easter bunny munch
The simplest treat for the nibbly bunny in your life.
I don’t attach a whole lot of memories as far as Easter goes. My family isn’t particularly religious and we never went to church, so the holiday wasn’t particularly prominent in my household growing up aside from the kids getting Monday off school. As an adult, I only have vague recollections. One year my mom and sister came to my place when I lived near my college, and I’m pretty sure we grilled out. At that point in time I was in a rather desolate mental place and I genuinely don’t think my brain retained much from that era.
I think when I was real little we visited the church nearby to hunt for eggs, but that’s pretty much it. Swindling goodies from a place we didn’t attend. Classic.
Frosted Cheerios, however, I remember with clarity. They were my favorite, and I ate almost nothing other than a bowl of those sugarbombs when I was younger. That is, before I graduated to Spam, hash, cheesy potatoes, and raisin toast. Lord, I don’t know how I survived that era. I’m grateful I grew up knowing that style of cuisine, though, since back in the 90s health conscience was fairly low and I got to watch it transform as I myself grew into adulthood. One comparison point I’m fairly proud that I managed to change.
Springtime goodies should have some color and pop, and this stupid easy Easter Bunny Munch boasts both. Frosted Cheerios replace krispies in this twist on the crispy classic and the former is dressed up in marshmallows, browned butter, pastel M&M candies, and sprinkles. Whip them up for a seasonal soiree, a kid’s party, or to take to the local church from which you left your kids swipe eggs as an appeasement. Keep a couple for yourself, too, for nostalgia’s sake.
Why Call Them Marshmallows?
Where did that name even come from? Marsh is a rather unpleasant swampy landscape, and a mallow is…well, a fluffy character from Super Mario RPG as far as I’m concerned. Reminds me of the word shampoo because I’d imagine you don’t want a sham or poo in your strands.
Anyway. No bogs or fictional beings in these treats. Just an irrelevant aside.
Start with some butter in a skillet. Melt it down until it starts to froth and turn golden.
Slide the pan off the heat and stir in the marshmallows, some vanilla, and salt. Mallows don’t need a whole ton of heat to fizzle down, and the lessened temperature will help when you add the M&Ms in a minute.
Fold in the Frosted Cheerios with a wooden spoon until well coated. Let the pan cool for 5 minutes. This is key to ensure the M&Ms don’t melt spectacularly. The second means of avoiding a chocolatey mess is folding the candies in as quickly as possible. After the 5 minute cooling period, dump them in and work into the cheerios gently but rapidly.
Line a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with parchment. Dump the munch mix into the pan, pushing and pressing until it reaches all corners and is fairly even. Try not to manhandle the stuff. Finish with lots of confetti sprinkles
Cover up the pan and refrigerate at least an hour to firm them up. After that period, slice and enjoy! I got 24 nice sized bars, but you can make them bigger if you wish.
These bars are quite adaptable: you can opt for a different Cheerio variety or even sub for Krispies if you prefer them. I just love the unique texture and taste lent by our friendly O-shaped cereal, and of course the childhood adoration I attach to them.
What was/is your cereal of choice? Nowadays I opt more for Honey Nut Cheerios or bran flakes.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
easter bunny munch
Ingredients
- 5 cups Frosted Cheerios
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups pastel M&M candies
- 2-4 tbsp confetti sprinkles
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 inch cake pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until bubbly and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the marshmallows, vanilla, and salt, and stir constantly until melted and no longer chunky, about 5 minutes longer.
- Stir in the cheerios until well combined. Let the pan cool for 5 minutes, then quickly and carefully fold in the M&Ms. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and pat evenly from edge to edge. Dust with the confetti sprinkles. Chill the pan for at least an hour, then slice and serve!
