The Best Peep Bars Recipe for Sweet Easter Treats

Sweet Peep Bars bring nostalgic childhood memories flooding back with their whimsical charm and delightful texture.

Marshmallow confections elevate ordinary dessert moments into magical experiences that spark joy and excitement.

Kitchen enthusiasts adore these playful treats that combine soft, gooey elements with crisp, delectable layers.

Colorful and vibrant, these Bars offer a unique twist on traditional sugary delights that captivate taste buds.

Culinary creativity shines through in this simple yet ingenious dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Every bite promises a delightful journey of sweetness and childhood reminiscence.

Crafting these Bars becomes a fun and engaging activity that brings families and friends together.

Why Peep Bars Are a Treat for All Ages

• Whip Up Easter Excitement: These Peep Bars transform classic holiday marshmallows into a delightful dessert that captures childhood nostalgia and festive cheer in every bite.
• Effortless Sweet Creation: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, even novice bakers can craft these colorful bars quickly, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or spontaneous baking adventures.
• Playful Texture Explosion: Soft cake base, gooey toasted marshmallow Peeps, and crunchy M&Ms create a multi-dimensional treat that delivers unexpected and exciting sensory experiences in each mouthful.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Bright colors, sweet flavors, and interactive elements like chopping Peeps and sprinkling toppings make this recipe a fun family activity that engages children in the kitchen while producing a delicious result.

Ingredients for the Brightest Easter Bars

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Classic mix provides the rich, moist foundation for the festive bars, with easy preparation and consistent results.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cake base, ensuring a tender texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, enhancing the overall softness of the bars.

• Peeps: Colorful marshmallow candies that create a playful, melted layer on top of the cake bars, adding sweetness and visual appeal.

• M&Ms: Festive Easter-colored chocolate candies that provide crunch, color, and extra sweetness throughout the bars, adding fun texture and visual interest.

Making These Gooey, Colorful Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then lightly coat with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Base Mixture

• Cake mix
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil

Mix until the batter becomes thick and smooth. The consistency should be slightly dense and uniform.

Step 3: Spread and Bake the Base Layer

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan, making sure it covers the entire bottom surface. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes until the base sets slightly.

Step 4: Add Colorful Peeps

While the base bakes, chop Peeps marshmallows into small, fun-sized pieces. After 12 minutes, quickly remove the pan and sprinkle the chopped Peeps evenly across the warm cake layer.

Step 5: Toast the Marshmallows

Return the pan to the oven for 5-6 minutes. Watch carefully as the Peeps begin to melt and turn golden brown, creating a delightful toasted surface.

Step 6: Decorate with Chocolate Candies

Pull the pan from the oven and immediately scatter M&Ms across the toasted marshmallow layer. The residual heat will help the chocolates slightly adhere to the surface.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cut into square or rectangular pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 8: Store and Serve

Transfer the bars to an airtight container. These treats can be stored at room temperature and will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Easy Tips for Layered, Chewy Peep Bars

• Choose Fresh Peeps: Select brightly colored, soft Peeps for the best texture and melting quality.
• Even Distribution: Carefully chop Peeps into uniform small pieces to ensure consistent melting and coverage across the bars.
• Watch Carefully While Toasting: Monitor Peeps closely during the final baking to prevent burning, as marshmallows can quickly go from golden to charred.
• Cool Completely: Allow bars to cool entirely at room temperature to help M&Ms set and prevent melting, creating a perfect chocolate crunch.
• Storage Tip: Store bars in a single layer to maintain their shape and prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Save Your Bars Without Sacrificing Texture

• Refrigerate: Seal Peep Bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Room Temperature: Store bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry spot to maintain freshness.
• Reheating: Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent marshmallows from becoming too sticky or melting completely.

What Drinks or Desserts to Pair with Peep Bars

• Pair with Chocolate Milk: Smooth, creamy chocolate milk complements the sweet marshmallow and chocolate flavors, creating a nostalgic childhood treat experience.
• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Cold, creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey Peep bars, enhancing the dessert's richness.
• Enjoy with Mint Tea: Light, refreshing mint tea cuts through the sweetness, offering a palate-cleansing balance to the rich, sugary bars.
• Complement with Espresso: Strong espresso's bitter notes perfectly offset the intense sweetness of the Peep bars, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Fun Variations to Dress Up Peep Bars

• Easter Bunny Bars: Replace Peeps with bunny-shaped marshmallows and use pastel-colored M&Ms for a festive spring theme.
• Chocolate Lover's Edition: Use chocolate cake mix, dark chocolate M&Ms, and chocolate-flavored Peeps for an intense cocoa experience.
• Fruity Marshmallow Version: Swap regular Peeps with fruit-flavored marshmallows and add colorful fruit-flavored candies on top for a bright, tangy twist.
• Rocky Road Style: Mix chopped nuts into the base, use chocolate Peeps, and sprinkle extra chocolate chips alongside the M&Ms for a rich, decadent dessert bar.

Peep Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Peep Bars blend marshmallow sweetness with graham cracker crunch, creating a playful Easter dessert that delights both children and adults. Chocolate drizzle and pastel Peeps make this treat a festive celebration of springtime indulgence you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 24 Peeps
• 2 cups M&Ms (Easter colors preferred)

Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by lining with aluminum foil and applying a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Create a dense cake base by thoroughly mixing cake mix with eggs and oil until a thick, uniform batter forms.
3. Spread the cake mixture evenly across the prepared pan, ensuring a smooth, level surface.
4. Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F and bake the cake base for approximately 12 minutes until it sets slightly.
5. While the base bakes, quickly slice Peeps marshmallows into small, uniform pieces for even distribution.
6. After initial baking, rapidly scatter chopped Peeps across the partially cooked cake surface, covering the entire area.
7. Return the pan to the oven for an additional 5-6 minutes, allowing Peeps to melt and gently toast to a golden brown color.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle colorful M&Ms over the warm, marshmallow-topped surface.
9. Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
10. Once cooled, slice the bars into individual servings and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Marshmallow magic transforms this simple cake mix base into a festive, colorful treat bursting with springtime cheer.
• Peeps add whimsical sweetness and playful texture, melting into gooey pockets that surprise and delight every bite.
• Quick and easy dessert perfect for Easter gatherings, kid-friendly baking adventures, or spontaneous sugar cravings that demand instant satisfaction.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg