Irresistible Peep Bars Recipe: Sweet & Colorful Easter Treat

Chocolate lovers rejoice as these delectable peep bars recipe bring a burst of sweet nostalgia to your dessert table.

Marshmallow magic meets decadent chocolate in a treat that’ll make taste buds dance with excitement.

The combination of gooey marshmallows and rich chocolate creates an irresistible confection that’s both playful and indulgent.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of soft, sugary goodness and smooth chocolate coating.

These bars are so simple to make that even novice bakers can whip them up with confidence.

The recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations.

Dive into this delightful dessert and let the sweet magic unfold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Calories: 240 kcal

Servings: 13

Peep Bars Ingredient Essentials

• Chocolate Cake Mix: Provides rich, decadent foundation with deep cocoa notes, select a high-quality mix for maximum flavor depth.
• Eggs: Crucial for structure and moisture, ensures bars hold together perfectly.
• Vegetable Oil: Delivers softness and helps create tender, moist texture.

• Peeps: Colorful marshmallow treats that melt into gooey pockets, choose fresh and soft marshmallows for best results.
• M&Ms: Adds delightful crunch and festive Easter-themed color bursts, opt for pastel or spring-themed varieties for maximum visual appeal.

Tools You’ll Need for Peep Bar Fun

• 9×13 baking pan: Essential for creating the perfect rectangular base for your Peep bars.
• Tin foil: Helps line the pan for easy removal and clean-up.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cake mix, eggs, and oil into a thick batter.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients and spreading the batter evenly.
• Knife or kitchen scissors: Useful for chopping Peeps into small, even pieces.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.

Steps to Whip Up Chewy Peep Bars

Springtime Sweet Sensation

• Easter Cake Foundation A soft, fluffy cake mix becomes the perfect base for this delightful treat. Blend the cake mix with eggs and oil until a thick, creamy batter forms.
• Initial Baking Preparation Spread the mixture evenly into a greased pan, creating a smooth canvas for the colorful topping. Bake until the base sets and turns golden.
• Marshmallow Magic Chop the adorable Peep marshmallows into small pieces. Sprinkle these sweet characters across the partially baked cake, allowing them to melt and create a whimsical layer.
• Toasty Transformation Return the pan to the oven, letting the Peeps transform into a lightly toasted, gooey blanket that adds texture and excitement to the dessert.
• Chocolate Confetti Finish Shower the warm creation with playful M&Ms, adding bursts of color and chocolate crunch to the marshmallow landscape.
• Cool and Celebrate Let the bars cool completely, then slice into squares. Store in an airtight container, ready to bring joy and sweetness to any gathering.

Flavor Tweaks and Seasonal Ideas

• Sweet Peep Swap: Replace traditional Peeps with chocolate or fruit-flavored varieties to change the entire taste profile and create exciting flavor combinations.
• Texture Magic: For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans alongside the M&Ms to add a delightful textural contrast to the soft marshmallow base.
• Easter Remix: Transform this dessert into holiday-themed bars by using seasonal colored M&Ms or matching Peeps colors to celebrate different festive moments throughout the year.
• Make-Ahead Hack: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for busy bakers who want a stress-free dessert option.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions while maintaining the same delicious flavor and texture.

How to Serve Peep Bars with Flair

• Sweet Easter Centerpiece: Arrange the Peep Bars on a festive pastel-colored platter surrounded by decorative chocolate eggs and spring flowers for a stunning holiday dessert display.
• Colorful Kids' Treat Tray: Cut bars into smaller bite-sized squares and serve on a fun cartoon-themed plate, making them perfect for children's Easter parties or school celebrations.
• Dessert Pairing Delight: Serve alongside vanilla ice cream or pair with a cold glass of milk to enhance the sweet marshmallow and chocolate flavors, creating a delightful treat that both kids and adults will love.
• Party Favor Potential: Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane with pastel ribbons, transforming them into charming homemade Easter gift treats that guests can take home and enjoy later.

Best Ways to Keep Peep Bars Tasty

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep Peep Bars in a tightly sealed container at room temperature for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture from softening the treats.
• Freezing Freedom: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful bars can stay frozen for 2-3 months, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings.
• Quick Serving Tips: Let frozen bars thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. This method maintains their soft texture and vibrant marshmallow charm.
• Moisture Management: Place a small piece of parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking and maintain their crisp edges during storage. This simple trick keeps each bar looking picture-perfect when you're ready to indulge.

Decadent Peep Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Chocolate peep bars combine marshmallow decadence with graham cracker comfort. Sweet chocolate layers create delightful dessert memories you can recreate easily.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 Peeps
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) M&Ms (Easter colors preferred)
• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Pan Preparation: Line a 9×13 baking pan with aluminum foil and apply a light grease coating to prevent sticking and facilitate easy removal.
2. Cake Base Creation: Blend cake mix, eggs, and oil into a thick, uniform batter, mixing thoroughly to eliminate any lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
3. Initial Baking: Spread the cake mixture evenly across the prepared pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 12 minutes until the base sets slightly.
4. Peeps Transformation: Slice marshmallow Peeps into small, uniform pieces and scatter them across the partially cooked cake surface, covering the entire area.
5. Toasting and Melting: Return the pan to the oven for 5-6 minutes, allowing Peeps to melt and gently toast to a golden brown color, creating a gooey marshmallow layer.
6. Decorative Finish: Immediately sprinkle colorful M&Ms over the warm, marshmallow-topped surface, pressing them gently to ensure they adhere.
7. Cooling and Setting: Let the dessert cool completely at room temperature, which helps the layers set and makes cutting into individual servings easier.
8. Storage: Once cooled, slice the bars and store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and preserve the dessert’s texture.

Notes

• Prepare Perfectly: Line the baking pan meticulously with aluminum foil and apply a light grease to prevent stubborn sticking, ensuring easy removal and clean cutting.
• Batter Consistency Matters: Mix cake mix, eggs, and oil thoroughly until a dense, uniform batter forms, which guarantees a stable and even cake base.
• Peeps Placement Strategy: Slice marshmallows uniformly and scatter evenly across the partially baked cake surface to ensure consistent melting and golden browning.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, helping layers set firmly and creating clean, perfect cutting lines for individual servings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg