Name: Peeps Rice Krispies Treats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 16-20 Peeps marshmallows (any color); 6 tablespoons butter, sliced thin; Non-stick cooking spray

Easter is a time for bright colors, sweet treats, and family fun, and these Peeps Rice Krispies Treats check all the boxes. They take the classic Rice Krispies Treats to a whole new level by using Peeps marshmallows instead of regular ones, resulting in a vibrant and festive dessert that screams springtime. With their gooey texture, buttery flavor, and pastel hues, these treats are a must-have for any Easter celebration.

This recipe is not only fun but also incredibly simple. You don’t need a stovetop or a big mess of pots and pans—just a baking dish, an oven, and a few basic ingredients. Everything is melted together in one pan, stirred up, and pressed into a chewy, marshmallow-y masterpiece. Even if you’re not a pro in the kitchen, you can easily pull off this recipe, and it’s a great one to make with kids. They’ll love watching the Peeps melt into a colorful swirl, and they’ll be even more excited to take the first bite.

Another reason to love these treats is how adaptable they are. You can mix and match different colors of Peeps to create a marbled rainbow effect or stick to a single color for a more uniform look. You can even get creative by adding festive sprinkles, chocolate chips, or extra mini marshmallows for more texture. No matter how you customize them, they always turn out delicious.

Whether you need a last-minute dessert for an Easter party, a fun baking activity with the kids, or just a way to use up those extra Peeps from your Easter basket, this recipe is the perfect solution. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these Peeps Rice Krispies Treats are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons why these Peeps Rice Krispies Treats will become a new Easter favorite in your household.

First, they’re incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional Rice Krispies Treats, which require melting butter and marshmallows on the stovetop, this recipe simplifies everything by letting the oven do the work. Just layer the ingredients in a pan, pop them in the oven, and stir everything together. That’s it!

Another reason to love this recipe is the fun and festive look. The Peeps add a gorgeous swirl of pastel colors, making each treat unique. Whether you’re using pink, blue, yellow, or purple Peeps, the result is always eye-catching. These treats will stand out on any Easter dessert table and make for some great Instagram-worthy moments.

Kids especially love these treats. The process of making them is so hands-on that children can get involved from start to finish. From arranging the Peeps in the pan to stirring the gooey mixture, it’s a fun and interactive way to introduce little ones to baking. Plus, since the recipe uses the oven instead of the stovetop, there’s less risk of burns, making it a safer choice for kids to help with.

Lastly, the flavor is amazing. The butter gives the treats a rich, slightly salty contrast to the sweetness of the Peeps, while the Rice Krispies cereal provides the perfect amount of crunch. The texture is just the right balance of chewy and crispy, making them completely addictive. If you’re a fan of classic Rice Krispies Treats, you’ll love this colorful twist.

Health Benefits

While these treats are definitely a dessert, there are still a few reasons why you can enjoy them without too much guilt. First, they’re homemade, which means they don’t contain preservatives or artificial additives found in some store-bought snacks. Since you control the ingredients, you can make small adjustments to suit your dietary preferences.

Rice Krispies cereal is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a lighter base for a dessert. Unlike cakes or cookies that require a lot of flour, sugar, and butter, these treats use minimal ingredients while still delivering maximum flavor.

Another benefit is portion control. Since these are cut into squares, it’s easy to keep an eye on how much you’re eating. You can also make them in a smaller dish for thicker, chewier pieces or spread them out in a larger pan for thinner, crispier treats.

If you want to make these a little healthier, you can experiment with reducing the butter or using a plant-based alternative. You can also add mix-ins like chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to increase the nutritional value. While these treats will always be a sweet indulgence, there are ways to balance them out for a slightly healthier snack.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 minutes
Servings: 12 squares

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 5g
Sugar: 15g

Ingredients List

To make these colorful Peeps Rice Krispies Treats, you’ll need just four simple ingredients.

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The classic, light, and crispy cereal that forms the base of the treats.
16-20 Peeps marshmallows – Any color or a mix of colors for a fun and festive look.
6 tablespoons butter – Adds richness and helps everything melt together.
Non-stick cooking spray – To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Make sure your oven rack is in the center position for even heating.
Prepare the baking dish by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the treats from sticking and makes them easier to remove later.
Arrange the Peeps in a single layer in the baking dish. You can line them up in rows or mix and match colors for a fun rainbow effect.
Pour the Rice Krispies cereal evenly over the Peeps. Try to spread them out so they cover the Peeps completely.
Slice the butter into thin pieces and distribute them evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies. This helps everything melt evenly as it bakes.
Bake for 8 minutes until the Peeps have puffed up and started to melt. The butter will also be fully melted at this point.
Remove from the oven and use a spatula to stir everything together. The melted Peeps and butter will coat the Rice Krispies, creating a sticky, gooey mixture.
Press the mixture down firmly into the baking dish using a spatula or the back of a spoon. This helps the treats hold their shape once they cool.
Let the treats cool for about 2 minutes, then cut them into squares and serve.

