Easter is one of my favorite times of the year—flowers blooming, pastel colors everywhere, and of course, all the adorable Easter treats! If you’re looking for a fun and colorful way to use up those extra Peeps, this Peeps Rice Krispie Treats recipe is the perfect solution. These gooey, marshmallow-packed treats take the classic Rice Krispie squares to a whole new level with pretty colors and the signature sugary sweetness of Peeps.
Not only are these treats super easy to make, but they’re also a great activity to do with kids (or just for yourself—no shame in that!). Whether you’re putting together an Easter dessert platter or just want some fun Easter Rice Krispie Treats ideas, this recipe will be a guaranteed hit.
So grab those Peeps, a box of Rice Krispies cereal, and let’s get started!
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Ingredients for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
One of the best things about this Peeps Rice Krispie Treats recipe is that it requires just a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 packs of Peeps marshmallows (about 40 Peeps)
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Video: How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Now for the fun part! These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats come together in just a few minutes.
1. Melt the Butter & Peeps: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the Peeps and avoid stirring for now. If you’re using multiple colors, you can melt them separately in individual pans (make sure to divide up your butter accordingly per color).
2. Add Vanilla & Salt: Add in the vanilla extract and salt if using.
3. Carefully Stir: As the Peeps on the bottom start to melt, give the pot a little stir so that the non-melted Peeps go to the bottom
4. Mix in the Cereal: Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
5. Press into a Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch pan and press the mixture in evenly. Use parchment paper or greased hands to avoid sticking.
6. Cool & Cut: Let set for at least 30 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Want to make sure your Peeps Rice Krispie Treats turn out perfect every time? Here are a few tips:
- Don’t overheat the Peeps. Marshmallows can turn hard and brittle if overheated, so make sure to watch as you melt your peeps. Ideally, you want to remove them from the heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal as soon as you see your Peeps looking melted enough to spread around the Rice Krispies evenly. You don’t want to wait too long.
- Use fresh Peeps! Older Peeps tend to be drier, which can make your treats less gooey.
- Work quickly. The melted marshmallow mixture sets fast, so mix and press into the pan as quickly as possible.
- Parchment Paper Is Your Friend. If you want to get the most out of your Peeps rice krispie treats, put them in a dish lined with parchment paper initially. Also, you can spread parchment paper over the top of your dish and gently press down on top of your Peeps rice krispies to make them nice and even.
- Don’t over-stir the Peeps. Keeping your Peeps un-stirred for as long as possible while they’re melting in the pan will help you conserve their color a bit more rather than mixing all the different colors together. It won’t affect the taste in the end, but if you don’t mix too much, you will be able see light stripes and bits with fun Peeps colors throughout your rice krispie treats when done.
FAQs About Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Q: Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
A: Absolutely! If you just want a classic Rice Krispie treat, swap out the Peeps for mini marshmallows. If you want a really decadent treat, I would recommend browned butter rice krispie treats decorated with spring sprinkles, spring-colored M&M’s and a pastel colored chocolate drizzle.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! These treats can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container so they stay fresh. I would recommend serving them within 3 days for maximum freshness.
Q: Can I make these in different colors?
A: If you want to make the different colors stand out more, just separate the Peeps by color and melt them in different batches. You can use multiple pans for the melting part, and then combine them all in one big 9×13 dish in the end. However, if you do this, you might have to be mindful of timing. If you don’t get everything in your 9×13 dish in a certain amount of time, one color may harden before you have a chance to add another color. Alternatively, you could just buy a bunch of Peeps in 1 color and have a single pretty color for your rice krispie treats.
Q: Can I add chocolate?
A: Yes, please! You can drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the top for an extra decadent twist.
Q: How would I add these Easter baskets?
A: Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and add them to Easter baskets for a fun homemade treat.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Easter Rice Krispie Treats idea, you really can’t go wrong with this Peeps Rice Krispie Treats recipe! They’re colorful, festive, and taste like pure marshmallow bliss. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll want to whip up a batch every Easter (or anytime you have extra Peeps on hand).
If you make them, please let me know in the comments how they turned out! Happy Easter and happy snacking! 🐣💛
Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 40 Peeps marshmallows About 4 packs
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla optional
- 1 pinch salt optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the Peeps and avoid stirring for now. If you're using multiple colors, you can melt them separately in individual pans (make sure to divide up your butter accordingly per color).
- Add in the vanilla extract and salt if using.
- As the Peeps on the bottom start to melt, give the pot a little stir so that the non-melted Peeps go to the bottom
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
- Gently press into a 9x13-inch pan lined with parchment paper. Use parchment paper or greased hands to avoid sticking.
- Let set for at least 30 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!
