Peeps Rice Krispie Squares are my emergency dessert for when a holiday party sneaks up or a sugar craving hits out of nowhere. You get color, fun, and that buttery marshmallow chew without any stress. I love how they look like a celebration all by themselves, which buys me compliments even when I’m short on time. If you’ve ever melted marshmallows into cereal and ended up with a dry brick, I’ll show you how to keep everything soft and squishy. I’ve tested every little step so you can make a bright, happy pan that actually tastes as good as it looks. Ready to stir up some joy?
How to Make Them
Let’s keep it simple and satisfying. Peeps Rice Krispie Squares rely on gentle heat, fresh cereal, and a quick hand. The formula stays classic, but the Peeps add festive color and a light vanilla vibe that kids and adults both love.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 to 20 Peeps chicks or bunnies, any colors you like
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
- Sprinkles for the top, optional
- Nonstick spray or parchment for the pan
Step by Step
- Prep the pan: Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with parchment, leaving a little overhang for lifting. Lightly spray the parchment.
- Melt the butter: Warm a large pot over low heat and melt the butter, stirring so it does not brown unless you want a light nutty flavor.
- Soften the Peeps: Add the Peeps and keep the heat low. Stir gently until the Peeps slump and melt into a thick, smooth marshmallow. A few color streaks are fine and look pretty.
- Flavor: Stir in the vanilla and the pinch of salt. That tiny bit of salt makes the sweetness pop instead of overwhelm.
- Coat the cereal: Take the pot off the heat. Add the cereal and fold slowly until every piece looks glossy. Try not to smash the cereal while you stir.
- Press and cool: Tip the mixture into the pan. Lightly grease a spatula or a piece of parchment, then press the mixture into an even layer without packing it too firmly. Add sprinkles if you like.
- Set and slice: Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Lift out and cut into squares with a sharp, oiled knife.
Once you get the feel for the texture, you can make a fresh pan in about 10 minutes. For color patterns, melt one color of Peeps at a time, fold in a portion of cereal, and layer the mixtures in the pan for stripes.
Recipe Tips
- Keep the heat low. Peeps melt fast. Too much heat makes the sugar seize and turns your treats stiff.
- Use fresh cereal. Stale cereal will taste flat and make the texture tough.
- Do not overpack. Press just until level. Overpacking compresses the cereal and kills that soft bite.
- Grease tools lightly. A smear of butter or a quick spray on your spatula and hands stops sticking.
- Salt matters. Even a tiny pinch balances sweetness and makes the vanilla taste rounder.
- Microwave option. Melt butter and Peeps in a large bowl at 50 percent power in 20 second bursts, stirring each time, then mix in cereal.
- Want swirls? Stop stirring as soon as the last streak barely disappears so you keep colorful ribbons.
- Pan size guide. 8 inch gives thicker, gooier squares. 9 inch gives thinner, snacky squares.
“Made these for a bake sale with two colors of Peeps. They vanished in 15 minutes and three people asked for the recipe.”
Substitutions
You have options, and none of them are fussy. The goal is to keep the ratio right and the heat gentle so your squares stay plush.
Flavor swaps that work
No Peeps on hand: Use 10 ounces of mini marshmallows plus 2 to 3 tablespoons of colored sanding sugar at the end for that sparkly Peeps effect. The color will sit mostly on the surface, which looks cute and keeps the middle pure marshmallow.
Butter choices: Unsalted is my default, but salted butter works if you skip the extra pinch of salt. For deeper flavor, brown the butter on low until it smells nutty, then cool for a minute before adding Peeps.
Cereal changes: Cocoa crisp cereal makes a chocolate version. Fruity crisp cereal adds big color and a sweet fragrance. Gluten free crisp rice cereal works fine if you need it.
Vegan path: Peeps usually contain gelatin. If you need a gelatin free option, use vegan marshmallows, melt with coconut oil instead of butter, and finish with vegan sprinkles for color.
Mix ins: A handful of mini chocolate chips, rainbow chips, crushed freeze dried strawberries, or a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top all play nicely. Add mix ins after you fold in the cereal so they do not melt all the way in.