How to Serve

These treats are delicious on their own, but you can also get creative with how you serve them. Try dipping them in melted chocolate, drizzling them with white chocolate, or sprinkling them with crushed candy for extra texture. They also pair well with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot chocolate.

Pairing Suggestions

If you’re serving these at an Easter party, pair them with other festive treats like sugar cookies, cupcakes, or fruit skewers. They also make a great addition to a dessert board with chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallow pops, and pastel-colored candies.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them too hard. If you need to store them for longer, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to a month.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this Peeps Rice Krispies Treats recipe is incredibly simple, a few small mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

One of the biggest mistakes is overbaking the Peeps. If they are left in the oven for too long, they can become too firm and lose their gooey texture. Eight minutes is the sweet spot—just enough time for them to melt without drying out. If you leave them in the oven too long, the marshmallow coating can caramelize and harden, making it difficult to mix everything together.

Another issue is not mixing the ingredients properly. Once the Peeps and butter are melted, they need to be stirred thoroughly to evenly coat the Rice Krispies cereal. If you don’t mix quickly enough, some parts of the cereal may remain dry while others become overly sticky. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together while the mixture is still warm.

Using old or stale Peeps can also impact the final result. Fresh Peeps melt more smoothly, creating a softer, chewier texture. If your Peeps are hard or slightly dried out, they won’t give you that perfect gooey consistency.

Finally, not greasing the pan properly can lead to a sticky mess. Even though Peeps and butter help prevent sticking, it’s always a good idea to lightly coat the pan with non-stick spray before starting. This will make it much easier to remove the treats and cut them into squares.

Pro Tips

For the best Peeps Rice Krispies Treats, follow these expert tips to ensure the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance every time.

If you want your treats to have a fun, marbled effect, use a variety of Peeps colors and avoid overmixing. Gently fold the melted Peeps into the Rice Krispies cereal instead of stirring aggressively. This will create swirls of color instead of blending everything into one uniform shade.

For extra gooey treats, add a handful of mini marshmallows to the mixture after baking. The warmth of the melted Peeps and butter will soften the marshmallows, giving you pockets of extra fluffiness throughout the treats.

To make these treats even more festive, sprinkle some pastel-colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed graham crackers on top before pressing them into the pan. This adds extra texture and makes them look even more special for Easter.

If your mixture starts to stick to your spatula while pressing it into the pan, use parchment paper or wax paper. Lightly press down using the paper to smooth out the surface without the mixture sticking to your hands or utensils. A lightly buttered spatula also works well.

For the best storage method, allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Storing them before they’ve cooled can lead to excess moisture, which may make them sticky or overly soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
Yes, you can! Regular marshmallows will work just as well, but you won’t get the fun pastel colors that Peeps provide. If you use regular marshmallows, consider adding food coloring or sprinkles for a more festive touch.

What if I don’t have an oven? Can I make these in the microwave?
Yes! You can make these Peeps Rice Krispies Treats in the microwave. Place the Peeps and butter in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted. Then, mix in the Rice Krispies cereal and press the mixture into a greased pan.

How long do these treats stay fresh?
These treats stay fresh for up to three days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them too hard.

Can I freeze these treats?
Yes, but freezing can change their texture. If you do freeze them, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Let them thaw at room temperature before eating.

How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?
Be sure to spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray before adding your ingredients. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Peeps Rice Krispies Treats are the ultimate Easter dessert—easy, colorful, and absolutely delicious. They bring together the best of a classic childhood treat with the fun, festive appeal of Peeps marshmallows. Whether you’re making these for an Easter party, a family gathering, or just to enjoy as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and start creating your own batch of these colorful, gooey treats. Don’t forget to take a picture and share your creations on social media—your friends and family will love seeing your festive Easter dessert. If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a comment below and let us know how yours turned out. Have any fun variations or mix-ins you love? We’d love to hear about them!

Looking for more easy Easter recipes? Be sure to check out other festive dessert ideas on the blog. Whether it’s cookies, cakes, or no-bake treats, we’ve got plenty of fun, simple recipes to make your Easter celebration extra special. Happy baking!