Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Leprechaun Bait is a fun, festive, and colorful snack mix perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. Combining sweet and salty flavors with a crunchy texture, it’s an easy no-bake treat that kids and adults alike will enjoy. With its bright green hues and whimsical ingredients, it’s sure to catch the eye of any “leprechaun” passing by.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
rice cereal squarespretzelsmini marshmallowsgreen candy-coated chocolate (like M&M’s)white chocolate chipsgreen sprinklesgreen food coloring (optional)gold coins or candy (optional for decoration)
directions
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice cereal squares, pretzels, mini marshmallows, and green candy-coated chocolates.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
If desired, stir in a drop or two of green food coloring into the melted chocolate.
Pour the melted chocolate over the snack mix and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with green sprinkles.
Let the mix cool completely and harden, then break into clusters.
Add gold candy coins for decoration if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooling time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes
Variations
Use popcorn or cereal puffs instead of rice cereal squares for a different texture.
Add chopped nuts or dried fruit for extra flavor and nutrition.
Try drizzling dark or milk chocolate instead of white chocolate.
Mix in festive marshmallow shapes or themed candy for added whimsy.
storage/reheating
Store Leprechaun Bait in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.Do not refrigerate, as the chocolate may become sticky or develop condensation.Not suitable for reheating; best enjoyed as-is.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a perfect make-ahead snack for parties or events.
What if I don’t have green food coloring?
The mix will still taste great and be festive with green sprinkles and candies.
Is this snack safe for kids?
Absolutely, but check for allergens like nuts or dairy in the ingredients.
Can I use colored candy melts instead of food coloring?
Yes, green candy melts work well and eliminate the need for extra food coloring.
Can I freeze Leprechaun Bait?
Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture and appearance.
How do I keep the mix from sticking together?
Make sure it is fully cooled and hardened before breaking into clusters.
Conclusion
Leprechaun Bait is an irresistible treat that adds a playful touch to any St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, this sweet and salty snack mix is sure to charm everyone who tries it. Make a batch to share—or keep it all to yourself for a little bit of magic!
Print
Leprechaun Bait
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins (includes cooling)
- Yield: 16 squares
- Category: Treat/Snack
- Method: No‑bake candy bar style
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, sweet and crunchy St. Patrick’s Day treat—perfect for kids’ parties or classroom parties. Colorful cereal, marshmallows and gold sprinkles lure in a pot of imaginary leprechauns!
Ingredients
- 6 cups fruity cereal (e.g. Froot Loops or Lucky Charms)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 2 tbsp butter or margarine
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 tbsp green candy melts, melted (optional, for color pop)
- Gold sugar crystals or sprinkles, for garnish
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9‑inch square pan or line with parchment and set aside.
- In a large saucepan over low–medium heat, melt butter.
- Add mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and melted green candy melts, if using, until evenly colored.
- Quickly fold in fruity cereal until fully coated.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan; press gently and evenly using a buttered spatula or parchment piece.
- Sprinkle gold sugar crystals on top and let cool at room temperature until set (~30 mins).
- Cut into squares and serve fresh.
Notes
- For extra fun, add a handful of rainbow sprinkles or gold chocolate coins.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain crispiness.
- To make mini leprechaun bait packs, press mixture into mini muffin liners.