Peeps Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats transform the classic marshmallow squares into a colorful, festive delight that’s perfect for spring celebrations or anytime you need a quick, cheerful dessert. The rainbow of Peeps marshmallows creates a vibrant treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat, while the familiar crispy texture we all love remains the star of the show. Best of all, they come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Fun: The colorful Peeps create a rainbow effect that makes these treats perfect for Easter, spring parties, or brightening any day.
• Super Simple: With just 4 ingredients and minimal hands-on time, these treats are perfect for making with kids or when you need a last-minute dessert.
• No Stovetop Required: Unlike traditional Rice Krispie treats that require melting marshmallows on the stove, this oven method is foolproof and mess-free.
• Customizable: Change up the colors of Peeps and sprinkles to match any holiday or occasion throughout the year.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crispy rice cereal provides that signature crunch we all know and love. The neutral flavor lets the sweetness of the marshmallows shine.
• Peeps: These colorful marshmallow treats are the star of the show, providing both sweetness and a rainbow of colors. Using different colored Peeps creates that stunning visual effect.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind everything together, while preventing sticking. The butter also gives these treats their irresistible melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Pastel Sprinkles: These add an extra festive touch and enhance the colorful appearance. They also provide a bit of texture contrast to the gooey, crispy bars.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on these colorful treats? Here are some fun ideas:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle with white, milk, or dark chocolate for an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Cookie Mix-Ins: Crush some Oreos or chocolate chip cookies and mix them in for added texture and flavor.
• Seasonal Themes: Use themed Peeps and coordinating sprinkles for holidays – think orange and black for Halloween, red and green for Christmas, or red, white, and blue for patriotic celebrations.
• Nutty Version: Add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchy contrast to the chewy marshmallow.

How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your treats won’t stick.

Step 2: Arrange the Peeps

Unwrap those colorful Peeps and arrange them in a single layer covering the bottom of your pan. Feel free to create patterns with the different colors!

Step 3: Add the Cereal

Pour the Rice Krispies cereal over the Peeps, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.

Step 4: Add Butter and Bake

Slice the butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly over the cereal layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 8 minutes, just enough time for the Peeps to melt and the butter to integrate.

Step 5: Mix and Press

Spray a spatula with non-stick cooking spray (this is important!) and gently mix everything together. The Peeps will be gloriously gooey at this point. Once mixed, take a piece of wax paper, spray it with cooking spray, and use it to press the mixture firmly into the pan.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Set

While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle those festive pastel sprinkles on top and gently press them into the surface. Let the treats cool at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until set.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once set, cut into bars and watch them disappear! The colorful, gooey treats won’t last long.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Work Quickly: Once the Peeps are melted, you’ll want to mix and press the treats relatively quickly before they start to firm up.
• Even Distribution: Try to distribute the Peeps evenly throughout the pan for consistent color and sweetness in every bite.
• Non-Stick Everything: Don’t skip spraying your tools with non-stick spray – marshmallow is incredibly sticky when melted!
• Pressing Technique: Apply firm, even pressure when pressing the mixture into the pan for bars that hold together well when cut.
• Cutting Clean Bars: For neat edges, spray your knife with cooking spray before cutting the treats.

How to Serve

These colorful treats are perfect for so many occasions! Here are my favorite ways to serve them:

Festive Occasions

Arrange on a platter surrounded by Easter decorations for a spring brunch, or stack them on a tiered stand for birthday parties.

Holiday Gifting

Wrap individual squares in cellophane and tie with ribbon for sweet homemade gifts that brighten anyone’s day.

Dessert Table

Pair with fresh fruit for a balanced dessert spread, or serve alongside other colorful treats for a vibrant display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Placing a piece of wax paper between layers will prevent sticking.

Note: Do not refrigerate these treats! Keeping them at room temperature maintains their perfect gooey texture. Refrigeration will make them hard and less enjoyable.

Freezing

While you can freeze these treats for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, they’re really best enjoyed fresh for that perfect texture.

Make Ahead

These can be made a day ahead for parties or events. Just be sure to store them properly in an airtight container until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but you’ll miss out on the fun colors that make these treats special. If using regular marshmallows, you’ll need about 4-5 cups to replace the Peeps.

Why did my treats turn out too hard?
Hard treats usually happen when the mixture is pressed too firmly or when they’re refrigerated. Use gentle pressure when pressing into the pan and always store at room temperature for the perfect chewy texture.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil. Just make sure to check that your sprinkles are also dairy-free if that’s a concern.

How do I prevent my treats from sticking to everything?
The key is using non-stick spray generously! Spray your pan, spatula, and the wax paper you use for pressing. You can also lightly dampen your hands with water when handling the mixture directly.

Final Thoughts

These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats bring such joy to the kitchen with their vibrant colors and simple preparation. They’re the perfect way to transform ordinary Rice Krispie treats into something special that will delight both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a spring gathering, or just looking to add some color to your day, these treats deliver big on both fun and flavor. Give them a try – they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this classic dessert!

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