchy, sweet, lemony, and smells like spring in a bowl.
Think of it like a lemon-vanilla twist on classic puppy chow, but way more festive.
It’s great for snacking, gifting, or putting out in a big bowl for gatherings.
I’ve made this for the past three Easters and there are never leftovers. Let’s get into it!
What You’ll Need
- 6 cups rice Chex cereal
- 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup pastel Easter M&Ms
- 2 tablespoons pastel sprinkles
Why I Love This Recipe
Easter Bunny Chow just feels like sunshine and springtime. Every bite has a mix of creamy white chocolate, zesty lemon, and a little crunch that makes it addictive in the best way. I’ve been making this since I first saw it at an Easter brunch years ago, and it’s become a yearly staple for a few reasons:
- It’s super quick and doesn’t require baking
- Only one bowl and one zip-top bag to clean up
- You can make it ahead and store it easily
- It looks really cute in Easter baskets or party bowls
- The lemon and vanilla combo is bright and refreshing
Servings: 8
Total Time: 15 minutes
Macros (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 27g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The Chex cereal has all those perfect nooks and crannies to catch melted chocolate. When you coat it and toss it in powdered sugar, it creates a dry, crisp shell that keeps the cereal crunchy. The butter in the chocolate helps it melt smoothly, and the lemon zest gives just enough acid to balance the sweetness.
Common Mistakes
- Overheating the chocolate: White chocolate burns fast. Heat it in short bursts and stir often.
- Adding zest too early: Don’t mix zest into the melted chocolate before it’s smooth or it’ll clump.
- Skipping the bag: Tossing in a bag is way easier than trying to coat everything in a bowl.
- Not letting it cool before adding M&Ms: The candy coating can melt if the mix is still warm.
What to Serve With
- A fresh fruit platter
- Lemonade or sweet tea
- Mini carrot cupcakes
- A salty snack like pretzels to balance the sweetness
FAQ
Can I use a different cereal?
Yes! Corn Chex or Crispix work well too.
Is this gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free rice Chex, yes.
How long does this stay fresh?
About 5 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze it?
Not recommended—it loses crunch when thawed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use almond bark instead of white chocolate chips for easier melting
- Add mini pretzels for a salty-sweet mix
- Use citrus zest like orange for a different twist
- Swap pastel M&Ms with mini marshmallows or yogurt-covered raisins
Tools Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Gallon-size zip-top bag
Make Ahead Tips
- Make this 1–2 days in advance and store it in a sealed container. Don’t add M&Ms or sprinkles until just before serving for the best texture and color.
How to Make Easter Bunny Chow
Step 1: Add Chex cereal to a large mixing bowl
Pour 6 cups of rice Chex cereal into a large glass mixing bowl.
Step 2: Melt the white chocolate and butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, add 1 ½ cups white chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
Step 3: Add vanilla and lemon zest
Stir 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon lemon zest into the melted chocolate mixture.
Step 4: Pour chocolate mixture over Chex
Pour the lemon vanilla chocolate mix over the Chex cereal in the large bowl. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat all the cereal.
Step 5: Add powdered sugar and shake
Transfer the coated cereal into a large zip-top bag. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar. Seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Let it cool
Spread the coated cereal out on a baking sheet or parchment-lined counter to cool completely so it doesn’t melt the candy later.
Step 7: Add M&Ms and sprinkles
Once cooled, mix in ½ cup pastel M&Ms and 2 tablespoons pastel sprinkles. Stir gently to combine.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Scoop into a pretty bowl or bag it up for gifts. Keep sealed until ready to serve.
Leftovers and Storage
Store Easter Bunny Chow in an airtight container or zip-top bag at room temp for up to 5 days. Don’t refrigerate—it’ll get soft.
Final Thoughts
There’s something super special about sharing this sweet snack during Easter season. It’s so simple but makes people light up when they taste that lemony crunch. I hope it becomes a go-to in your spring lineup. Let me know how yours turns out and drop a comment if you have any fun twists or questions!
