Easter is all about bright colors, festive treats, and sweet indulgences, and this Peeps Bundt Cake is the perfect way to celebrate. If you’ve ever loved the gooey goodness of classic Rice Krispies treats, you’re going to adore this no-bake dessert. Instead of using traditional rice cereal, we’re switching things up with Kix cereal, which gives the cake a light, crispy texture while letting the marshmallow flavor shine.
What makes this cake extra special is the use of Peeps marshmallows. These iconic, pastel-colored marshmallow chicks and bunnies not only bring festive Easter vibes but also create a gorgeous swirl of colors when melted. The result? A fun, chewy, and slightly crunchy cake that holds its shape beautifully while remaining easy to slice and serve. Plus, it’s a super simple recipe that doesn’t require any baking—just a bit of melting, mixing, and pressing into a bundt pan.
This Peeps Bundt Cake is perfect for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, need a last-minute dessert for a spring gathering, or just want a fun activity to do with the family, this recipe delivers. It’s a whimsical, delicious, and effortless treat that will look stunning on your holiday table. Even if you’re not a big baker, this is one dessert that’s hard to mess up. The chewy texture, crispy cereal, and marshmallow sweetness make it completely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Peeps Bundt Cake, and once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to Easter dessert.
- Easy and No-Bake – If you’re looking for a dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this is it. Just melt, mix, and mold—simple as that.
- Festive and Colorful – The pastel swirls from the Peeps marshmallows make this cake a bright and cheerful centerpiece for any Easter celebration.
- Kid-Friendly Fun – Since this recipe is easy to prepare, kids can help every step of the way, from stirring the marshmallows to pressing the mixture into the pan.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead – This cake sets quickly and stays fresh for a few days, so you can prepare it in advance and have one less thing to worry about on Easter Sunday.
- Customizable – You can mix and match Peeps colors, use different cereals, or even add mix-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles for extra fun.
- Soft and Chewy with a Crunch – The combination of gooey marshmallow and crisp cereal gives the cake the best of both worlds—soft and chewy on the inside with a light crunch.
If you’re a fan of simple yet delicious desserts that bring joy with every bite, this Peeps Bundt Cake is a must-try.
Health Benefits
While this is definitely an indulgent treat, there are a few things that make it a better choice compared to some traditional baked goods.
- Lower in Fat Compared to Butter Cakes – Since this cake doesn’t require eggs, oil, or heavy cream, it has fewer fats than traditional bundt cakes.
- Light and Airy Texture – Thanks to Kix cereal, which is made from corn, this cake feels light rather than dense or overly rich.
- Portion-Control Friendly – The bundt cake shape allows for easy slicing, so you can serve small portions and satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging.
- No Artificial Food Coloring Needed – The beautiful pastel swirls come naturally from Peeps marshmallows, so you don’t need to add any extra food dye.
- Fun Alternative to High-Calorie Easter Desserts – Compared to heavy cheesecakes or deep-fried treats, this cake is a relatively lighter option for an Easter dessert spread.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the refrigerator)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 kcal
- Main Nutrients per serving: Carbohydrates: 50g | Fat: 8g | Protein: 2g
Ingredients List
- 10-11 cups Kix cereal (almost a full box)
- 10 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 30 Peeps marshmallows (mix of colors)
- Non-stick cooking spray (for coating the bundt pan and hands)
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Bundt Pan
- Generously spray your bundt cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the cake slides out easily once it sets.
- Melt the Butter
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let it brown.
- Add the Kix Cereal
- Once the butter is mostly melted, pour in the Kix cereal. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly.
- Melt the Peeps Marshmallows
- Reduce the heat to low and add the Peeps marshmallows. Stir continuously to help them melt, but avoid overmixing so the colors stay vibrant rather than blending into a single shade.
- Combine and Stir
- Keep stirring until the marshmallows are fully melted and everything is well combined. If needed, remove the pot from the heat to prevent scorching.
- Transfer to the Bundt Pan
- Using a greased spatula or your hands sprayed with non-stick spray, transfer the mixture into the prepared bundt cake pan. Press gently but firmly to ensure even distribution.
- Let It Cool
- Allow the cake to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. If you’re short on time, place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set faster.
- Remove from the Pan
- Once set, invert the pan onto a cake stand or serving plate. The cake should slide out easily. If not, gently run a butter knife along the edges.
- Slice and Serve
- Spray a butter knife with non-stick spray and cut the cake into handheld slices. Serve immediately and enjoy.
How to Serve
- As-Is – This cake is delicious on its own, with its chewy marshmallow texture and light crunch.
- With Drizzled Chocolate – Melted white or milk chocolate drizzled on top adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Topped with Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream makes this treat even more festive.
- With Extra Peeps on Top – Garnish with whole Peeps marshmallows for a decorative touch.
- Paired with Fresh Fruit – Serve with strawberries or raspberries for a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Serve with hot cocoa, vanilla milk, or iced coffee.
- Other Desserts: Pair with fruit tarts, sugar cookies, or lemon bars for a full Easter dessert spread.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Avoid refrigerating, as it can make the texture too firm.