How to Store Leftovers
For best texture, keep the squares at room temperature in an airtight tin or a lidded container for up to 3 days. Slip pieces of parchment between layers so the sugar from the Peeps does not make the tops tacky. If your kitchen is very warm, cool the pan fully before storing so condensation does not sneak in and make them soggy.
Fridge storage is not my first choice because cold hardens marshmallow. If you need to refrigerate, wrap squares individually and bring them to room temp before serving. For longer storage, wrap squares tightly in plastic, then tuck them in a freezer bag and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw on the counter in the wrapper, then open and enjoy. A 5 to 8 second microwave zap softens any square that feels a little firm.
If you plan a day or two ahead, you can also press the mixture into the pan, cover the whole pan well, and slice the day you serve. This keeps edges soft and neat. It also helps the color stay bright.
Pro Tips
Measure before you melt. Have cereal, vanilla, and salt ready, because the marshmallow window is short and sweet.
Work off the heat. As soon as the Peeps melt, take the pot off the burner. Residual heat is enough for mixing, and it prevents toughness.
Reserve a few Peeps. Stir in 3 or 4 Peeps at the very end for bright pockets and extra gooey bites. They will streak and look playful in the slices.
Use color blocks. Melt blue Peeps, fold with 2 cups cereal, press. Repeat with yellow, then pink. You get layers that cut into candy stripe squares without extra effort.
Clean up fast. Fill the pot with warm water right away. The sugar slides off instead of setting like glue.
Cut with confidence. A long, sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray gives clean edges. Wipe the blade between cuts.
Make them festive. Use cookie cutters on the warm slab for hearts, eggs, or stars. Press the scraps back together and cut more. It is like edible play dough, but better.
Label for allergies. If you are sharing at school or work, note dairy or gelatin so everyone feels safe digging in.
When I bring a tray of Peeps Rice Krispie Squares to a potluck, I slice some small for kids and a few bigger ones for the grown up sweet tooth. They always disappear first, which is my favorite kind of hint.
Common Questions
Can I use salted butter? Yes. Skip the added pinch of salt so the flavor does not tip too salty.
Can I make them in the microwave? You can. Use a big bowl, 50 percent power, 20 second bursts, and stir often so the Peeps melt evenly.
How do I keep the squares soft? Low heat, light pressing, and airtight storage at room temp. If firm, microwave a square for a few seconds.
Are they very sweet? They are sweet, but the vanilla and a tiny bit of salt balance things. You can also drizzle with dark chocolate to add contrast.
Can I make them ahead for a party? Yes. Make them the day before, keep them covered, and slice just before serving for the best edges and texture.
A Sweet Little Send Off
Bright, chewy, and easy to love, these squares hit every note of simple comfort with a holiday twist. With gentle heat and a few smart moves, Peeps Rice Krispie Squares stay soft and colorful without turning sticky or stiff. Customize the flavors, layer the colors, or keep them classic. However you shape them, they bring happy energy to the table. I hope you try a batch and watch the smiles appear.
Peeps Rice Krispie Squares
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Colorful and fun Rice Krispie Squares made with Peeps, perfect for quick desserts and holiday parties.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 16 to 20 Peeps chicks or bunnies, any colors
- 6 cups crisp rice cereal
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine salt
- Sprinkles for the top, optional
- Nonstick spray or parchment for the pan
Instructions
- Prep the pan: Line an 8 or 9 inch square pan with parchment, leaving a little overhang for lifting. Lightly spray the parchment.
- Melt the butter: Warm a large pot over low heat and melt the butter, stirring so it does not brown.
- Soften the Peeps: Add the Peeps and keep the heat low. Stir gently until melted into a thick, smooth marshmallow.
- Flavor: Stir in the vanilla and the pinch of salt.
- Coat the cereal: Off the heat, add the cereal and fold until glossy.
- Press and cool: Transfer the mixture into the pan, pressing into an even layer.
- Set and slice: Let cool for 20 to 30 minutes, lift out and cut into squares.
Notes
For best texture, store squares in an airtight container. Can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg