INTRODUCTION
Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps are a fun and easy spring snack. They mix crisp cereal, melty marshmallows, and bright Peeps for a cheerful treat. Kids can help make them. Adults will like how quick they are to make. These bars also look great on a party table. If you want a warm drink to go with them, try a cup made from a festive holiday blend coffee for a sweet and cozy pairing.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and fun. It uses simple ingredients you likely have or can get easily. The Peeps add a bright color and a cute look. The Oreo crumbs add a bit of crunch and chocolate taste. The Cadbury eggs give a classic Easter feel. The recipe makes bars that hold together well and cut into neat pieces. You can serve them at a party or pack them for a school snack. The mix of textures keeps each bite interesting. The recipe also lets you add your own touch with sprinkles or candy.
HOW TO MAKE Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps
This recipe is easy. You melt butter and marshmallows, mix in cereal and vanilla, then press into a pan. After that, you add Oreo crumbs, sprinkles, Peeps, and mini eggs on top. Let the bars set at room temperature and then cut them. The full steps are below. Read them once before you start so you work quickly while the marshmallows are warm.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large pot or sauce pan
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula for stirring
- Greased rubber spatula for pressing into pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Toothpicks for placing Peeps
- Bowl for crushing Oreos
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups cocoa pebbles cereal
- 15 Oreos cookies, crushed
- 5 ounces grass shaped sprinkle blend
- 8 Peeps
- 1/2 cup mini-Cadbury eggs
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Spray a 9×13 inch pan with a nonstick spray. You can place a sheet of parchment paper inside the pan to help you remove the finished treats from the pan.
- In a large pot, melt your butter and marshmallows over medium heat, stirring to prevent the marshmallows from burning.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the cereal and mix until well combined. Work fast so the marshmallow mixture stays soft.
- Place the mixture into the 9×13 pan. Using a greased rubber spatula, press the mixture into an even layer in the pan. Press gently so you do not pack the mixture too tight.
- Top the cereal with the crushed Oreos, pressing them into the cereal so they stick.
- Scatter the grass shaped sprinkles over the top of the Oreos and gently press them down so they adhere.
- Place a toothpick into the bottoms of the Peeps and stick them into the cereal, spacing them evenly. The toothpicks help the Peeps stand up.
- Sprinkle the mini Cadbury eggs over the top to add color and chocolate bits.
- Allow the pan to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before serving so the bars set.
- Cut the bars into 12 pieces and enjoy!
HOW TO SERVE Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps
Serve the bars at room temperature. They slice best after they have set for one hour. Place them on a platter for guests. If you bring them to a picnic, keep them in a shallow box so the Peeps stay upright. For a sweet drink pairing, serve with a warm and spicy latte like this cinnamon spice latte. The latte balances the sweet rice treats with warm spice.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps
Short term storage: Keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place sheets of wax paper between layers to stop sticking. Keep them out of heat and direct sun so the Peeps do not melt.
Longer storage: You can freeze the bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes. Note: Peeps can change texture in the freezer, so they may look a bit different after thawing.
Tips for travel: Put bars in a single layer in a container. Use crumpled paper or a small towel to keep them from moving. Pack them in a cool place.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Set a spring dessert table with pastel napkins and a small bowl of extra Cadbury eggs.
- Add a small cup of milk or a light coffee. For a seasonal sip, try a spiced cup such as the winter spice coffee to lift the flavors.
- Serve with fresh fruit like strawberries or orange slices to add a bright contrast.
- For kids’ parties, add little cupcake liners and place one bar in each liner for a neat display.
VARIATIONS
- Color swap: Use different color Peeps or swap Peeps for other shaped marshmallows for different holidays.
- Chocolate drizzle: Melt a few ounces of chocolate and drizzle over the set bars for extra richness.
- Nutty twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped toasted almonds or pecans to the cereal mix for crunch.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free puff cereal and gluten-free Oreos to make a gluten-free version.
- Fruit mix: Mix freeze-dried raspberries into the cereal mix for a light tart note.
- No-peep version: If you do not have Peeps, press marshmallow chicks or mini bunnies on top, or simply decorate with more sprinkles and candy.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular Rice Krispies cereal instead of cocoa pebbles?
A: Yes. Regular Rice Krispies work fine. The bars will taste more like the classic treat. For chocolate flavor, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder when you stir in the cereal.
Q: How do I keep the Peeps from melting?
A: Work in a cool room and avoid hot kitchens. Press the Peeps into the cereal after the bars cool slightly. Do not store near heat or direct sun.
Q: Can I make smaller or larger pans?
A: Yes. If you use a smaller pan, the bars will be thicker. A larger pan will make thinner bars. Adjust the cutting size and set time as needed.
Q: What if my mix is too sticky to press into the pan?
A: Grease your spatula or use a sheet of wax paper to press the mix. Lightly wet or butter your hands and press evenly. Do not press too hard or the bars will be dense.
Q: Can I leave out the Oreos or sprinkles?
A: Yes. The Oreos add crunch and a chocolate note, but you can skip them. Add any topping you like, such as coconut or colored sugar.
Q: Are these bars safe for school parties?
A: Check with the school about food policies and allergies first. The bars contain dairy and may have gluten. You can adjust ingredients for allergy needs.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps
- Make the base the day before: Prepare the cereal and marshmallow base and press into the pan. Cover with a clean towel and keep at room temperature. Add Oreos, sprinkles, Peeps, and eggs shortly before serving for the freshest look.
- Freeze for fast prep: Cut bars and wrap them individually, then freeze. Thaw the night before and add Peeps and candy on the day of the event. This keeps Peeps bright and fresh.
- Prep toppings: Crush the Oreos and measure sprinkles and eggs into small containers a day ahead. This saves time when the base is hot.
- Transport tips: If you must move the bars, place them on a flat board and cover with a lid. Keep them cool in a cooler bag if you expect warm weather.
Easter Rice Krispie Treats with Marshmallow Peeps
Ingredients
Method
- Spray a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray. Optionally, place a sheet of parchment paper inside the pan.
- In a large pot, melt the butter and marshmallows over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, then add the cocoa pebbles cereal, mixing until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a greased rubber spatula, press the mixture into an even layer.
- Top the mixture with the crushed Oreos, pressing them down slightly.
- Scatter the grass shaped sprinkles over the top and gently press them down.
- Insert toothpicks into the bottoms of the Peeps and arrange them evenly spaced on top of the treats.
- Sprinkle the mini Cadbury eggs on top for added color and flavor.
- Allow the pan to sit at room temperature for 1 hour to set.
- Cut the bars into 12 pieces and enjoy!