- To freeze, wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making this Peeps Bundt Cake is easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Avoiding these pitfalls will help ensure your cake comes out perfectly chewy, colorful, and delicious.
One of the biggest mistakes is overheating the Peeps marshmallows. Since Peeps contain sugar and gelatin, they can burn or become too stiff if exposed to high heat for too long. Always melt them over low heat, stirring gently to prevent scorching. If they get too hot, the texture can turn tough instead of gooey and soft.
Another common issue is overmixing once the Peeps start melting. If you stir too much, the colors of the Peeps will blend together into a dull shade instead of maintaining the pretty pastel swirls. Stir just enough to coat the cereal without completely mixing the colors together.
Not greasing the bundt pan properly can cause major frustration when trying to remove the cake. Since melted marshmallows are very sticky, the cake can easily get stuck if you don’t coat the pan well with non-stick spray. To be extra safe, you can also lightly grease your hands or a spatula before pressing the mixture into the pan.
Some people press the mixture too hard into the bundt pan, which can make the cake too dense. You want to apply firm pressure so the cake holds its shape, but not so much that it becomes overly compact and difficult to bite into. A light but even press is best.
Letting the cake sit for too long before inverting can also be a mistake. While it does need time to cool and set, waiting too long can cause it to harden, making it harder to remove from the pan. Aim for about one hour at room temperature or 30 minutes in the fridge—just enough time for it to firm up without becoming overly stiff.
Skipping storage precautions can lead to a stale or overly hard cake. This cake should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Refrigerating is not recommended, as it can make the texture too firm. If you need to keep it longer, freezing in individual portions is a better option.
Pro Tips
For the best results, make sure to grease your hands before pressing the mixture into the bundt pan. This simple trick will keep the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to your fingers, making the process much easier and mess-free.
If you want a more intense flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness. A little bit goes a long way and can add extra depth to the overall taste.
For an even more colorful and festive look, try mixing different types of Peeps marshmallows. You can use chicks, bunnies, or a combination of both. The different shapes will add variety to the melted pattern and make the cake even more fun to slice into.
To keep the Peeps from melting too fast, cut them into smaller pieces before adding them to the pot. This will help them melt more evenly without overheating. If you prefer a more textured cake, you can also leave a few Peeps whole and stir them in at the end for little pockets of extra marshmallow goodness.
If you’re making this with kids, let them be in charge of pressing the mixture into the pan. It’s an easy, hands-on step that they’ll love doing, and it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen. Just remind them to press gently to avoid making the cake too dense.
If you want to get creative with flavors, try adding mix-ins like mini chocolate chips, crushed graham crackers, or rainbow sprinkles. These add an extra layer of texture and taste that makes the cake even more delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
Yes, but you won’t get the fun colors and unique marshmallow flavor that Peeps add. If you do use regular marshmallows, consider adding a few drops of food coloring to mimic the pastel swirl effect.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
Make sure to generously grease the pan with non-stick spray before adding the mixture. You can also line the pan with parchment paper if you’re really concerned about sticking.
Can I use a different cereal instead of Kix?
Absolutely! While Kix works great because of its light and airy texture, you can also use Cheerios, Rice Krispies, or even Fruity Pebbles for a colorful twist.
How long does this cake last?
It stays fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices.
Can I freeze Peeps Bundt Cake?
Yes! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Kix cereal is naturally gluten-free, and Peeps marshmallows do not contain gluten. However, always check the packaging to ensure there are no cross-contamination concerns.
Conclusion & Call to Action
This Peeps Bundt Cake is the ultimate no-bake Easter dessert, combining the fun colors of Peeps with the light crunch of Kix cereal for a treat that’s as delicious as it is festive. Whether you’re making it for an Easter brunch, a school party, or just for fun, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
With only four ingredients and no baking required, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can make, even if you’re not an experienced baker. The pastel swirls from the melted Peeps make it a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table, and the soft, chewy texture keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, kids love helping out with this recipe, making it a great family-friendly activity.
If you’ve never tried making a marshmallow cereal cake before, now is the perfect time to start! Follow these tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes, and don’t be afraid to get creative with mix-ins and toppings. Whether you enjoy it as is or with a drizzle of chocolate, this Peeps Bundt Cake is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Now it’s your turn! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out. Did you add any fun mix-ins? What colors of Peeps did you use? Share your creations in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us on social media. We’d love to see your delicious and colorful cakes. Happy Easter and happy baking!
PrintPeeps Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peeps Bundt Cake is a fun, no-bake Easter dessert made with Kix cereal and melted Peeps marshmallows. It’s chewy, colorful, and festive—perfect for spring celebrations and kid-friendly baking fun!
Ingredients
- 10–11 cups Kix cereal
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 30 Peeps marshmallows (assorted colors)
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Grease a bundt pan with non-stick spray.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
- Stir in Kix cereal until evenly coated.
- Reduce heat to low, add Peeps marshmallows, and stir gently to melt without overmixing.
- Transfer the mixture into the bundt pan and press firmly.
- Let it cool for 1 hour (or refrigerate for 30 minutes).
- Invert the cake onto a plate and slice to serve.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the marshmallows to keep the pastel colors vibrant.
- Use buttered hands to press the mixture without sticking.
- Best served within 3 days for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American