Irresistible Easter Peep Treats

Get ready to elevate your Easter dessert game with these delightful Peep Bars! A fusion of fudgy chocolate cake, gooey toasted Peeps, and crunchy M&M’s, these bars are a true showstopper on any dessert table. I stumbled upon this recipe during an Easter Peep overload and never looked back.

Imagine the joy on your guests’ faces as they sink their teeth into these colorful treats. The sweet nostalgia of Peeps meets the rich decadence of chocolate in every bite. A perfect balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone reaching for seconds. These Peep Bars have become a beloved tradition in my family, sparking excitement every Easter gathering.

Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or looking for a fun baking project with the kids, these Peep Bars are sure to steal the show. With a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can create a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also brings a touch of whimsy to your celebration. Embrace the playful spirit of Easter with these irresistible Peep Bars!

Quick Benefits

• Gooey sweetness of toasted Peeps adds a unique and delicious flavor
• Candy crunch of colorful M&M’s provides a textural contrast
• Perfect festive Easter dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress
• Versatile recipe allows for creative variations and adaptations

Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Easter Peep Treats Recipe

• Unique Twist: Transforming the often-forgotten Peeps into a fudgy, gooey, and colorful dessert will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Family Favorite: These Peep Bars have become a beloved Easter tradition in many households, loved by both adults and kids alike.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The combination of chocolate cake, toasted Peeps, and colorful M&M’s provides a perfect balance of sweetness, gooeyness, and crunch.
• Versatile Serving Options: Whether served at Easter gatherings, brunches, or as classroom treats, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
• Creative Variations: Experiment with different cake mixes, Peep flavors, and additional toppings like peanut butter or coconut to customize the recipe to your preference.
• Simple to Make: Easy enough for kids to help prepare, making it a fun and memorable activity for the whole family.
• Beautiful Presentation: Adorn your table with these colorful bars surrounded by fresh berries and mint, or wrap them individually for a festive Easter basket addition.

Ingredients for Irresistible Easter Peep Treats

For the Bars

• 24 Peeps marshmallow candies
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 2 cups M & M’s (Easter colors if possible)
• 2 eggs

How to Make Irresistible Easter Peep Treats

Step 1: Prepare the pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil, then grease lightly with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the cake base

Combine chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until well mixed; expect a thick mixture.

Step 3: Form the base layer

Evenly press the cake mixture into the bottom of the baking pan to create a uniform layer.

Step 4: Bake the base

Place in the oven and bake for 12 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Peeps

While the cake is in the oven, cut the Peeps into small pieces.

Step 6: Add the Peeps layer

Once the cake has baked for 12 minutes, take the pan out of the oven and evenly sprinkle the chopped Peeps over the hot cake layer.

Step 7: Toast the marshmallows

Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 5-6 minutes until the marshmallows begin to toast and melt.

Step 8: Add the M&M’s

Take the pan out of the oven and promptly scatter the M&M’s on top of the melted marshmallow.

Step 9: Cool and cut

Let the bars cool completely, then cut into desired size pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 10: Store

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made a batch of these delightful Peep Bars, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their best texture and flavor. To keep the bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate cake base will stay moist, while the marshmallow layer will remain delightfully gooey for about 3 days. If you plan to stack the bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their individual shapes.

While the Peep Bars technically can last longer, the marshmallow layer may begin to harden slightly after the third day. Due to the marshmallow component, these bars do not freeze well. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy them within a few days of making for the optimal taste and texture. Whether you’re serving them at an Easter gathering, spring bake sale, or classroom party, storing the Peep Bars properly will ensure that they maintain their whimsical appearance and nostalgic flavors for everyone to enjoy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have Peeps marshmallow candies on hand, you can substitute regular marshmallows for a similar gooey texture. Simply chop or tear the marshmallows into small pieces and distribute them evenly over the cake batter before baking. While you won’t get the same colorful and festive look as with Peeps, the bars will still have that sweet and gooey marshmallow layer.

For a different twist on the recipe, you can swap the chocolate cake mix with a vanilla or white cake mix. This change will result in a lighter-colored base that allows the colors of the M&M’s to pop even more. Consider using pastel-colored M&M’s to maintain the Easter theme. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of candy or chocolate chips in place of M&M’s if you prefer or based on what you have available in your pantry. Just ensure the substituted candies are similar in size to M&M’s for even distribution throughout the bars.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these delightful Peep Bars into a show-stopping Easter dessert by serving them on a platter adorned with fresh berries and aromatic mint leaves. The vibrant colors and sweet flavors will create a festive centerpiece that is sure to impress your guests. For a more casual setting, cut the bars into bite-sized pieces and pair them with a selection of fruit and cheese for a delightful sweet finish to your Easter brunch spread. To make them even more giftable, wrap individual bars in colorful cellophane and tie them with a ribbon for a charming addition to any Easter basket.

For a fun and creative twist on these Peep Bars, try experimenting with different variations. Use a white cake mix with strawberry Peeps for a delightful color contrast, or add a layer of warmed peanut butter before the marshmallow for a decadent chocolate-peanut butter fusion. Sprinkle toasted coconut over the bars for added texture, or mix graham cracker crumbs into the base for a s’mores-inspired treat. These playful variations will add an extra layer of excitement to your Easter celebrations and are sure to become a new family favorite.

FAQs for Irresistible Easter Peep Treats

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely experiment with different cake mix flavors to create variations of these Peep Bars. For example, try using a white cake mix with strawberry Peeps for a different color and flavor contrast.

How should I store these Peep Bars?

To maintain the best texture of the Peep Bars, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If stacking the bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They will stay fresh for about 3 days, but the marshmallow layer may begin to harden slightly after that.

Can I freeze these Peep Bars?

These Peep Bars do not freeze well due to the marshmallow component. It’s best to enjoy them within a few days of making for the optimal taste and texture.

Any tips for cutting the Peep Bars neatly?

When making these Peep Bars, avoid adding too many M&M’s as they can make the bars difficult to cut neatly. Also, make sure to chop the Peeps instead of using them whole to create a more uniform layer and prevent uneven melting or scorching during baking.

Conclusion

As you embark on your own Peep Bars baking adventure, remember that the beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delightful taste but also in the joy it brings to those who indulge in its colorful sweetness. Whether you’re celebrating Easter with loved ones, hosting a spring gathering, or simply craving a whimsical treat, these Peep Bars are sure to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of Peep Bars unfold in your kitchen. Embrace the gooey marshmallow goodness, the crunchy candy surprises, and the fudgy chocolate base. Dive into the world of festive desserts and create memories that will last long after the last crumb is gone. Happy baking, and may your Peep Bars bring a smile to all who taste them!