Description
Leprechaun Bait is a fun and festive no-bake snack mix perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. This colorful treat combines crunchy cereals, mini pretzels, melted white chocolate, and vibrant sprinkles, topped off with green M&M’s and mini marshmallows for a sweet and salty delight that’s easy to prepare and share.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn or a mix)
- 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal (including marshmallows)
- 2 cups mini pretzel twists
Chocolate Coating
- 16 oz white chocolate chips (about 2.5 cups; OR white candy melts OR vanilla almond bark)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons St. Patrick’s Day Sprinkles (shamrock shapes and green/gold/white sprinkles)
- 1 cup green M&M’s (dark chocolate mint or green and gold)
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows (picked out from remaining Lucky Charms cereal)
Instructions
- Prep: Line a large baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick and is easy to remove once set.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together 2 cups Chex cereal, 2 cups Lucky Charms cereal, and 2 cups mini pretzel twists. Mix carefully to maintain the shape of the cereals and pretzels without crushing them.
- Melt chocolate: Place 16 ounces of white chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at medium power in 15-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. This helps create a glossy coating that binds the mix.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the melted white chocolate over the dry cereal and pretzel mix. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until each piece is evenly coated with the chocolate, ensuring a deliciously sweet layer throughout.
- Set the mix: Spread the chocolate-coated mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles on top for extra color and festivity. Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes until the chocolate hardens. To speed up this process, refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
- Serve: Once the chocolate is set, top the snack mix with 1 cup green M&M’s and 3/4 cup mini marshmallows. Break the mixture into bite-sized clusters if needed. Store in an airtight container to keep the treat fresh and crunchy.
Notes
- Using high-quality white chocolate chips or candy melts ensures a smooth, creamy coating.
- Vegetable oil helps the chocolate melt evenly and stay glossy without hardening too quickly.
- Sprinkles add festive St. Patrick’s Day charm and a slight crunch to the mix.
- For a quicker set time, refrigerate the mixture but be sure not to leave it too long to prevent condensation.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
