Easter Bunny Chow is one of those recipes that instantly brings back childhood memories. The chocolatey, peanut-buttery crunch, paired with the festive colors of Easter M&Ms and sprinkles, feels like a joyful celebration in every bite. Whether you’re making this as a fun snack for your kids, whipping it up for an Easter gathering, or indulging in a sweet treat for yourself (guilty as charged!), this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s simple, quick, and full of charm.

I remember the first time I made this—it was a spur-of-the-moment decision for an Easter potluck I nearly forgot about. As I scrambled to put something together, I stumbled across this recipe. The smell of melted chocolate and peanut butter filled my kitchen, and before I knew it, I was snacking on it straight out of the bowl. (Whoops!) By the time I got to the party, everyone was asking for the recipe, and it became a tradition to bring it every year. The mix of crispy cereal, creamy chocolate, and bursts of candy crunch never fails to bring smiles.

The origin story of this festive treat

This recipe is a playful twist on the classic “puppy chow” (also called “muddy buddies”), which has been a beloved snack for decades. The original version is made with Chex cereal, peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar. But the Easter Bunny Chow adds a cheerful seasonal spin with pastel-colored M&Ms and sprinkles, making it perfect for springtime celebrations. It’s one of those recipes that you can customize endlessly, which is probably why it’s been passed down and adapted by so many families. From the Midwest church gatherings to Easter Sunday brunch tables, this dish always finds its way into the hearts of those who try it.

Let’s talk ingredients: the star players of this recipe

Chex cereal: The foundation of the recipe! Its light, crispy texture holds up perfectly under all that delicious coating. Rice Chex or Corn Chex work best, but feel free to mix and match.
Creamy peanut butter: The glue that binds the chocolate mixture together. If you’re not a fan of peanut butter or have an allergy, almond butter or sunflower seed butter works just as well. Just keep it smooth!
Milk chocolate chips: These melt into creamy perfection for the coating. You can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer less sweetness, or even white chocolate for a fun twist.
Butter: Helps everything meld together into a silky mixture. Salted or unsalted works, but if you use salted butter, skip adding any extra salt to the recipe.
Powdered sugar: The magic dust! It gives the final product that sweet, powdered coating that’s iconic to puppy chow recipes.
Easter M&Ms: These pastel beauties are the festive highlight! If M&Ms aren’t available, you can swap them with other seasonal candies like Reese’s Pieces or candy-coated chocolate eggs.
Spring sprinkles: Adds a pop of color and texture. Choose fun Easter shapes or colors to tie everything together.

Kitchen gear: What you need to make this snack

The best part about Easter Bunny Chow is that it doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting the chocolate, peanut butter, and butter mixture. A medium-sized glass bowl works well.
Large mixing bowl with a lid: You’ll need plenty of space to coat the cereal with the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar. If your bowl doesn’t have a lid, no problem—a large zip-top bag can do the trick!
Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring everything together. Silicone spatulas are great for scraping the bowl clean.
Measuring cups: Since baking (or, in this case, no-bake cooking) is all about proportions, having accurate measurements makes a difference.

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

Melt the chocolate mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, then give it a good stir. The heat will continue melting the chocolate, so keep stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If it’s not fully melted, pop it back into the microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring after each. Once it’s silky, stir in the vanilla for a boost of flavor.Pro tip: Use room-temperature ingredients for easier melting. Cold peanut butter can make the mixture seize up.
Coat the cereal
Place your Chex cereal in a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the top, then gently toss the cereal until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal—it’s delicate!Personal tip: I like to use my hands (wearing gloves) for this step. It ensures every piece gets coated, plus it’s oddly satisfying.
Add the powdered sugar
Sprinkle the powdered sugar over the chocolate-coated cereal. If your bowl has a lid, cover it and give it a good shake. This ensures an even coating without breaking the cereal. No lid? Transfer the cereal to a large zip-top bag, add the sugar, and shake away!Mess-saving hack: Do this step over the sink or spread a clean towel under your bowl to catch any stray sugar.
Add the festive toppings
Spread the coated cereal out onto a baking sheet or parchment paper to cool for a few minutes. Once it’s dry, stir in the Easter M&Ms and sprinkles. You’re done!

Variations and fun twists to try

Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate chips, vegan butter, and a peanut butter alternative like almond butter. Double-check that your powdered sugar and M&Ms are vegan-friendly.
Nut-free option: Swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, or leave it out entirely and use extra chocolate for coating.
Gluten-free: Ensure your Chex cereal is labeled gluten-free (some varieties are), and you’re good to go.
Flavored chocolate: Experiment with flavored chips like white chocolate, butterscotch, or even mint chocolate for a unique twist.
Seasonal swap: Replace the Easter sprinkles and M&Ms with Christmas, Halloween, or even birthday-themed candies for year-round fun.

How to serve and present this festive treat

Easter Bunny Chow looks adorable when served in clear glass bowls or small pastel-colored ramekins. For an extra festive touch, package it in cellophane bags tied with ribbon to give as gifts or party favors. You could even layer it in jars with extra M&Ms and sprinkles on top for a fun, edible centerpiece.

If you’re hosting a brunch or dinner, set a big bowl of this snack out on the dessert table or next to the kids’ activities—it’ll disappear in no time!

Perfect drink pairings for Easter Bunny Chow

This sweet and salty snack pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk (classic!), a warm cup of coffee, or even hot cocoa for those chilly spring mornings. For adults, a light Moscato or sweet Riesling complements the sugary flavors beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, a bubbly mimosa or sparkling lemonade is a refreshing choice, especially for Easter gatherings.

Storage and reheating tips

Easter Bunny Chow can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week (if it lasts that long). If you live in a warm climate, consider storing it in the fridge to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Reheating isn’t necessary, but if the powdered sugar starts to absorb moisture and look a little sticky, just sprinkle on some extra powdered sugar and toss it gently to refresh the coating.

Scaling up or down the recipe

Need to feed a crowd? Double or triple the recipe, but mix it in batches to make sure everything gets evenly coated. For smaller gatherings, halve the recipe and adjust the chocolate mixture accordingly. Just be mindful that too much chocolate can make the cereal soggy when scaled down.

Potential pitfalls and how to avoid them

If your chocolate mixture seizes up, it’s likely because of overheating. Stir often, and microwave in short bursts.
Don’t rush the cooling process. Adding the M&Ms too soon can cause them to melt or stick together.
Avoid crushing the cereal during mixing by using a gentle hand or shaking instead of stirring too vigorously.

Final thoughts

Easter Bunny Chow is a delightful snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s versatile, festive, and perfect for bringing people together. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, filling Easter baskets, or sneaking a handful while binge-watching your favorite shows, this recipe is a keeper. So grab your Chex cereal and let the Easter magic begin—you’ll love every crunchy, chocolatey bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly less sweet flavor. It’s a great choice if you want to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

2. How do I keep the cereal from getting soggy?
Make sure the cereal is evenly coated with the chocolate mixture and powdered sugar. Work quickly but gently to prevent it from sitting in the chocolate mixture too long.

3. What’s the best way to package this for gifts?
Cellophane bags tied with a colorful ribbon or mason jars with a cute tag work perfectly for gifting.

4. Can I freeze Easter Bunny Chow?
Yes, you can! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. This snack stays fresh for about a week, so it’s a great make-ahead option for parties and events.