Peep Bars

I stumbled upon this recipe a few Easters ago when I was swimming in those colorful marshmallow Peeps that seem to multiply in everyone's Easter baskets. Instead of letting them harden into marshmallow rocks (admit it, we've all found forgotten Peeps weeks after Easter), I decided to transform them into something truly magical. These Peep Bars combine the fudgy goodness of chocolate cake with the gooey sweetness of toasted Peeps and the candy crunch of colorful M&M's. They've become our family's Easter tradition – the dessert everyone asks about before they even say hello at our annual gathering.

Last Easter, I brought these to my sister's gathering, and my usually health-conscious brother-in-law ate four bars before anyone noticed. When caught red-handed reaching for a fifth, he simply shrugged and said, "It's not every day you get to eat a Peep that actually tastes good." The kids were equally enthusiastic, though significantly more colorful after devouring their portions.

Simple Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix - The shortcut that makes these bars so quick and easy. Any brand works perfectly, though I find dark chocolate varieties create a nice contrast with the sweet Peeps. Devil's food is my personal favorite for its deep chocolate flavor.
• Eggs and oil - These transform the cake mix into a denser, brownie-like base rather than a fluffy cake. The resulting texture is sturdy enough to hold all our toppings while remaining deliciously fudgy.
• Peeps - The star of our Easter show! Any colors work beautifully, and mixing different colors creates an even more festive appearance. I've found that slightly stale Peeps actually work better than fresh ones - they hold their shape a bit more when melted.
• M&M's - These add a perfect candy crunch and a pop of color. The Easter-colored pastel varieties are particularly pretty, but regular M&M's work just as well. I've even used the peanut butter or caramel varieties for different flavor combinations.

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Creating Easter Magic

Perfect base texture:

When mixing the cake ingredients, it will seem very thick - almost like cookie dough. This is exactly what we want! Spread it evenly in your pan, using slightly damp hands to press it down if needed. This dense base is the perfect foundation for our sweet toppings.

Chopping tips:

Cutting Peeps can be sticky business. Lightly spraying your knife with cooking spray or dipping it in water between cuts helps tremendously. Don't worry about making perfect pieces - the rustic, varied sizes add character to the finished bars.

Toasting technique:

That brief return to the oven after adding Peeps is crucial magic. We're looking for them to get just soft enough to begin melting together, with the slightest hint of toastiness on top - similar to a lightly toasted marshmallow. Watch carefully during those 5-6 minutes; they can go from perfect to scorched quickly.

M&M timing:

Adding the M&M's after removing from the oven ensures they keep their shape and crunch. Press them in slightly so they adhere to the melted Peeps, but not so much that they sink in completely.

Cutting clean bars:

Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for the cleanest results. A sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts creates the neatest edges. If you're impatient like me, pop them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to speed up the cooling.

My first attempt at these taught me several valuable lessons. I originally tried to use whole Peeps standing upright (you know, for cuteness), but they created an uneven melting situation with some parts scorched and others still completely raw. The chopped version creates a much more uniform layer. I've also learned that while it's tempting to add more M&M's (because more candy is always better, right?), too many makes the bars difficult to cut neatly.

Serving Inspiration

Transform these Peep Bars into an even more festive Easter dessert by arranging them on a platter surrounded by fresh berries and sprigs of mint. For Easter brunch, I cut them into smaller pieces and serve them alongside fruit and cheese for a sweet finish. They make adorable additions to Easter baskets - just wrap individual bars in colorful cellophane tied with ribbon. For a Spring classroom treat, cut them into tiny squares so everyone can enjoy without sugar overload.

Sweet Variations

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, try some creative variations. Use a white cake mix with strawberry Peeps for a different color contrast. Add a layer of peanut butter (about 1/2 cup, warmed slightly for easy spreading) over the baked cake base before adding the Peeps for a chocolate-peanut butter twist. Sprinkle toasted coconut over the marshmallow layer along with the M&M's for added texture. For a s'mores-inspired version, use graham cracker crumbs (about 1/4 cup) mixed into the cake base.

Storage Secrets

These Peep Bars maintain their best texture for about 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The chocolate base stays moist while the marshmallow layer remains delightfully gooey. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking. While technically they'll last longer, the beautiful soft texture of the marshmallow layer begins to harden slightly after day three. They don't freeze well due to the marshmallow component, so plan to enjoy them within a few days of making.

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I've made these colorful Peep Bars for countless Easter gatherings, spring bake sales, and classroom parties. There's something about their whimsical appearance and nostalgic flavors that brings out the kid in everyone. While traditional Easter desserts like carrot cake certainly have their place, these bars capture the playful spirit of the holiday perfectly. The best part? They're simple enough that the kids can help make them, creating both memories and dessert in one colorful afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use any flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! While chocolate cake provides a nice contrast to the colorful Peeps and M&Ms, you could use vanilla, yellow, or even funfetti cake mix for a different flavor profile. Adjust the baking time if needed based on your specific cake mix.

→ What if I can't find Peeps marshmallows?

If Peeps aren't available, you can substitute with regular mini marshmallows. Use about 2-3 cups and consider adding a few drops of food coloring to the marshmallows for a similar colorful effect. You could also use flavored marshmallows for a twist.

→ Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Yes! These bars can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage (up to a week), keep them in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

→ Why is my cake base too crumbly?

If your cake base is too crumbly, it might need a bit more moisture. Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of water to the cake mix, eggs, and oil mixture. Also, make sure you're pressing the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan before baking.

→ Can I freeze these Peep Bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Cut them into portions, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

→ What other candies could I use instead of M&Ms?

You can get creative with the toppings! Try chocolate chips, chopped candy bars, sprinkles, pastel-colored chocolate candies, or even jelly beans for Easter. Just make sure to add them while the marshmallow layer is still warm so they adhere properly.