Can I use stale Peeps for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale Peeps work wonderfully in this recipe. Their firmer texture melts perfectly during baking without becoming too runny, resulting in the perfect chewy consistency for your treats.

Why do my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard sometimes?

Hard treats usually result from pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan or cooking the marshmallow mixture too long. With this Peeps method, the oven does the melting for you, which helps maintain that perfect chewy texture we all love.

Can I make these without turning on the oven?

Yes! While the oven method creates evenly melted Peeps, you can adapt this to a stovetop version. Simply melt the butter in a large pot, add the Peeps and stir until melted, then mix in the Rice Krispies and proceed with pressing into the pan and adding sprinkles.

How do I cut these treats without making a sticky mess?

Spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray or run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts. For super-clean cuts, chill the treats for 15-20 minutes (but not longer) before cutting, then let them return to room temperature for serving.

Peeps Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Name: Peeps Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 1 h 13 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal; 16-20 Peeps (Variety of Colors); 6 tablespoons Butter; Pastel Sprinkles

These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats transform the classic marshmallow squares into a colorful, spring-inspired delight! By using those iconic marshmallow chicks instead of regular marshmallows, you’ll create a treat that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning with vibrant colors and festive sprinkles. Perfect for Easter gatherings, spring celebrations, or whenever you need a quick, cheerful dessert that kids and adults will love equally!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Even kitchen novices can nail this recipe—just layer, bake, stir, and set!
Wonderfully Festive: The colorful Peeps create a rainbow of hues throughout the treats, making them perfect for spring celebrations, Easter baskets, or brightening any dessert table.
Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of baking time, you can have these treats ready to set in no time—perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need a sweet fix fast.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Children absolutely love helping with this recipe, from arranging the Peeps to sprinkling the colorful topping—making it a great family activity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rice Krispies Cereal: The foundation of our treats, providing that signature crispy texture and subtle toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with marshmallow.
Peeps: These colorful marshmallow chicks add vibrant colors and a festive touch—pick a variety of colors for the most eye-catching results.
Butter: Creates richness and helps bind everything together while adding that irreplaceable buttery flavor that makes these treats so irresistible.
Pastel Sprinkles: The finishing touch that adds extra festive flair and a delightful crunch to the top of your treats.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Edition

Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips after mixing the melted Peeps with the cereal for a chocolate-studded variation. You could even drizzle melted chocolate over the top before adding sprinkles!

Peanut Butter Paradise

Mix 1/4 cup peanut butter into the melted Peep mixture for a nutty twist that pairs wonderfully with the sweet marshmallow flavor.

Fruity Fun

Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dried apricots for tangy bursts of flavor that complement the sweetness.

Holiday Themes

Switch up the sprinkles and Peep colors based on the holiday—red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or red, white, and blue for patriotic celebrations.

How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 baking pan generously with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your treats won’t stick.

Step 2: Arrange the Peeps

Take those colorful Peeps out of their packages and arrange them individually across the bottom of the pan in a single layer. Create a rainbow pattern or random arrangement—the choice is yours!

Step 3: Add the Cereal Layer

Pour all 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal directly on top of the Peeps, spreading it out into an even layer across the pan.

Step 4: Add Butter and Bake

Slice your butter into thin strips and distribute them evenly across the cereal layer. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes—just enough time for those Peeps to melt into gooey perfection.

Step 5: Mix and Press

Spray a spatula with non-stick cooking spray (this is crucial to prevent sticking) and gently stir everything together, mixing the melted Peeps and butter throughout the cereal. For the final touch, press the mixture firmly into the pan using a piece of wax paper that’s been sprayed with cooking spray.

Step 6: Add Sprinkles and Set

While the mixture is still warm, sprinkle those festive pastel sprinkles across the top and gently press them into the surface. Let your creation sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until completely set.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Once set, cut into squares or bars and serve up these colorful, chewy treats to delighted friends and family!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Color Strategy: Arrange different colored Peeps in sections if you want distinct colored areas in your final treats, or mix them randomly for a confetti effect.
Don’t Overmix: When stirring the melted Peeps with the cereal, mix just enough to incorporate everything—overmixing can crush the cereal and make your treats dense.
Prevent Sticking: Beyond spraying your utensils, you can also dampen your hands with cold water when pressing the mixture into the pan if you prefer not to use wax paper.
Perfect Thickness: For thicker, chewier treats, use a smaller pan (like a 9×9); for thinner, crispier treats, stick with the 9×13 pan.

How to Serve

Party Presentation

Cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters for special occasions or stack them on a tiered stand for an impressive dessert table centerpiece.

Dessert Pairing

Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a delightful textural contrast between warm, gooey treats and cold, creamy ice cream.

Gift Giving

Wrap individual squares in colorful cellophane and tie with ribbon for adorable party favors or Easter basket additions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Never refrigerate these treats as the cold air will make them hard and lose their delightful gooey texture!

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these treats for up to 6 weeks. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Let thaw completely at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If your treats have hardened slightly, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds to restore their gooey goodness—just watch closely so they don’t melt completely!

FAQs

Can I use stale Peeps for this recipe?

Absolutely! In fact, slightly stale Peeps work wonderfully in this recipe. Their firmer texture melts perfectly during baking without becoming too runny, resulting in the perfect chewy consistency for your treats.
Why do my Rice Krispie treats turn out hard sometimes?

Hard treats usually result from pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan or cooking the marshmallow mixture too long. With this Peeps method, the oven does the melting for you, which helps maintain that perfect chewy texture we all love.
Can I make these without turning on the oven?

Yes! While the oven method creates evenly melted Peeps, you can adapt this to a stovetop version. Simply melt the butter in a large pot, add the Peeps and stir until melted, then mix in the Rice Krispies and proceed with pressing into the pan and adding sprinkles.
How do I cut these treats without making a sticky mess?

Spray your knife with non-stick cooking spray or run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts. For super-clean cuts, chill the treats for 15-20 minutes (but not longer) before cutting, then let them return to room temperature for serving.

Final Thoughts

These Peeps Rice Krispie Treats bring together the nostalgic charm of two beloved treats—marshmallow Peeps and Rice Krispie squares—resulting in something truly special. The vibrant colors, satisfying chew, and festive appearance make these an absolute winner for spring celebrations or anytime you need to add a little joy to your day. They’re incredibly simple yet guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear from your dessert table!