Welcome to a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These colorful Peep Bars transform the iconic Easter marshmallow treats into a delightful dessert bar that brings smiles year-round. With their gooey marshmallow layer, buttery crust, and festive appearance, they’re perfect for brightening up any dessert table.
I created these bars after being inspired by the pastel colors of spring, combining the nostalgic charm of Peeps with the classic appeal of a dessert bar. The result is a sweet, chewy treat that captures the whimsy of those beloved marshmallow creatures in an easy-to-serve format.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple to make with just a handful of ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Perfect balance of buttery crust and fluffy, sweet marshmallow topping
- Customizable colors make them adaptable for any holiday or celebration
- Kid-friendly recipe that’s great for family baking activities
- Can be prepared in under 45 minutes for a quick dessert solution
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 24 Peeps marshmallow candies
- 2 cups M & M’s (Easter colors if possible)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix until well combined. Note that the mixture will be thick – this is normal.
- Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes.
- While the cake is baking, chop the Peeps into small pieces.
- After the initial 12 minutes of baking, remove the pan from the oven. Quickly sprinkle the chopped Peeps evenly over the hot cake layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until the marshmallows are just starting to toast and melt.
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately sprinkle the M&M’s over the melted marshmallow layer.
- Allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into desired size pieces.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
- For a festive twist, coordinate Peep colors with the nearest holiday (pink/red for Valentine’s, green for St. Patrick’s, pastels for Easter)
- Not a fan of coconut? Substitute with chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips
- To make cutting easier, lightly spray your knife with cooking spray between slices
- For a s’mores-inspired version, use chocolate graham crackers for the crust
- Add a layer of peanut butter (about 1/3 cup) between the crust and white chocolate for a delicious flavor combination
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for best freshness
Serving Suggestions
Serve these colorful Peep Bars on their own as a sweet treat with afternoon tea or coffee. They make a charming addition to dessert platters and look especially festive when arranged on a white serving dish to highlight their vibrant colors.
For an extra special dessert experience, warm individual bars for 10 seconds in the microwave and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The slight warmth will make the marshmallow layer extra gooey against the cool ice cream.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week
- Bars can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before serving
- The marshmallow layer should be just melted enough to hold together but still maintain the Peeps’ shape and color
- Allow bars to set completely before cutting to avoid a messy experience
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
Yes! Regular marshmallows work perfectly fine, though you’ll lose some of the color. Consider adding food coloring to white marshmallows as an alternative.
My bars turned out too sticky to cut cleanly. What went wrong?
The bars likely needed more cooling time. For clean cuts, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and use a knife dipped in hot water (then dried) between cuts.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies.
How do I prevent the marshmallow layer from browning too much?
Watch the bars carefully during the second baking. The Peeps only need to puff slightly and begin to melt together, which takes just 2-3 minutes. Remove immediately if you notice any browning.
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