Irresistibly Sweet Peep Bars Recipe: Fluffy Spring Joy in Every Bite

Sweet and nostalgic, these delightful peep bars bring childhood memories dancing across your taste buds with a creamy, marshmallow-packed peep bars recipe that promises pure delight.

Loaded with colorful marshmallow candies, this dessert captures the essence of spring celebrations.

Each bite offers a perfect blend of soft, gooey texture and sugary sweetness.

Crispy graham cracker crumbs provide a delectable crunch that complements the pillowy marshmallow layers.

Chocolate drizzles add an extra touch of indulgence to this irresistible treat.

Simple ingredients and easy preparation make these bars a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.

Prepare to fall in love with this playful and delicious confection that will have everyone asking for seconds.

All The Ingredients For Peep Bars Success

• Chocolate Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a rich chocolate flavor and consistent texture for the bars.
• Eggs: Bind the cake mix and add structure to the base layer.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and helps create a tender cake base.

• Peeps Marshmallows: Colorful marshmallow candies that create a sweet and gooey layer when melted.
• M&M's: Chocolate candies that add color, crunch, and extra sweetness to the bars.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps line the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the bars from sticking to the pan and ensures smooth release.

How To Make Peep Bars With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and lightly coat with cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a thick batter forms.

The consistency will be dense and slightly sticky.

Step 3: Spread Chocolate Foundation

Transfer the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan.

Use a spatula or clean hands to press the batter evenly across the entire surface, creating a smooth base layer.

Step 4: Initial Baking Session

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 minutes.

The base will start to set but remain slightly soft.

Step 5: Chop Marshmallow Surprises

While the base bakes, carefully slice the Peeps into small, bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Marshmallow Transformation

Remove the partially baked chocolate base from the oven.

Quickly distribute the chopped Peeps across the warm surface, ensuring even coverage.

Step 7: Toasting Marshmallow Layer

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes.

Watch carefully as the Peeps begin to melt and develop a golden-brown color.

Step 8: Colorful Candy Finale

Pull the pan from the oven and immediately scatter M&M’s over the melted marshmallow layer, creating a vibrant and playful topping.

Step 9: Cooling and Cutting

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Once set, use a sharp knife to slice into squares or rectangles of your preferred size.

Step 10: Preserve and Enjoy

Transfer the bars to an airtight container.

They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.

Peep Bars Smart Tips From The Pros

• Spray your knife with cooking spray before cutting to ensure clean, smooth slices through the marshmallow layer.
• Choose different colored Peeps or seasonal varieties to match holidays or personal preferences.
• Watch the marshmallow layer closely during the final baking stage to avoid over-toasting or burning.
• Let bars cool completely for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set and create a more stable treat.
• Replace M&M's with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed candy for varied flavor and texture.

Peep Bars Endless Ways To Change It Up

• Gluten-Free Peep Bars: Replace chocolate cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Marshmallow Delight: Swap Peeps with vegan marshmallows and use plant-based egg replacer, vegetable oil, and dairy-free chocolate cake mix for a compassionate version.
• Low-Sugar Easter Treat: Substitute regular cake mix with sugar-free mix, use sugar-free Peeps alternatives, and replace M&M's with nuts or sugar-free chocolate chips for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Fruity Spring Version: Incorporate colorful fruit-flavored marshmallows instead of traditional Peeps and add dried fruit or fruit-flavored candies in place of M&M's for a fresh seasonal variation.

Present Peep Bars For Parties Or Snacks

• Sweet Celebration Spread: Perfect for Easter brunches or springtime gatherings with friends and family.
• Colorful Dessert Platter: Arrange bars on a festive tray with pastel-colored napkins and mini chocolate eggs for a stunning presentation.
• Kid-Friendly Treat Station: Set up a fun dessert bar where children can select their favorite Peep Bar slice and add extra M&M's on top.
• Picnic Perfect Snack: Pack these bars in individual wax paper wraps for outdoor events, school lunches, or springtime picnics.

How To Store Peep Bars Without Hassle

• Keep Peep Bars in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture and prevent them from drying out. Seal the container tightly to lock in freshness.
• Store the bars at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks for extended enjoyment. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Add a small piece of bread to the storage container to help keep the bars moist and prevent them from becoming too dry or hard.

FAQs

• Are Peeps necessary for this recipe?

Not at all! You can use any marshmallow candy as a substitute. The goal is to create a colorful, sweet layer that melts and adds fun texture to the bars.

• Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

Absolutely! Chocolate works best, but yellow or white cake mix can also create delicious results. Just ensure you follow the same mixing and baking instructions.

• How do I prevent the bars from sticking?

Using aluminum foil and lightly greasing the pan with cooking spray helps ensure easy removal. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean, neat slices.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids will love helping chop Peeps, sprinkle M&M’s, and enjoy the colorful, sweet result. It’s a fun baking project that’s simple enough for children to participate in.

Peep Bars Sure To Win Any Crowd

• Whip Up a Festive Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations, these Peep Bars bring a playful twist to traditional desserts with their colorful marshmallow and chocolate combination.
• Customize with Ease: Swap out different colored Peeps or M&M's to match seasonal themes or personal preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for any celebration.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Adventure: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe an excellent project for baking with children, turning dessert-making into a fun family activity.
• Quick and Delightful Dessert: Minimal prep time and basic pantry ingredients mean you can satisfy sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.

Peep Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy peep bars blend marshmallow sweetness with graham cracker comfort in a classic Easter dessert. Layers of chocolate and pastel-colored marshmallow candies create a playful treat you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Marshmallow and Candy Decorations:

• 24 Peeps marshmallow candies
• 2 cups (340 grams) M&M’s (Easter colors if possible)

Baking Essentials:

• Cooking spray or butter for greasing pan

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch pan by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly coating with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, and vegetable oil until a thick, uniform batter forms.
3. Spread the cake mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer.
4. Bake the cake base for 12 minutes in the preheated oven.
5. While the base bakes, chop the Peeps into small, bite-sized pieces.
6. Remove the partially baked cake from the oven and immediately distribute the chopped Peeps evenly across the hot surface.
7. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5-6 minutes, allowing the marshmallow pieces to toast and slightly melt.
8. Carefully remove the pan and quickly scatter M&M’s over the softened marshmallow layer.
9. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 1-2 hours.
10. Using a sharp knife, slice the cooled bars into desired serving sizes.
11. Transfer the bars to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

• Swap chocolate cake mix with gluten-free or vegan alternatives for dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy these festive bars.
• Chop Peeps uniformly for even melting and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Watch marshmallow layer closely during toasting to achieve golden-brown color without charring, rotating pan if needed for even browning.
• Try different Peeps colors or flavors, or substitute with other marshmallow brands for unique taste experiences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg