Did You Know 600 Million Peeps Are Sold Each Easter—But Only a Fraction Get Used in Recipes?
Every spring, those iconic marshmallow chicks and bunnies hop onto store shelves in pastel pinks, yellows, and blues. But here’s the sweet truth: most Peeps never make it past the candy bowl! Today, we’re changing that with the easiest (and most adorable) twist on classic Rice Krispies treats. These Easy Rice Krispies Treats Made with Peeps are a nostalgic nod to childhood with a pastel-punched upgrade that’ll have everyone begging for the recipe.
I still remember the first time I swapped traditional marshmallows for Peeps—my kitchen smelled like a sugar-coated dream, and the treats disappeared faster than you can say “spring fever.” The magic? That signature vanilla-kissed fluffiness of Peeps melts into the crispiest rice cereal, creating a chewy, pastel-hued masterpiece. Plus, it’s a genius way to use up leftover Easter candy without fuss.
Why This Peeps Rice Krispies Recipe Works
You might be thinking: Can Peeps really hold their own against classic marshmallows? Absolutely! Here’s why:
- No food coloring needed: Peeps bring their own cheerful hues, turning ordinary treats into Insta-worthy bites.
- Next-level texture: The slight crust on Peeps melts into a glossier, silkier marshmallow base than standard mallows.
- Built-in portion control: One package of Peeps = the perfect ratio for one batch (no measuring required!).
And the best part? You likely already have the other two ingredients—butter and Rice Krispies—waiting in your pantry. This is the kind of recipe that turns “I have nothing to bake!” into “Look what I whipped up!” in 15 minutes flat.
PrintRice Krispies Treats made with Peeps
Description
A fun and colorful twist on classic Rice Krispies Treats using Peeps marshmallow candies.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) Peeps marshmallow candies
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the Peeps and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish using a greased spatula or wax paper.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
A Sweet Spring Twist on a Classic: Peeps Rice Krispies Treats
There’s something so nostalgic about Rice Krispies Treats, isn’t there? That perfect balance of crispy, chewy, and sweet always takes me back to childhood. But when spring rolls around, I love giving this classic a playful makeover with a pastel pop of Peeps! These marshmallow chicks and bunnies aren’t just adorable—they add a fluffy texture and a hint of vanilla that makes these treats extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The star of the show! That signature “snap, crackle, pop” is non-negotiable.
- 10 oz mini marshmallows – These melt faster than large ones, making the process smoother.
- 1 package of Peeps (about 5-6 chicks or bunnies) – Choose your favorite color! I’m partial to the soft pink ones for spring.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter – Salted butter can work in a pinch, but unsalted lets the sweetness shine.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – A little extra warmth if you want to enhance the Peeps’ vanilla flavor.
- Pinch of salt</strong> – Trust me, this tiny pinch balances all the sugar perfectly.
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing – Nobody wants a sticky situation!
Let’s Make Some Magic
Step 1: Prep your pan. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I like to line mine with parchment paper too—it makes lifting out the treats so much easier!
Step 2: Melt th
e butter. In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter completely. Keep the heat gentle to avoid browning—we want that golden, not toasted, flavor.Step 3: Add the marshmallows. Stir in the mini marshmallows until they’re halfway melted, then toss in the Peeps. They’ll soften quickly, so keep stirring until you have a smooth, pastel-hued goo. (Tip: If the Peeps resist melting, cover the pot for 30 seconds to trap the heat.)
Step 4: Bring in the cereal. Remove the pot from heat and pour in the Rice Krispies. Fold gently with a spatula—don’t stir aggressively, or you’ll crush the crispies! If using vanilla and salt, add them now.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peeps Rice Krispies Treats
Want to take your Peeps Rice Krispies Treats to the next level? Here are my favorite insider secrets:
- Freshness matters: Use fresh marshmallows (including the Peeps) for the best texture. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly.
- Butter is better: Don’t skimp on the butter – it helps prevent the treats from becoming too hard.
- Press lightly: When transferring to the pan, use lightly buttered hands or a buttered spatula to gently press the mixture – packing too tightly makes them hard.
- Timing is key: Cut the treats while they’re slightly warm for clean edges, but let them cool completely before serving for the perfect texture.
Fun Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it:
- Color coordinate: Match the Peeps colors to your holiday or party theme
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt some chocolate chips and zigzag over the top for extra decadence
- Spring mix:trong> Add pastel M&Ms or sprinkles for Easter celebrations
- Spooky version: Use Halloween Peeps and orange food coloring for a festive twist
What to Serve With Your Peeps Treats
These sweet treats pair perfectly with:
- A cold glass of milk (the classic pairing!)
- Fresh fruit to balance the sweetness
- Hot chocolate or coffee for adults
- Other Easter desserts like carrot cake or lemon bars
The Sweet Benefits of This Recipe
Beyond being absolutely delicious, these Peeps Rice Krispies Treats offer some great advantages:
- Kid-friendly: Simple enough for little helpers to assist with measuring and mixing
- No-bake:ng> Perfect for warm weather when you don’t want to turn on the oven
- Budget-friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients you might already have
- Quick cleanup: Only one pot needed for the whole recipe
Real-Life Tips from My Kitchen
After making these dozens of times, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container with wax paper between layers (they’ll keep for 3-4 days at room temperature)
- For gift-giving, wrap individual squares in cellophane with pretty ribbons
- If your treats get too hard, a quick zap in the microwave (5-10 seconds) will soften them up
- The pastel colors from the Peeps will tint your whole batch – embrace the festive look!
Conclusion
The
se Easy Rice Krispies Treats Made with Peeps are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing a burst of springtime cheer to every bite. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these colorful, marshmallow-y treats that are perfect for Easter, spring gatherings, or just because! The combination of crispy cereal and fluffy Peeps creates a texture that’s irresistibly gooey yet satisfyingly crunchy.Ready to bring some sweetness into your kitchen? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Share your creations with us on social media or drop a comment below—we’d love to hear your twists and tips. And if you’re craving more easy, fun treats, be sure to check out our other dessert recipes for more inspiration!
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of Peeps for this recipe?
Absolutely! Peeps come in a variety of flavors and colors, so feel free to mix and match. Whether you love classic yellow chicks, pink bunnies, or even seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, they’ll all work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I store leftover Rice Krispies Treats with Peeps?
To keep them fresh, store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them, but note that they may become slightly firmer.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes! These treats hold up well if made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain their soft, chewy texture. If you’re preparing them for an event, they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
What if I don’t have Peeps? Can I use regular marshmallows instead?
Of course! While Peeps add a fun seasonal touch, you can substitute them with an equal amount of regular marshmallows. Just keep in mind that the color and slight vanilla flavor of Peeps won’t be present, but the treats will still be delicious.
Are these treats gluten-free?
Rice Krispies cereal contains malt flavoring, which is derived from barley and not gluten-free. However, you can easily swap it for a gluten-free crispy rice cereal to accommodate dietary needs.
