Bright, gooey, and irresistibly nostalgic — these Peeps Rice Krispie Treats turn a classic into a festive showstopper. They’re fast, fun, and perfect for spring parties, school snacks, or an Easter dessert table.
This recipe uses simple pantry staples plus a package of colorful marshmallow Peeps for a chewy, peppy twist. Ready in about 15 minutes, they’re a kid-friendly project with grown-up appeal.
If you love playful riffs on old favorites, you’ll want to bookmark this one and try swaps later for new flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
- Bright, colorful marshmallow pockets make every square Instagram-ready.
- Super fast: from stovetop to pan in about 10–15 minutes.
- Kid-approved: simple stirring steps that little hands can help with.
- Textural contrast: crispy cereal + pillowy marshmallows + chewy Peeps bits.
- Easy to customize with add-ins or colors for holidays.
- No baking required, so cleanup and stress are minimal.
The taste is sweet and nostalgic, with the classic buttery-marshmallow base you expect from Rice Krispie treats. The Peeps add extra chew and candy-like flavor bursts, plus visual interest from their colors. Texture is everything here: soft, slightly sticky marshmallow surrounds crisp cereal and squishy Peeps fragments for a delightful bite.
“Five stars — these were the hit of our Easter brunch. The Peeps melted just enough to be chewy pockets and the bars held together perfectly. My kids declared them ‘the best treat ever!’” — a happy reader
In case you want more playful riffs, try this fun take on Easter Rice Krispie Treats for additional inspiration: Easter Rice Krispie Treats.
Key Ingredients for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
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Butter (3 tablespoons): Butter provides the glossy mouthfeel and helps melt the marshmallows evenly. Use unsalted so you control the saltiness; if using salted butter, reduce any added salt elsewhere. Substituting margarine will alter flavor and can make the final texture slightly greasier.
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Mini marshmallows (4 cups): These are the binding agent and the primary source of chew. Fresh mini marshmallows melt smoothly; stale or hotel-sized marshmallows can be gummy or dry. If you substitute with large marshmallows, measure by volume after cutting or use about half the number by mass.
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Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): This cereal keeps the bars crisp and airy; choose the original Rice Krispies for the signature snap. Using puffed rice or a denser cereal will change the crunch and may require more marshmallow to bind.
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Marshmallow Peeps (1 package, colorful ones): Peeps introduce extra color and chewy pockets of sugar. Chop them small so they distribute evenly; they will soften but not completely dissolve. Substituting with other shaped marshmallows is fine, but you’ll lose the pastel-peep aesthetic.
For another playful cereal-based bar idea, check this Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats recipe: Circus Animal Cookie Rice Krispie Treats.
Full Ingredient List for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package marshmallow Peeps (colorful ones)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Step 1: Melt the butter over low heat
In a large pot set over low heat, add 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt gently. Keep the temperature low to prevent browning or scorching the butter.
Pro Tip: Look for glossy, fully melted butter with small ripples — it should smell warm and slightly nutty but not browned.
Step 2: Add the mini marshmallows and stir until melted
Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a heatproof spatula until the marshmallows are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pro Tip: The mixture should be glossy and pourable with no visible lumps; a few small bubbles are normal and mean the marshmallows are hot enough.
Step 3: Remove from heat and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal
Take the pot off the heat immediately and add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly but gently so each flake is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
Pro Tip: The cereal should look evenly coated but still retain its shape; don’t overmix or it will become mushy.
Step 4: Fold in chopped Peeps
Cut the package of marshmallow Peeps into smaller pieces and fold them into the coated cereal right away. Distribute the bits so colors and chewiness are spread throughout.
Pro Tip: The Peeps will soften but not completely melt; aim for visible pastel bits mixed through the matrix of cereal.
Step 5: Press into a greased 9×13 pan
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using a greased spatula or wax paper to avoid sticking. Press firmly but don’t compact so much that the bars lose their airiness.
Pro Tip: Surface should look smooth with defined edges and slight sheen; if it’s too flat and dense, you pressed too hard.
Step 6: Let cool and cut into squares
Allow the pan to cool at room temperature until set, about 30–45 minutes. Cut into squares with a sharp knife and serve.
Pro Tip: Edges should be set and slightly springy; if the bars are tacky and collapse when cut, give them more time to cool.
For a fruity spin on texture and color, review this Gooey Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats variation for techniques that translate well here: Gooey Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispie Treats.
Expert Tips for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
- Temperature control is everything — keep the heat low when melting butter and marshmallows to avoid burning.
- Use a silicone spatula to scrape the pot clean; it prevents sticking and makes folding easier.
- For perfectly squared bars, cool fully and run a warm knife under hot water before slicing, wiping between cuts.
- If your mixture seems too dry, add 1/2 cup extra mini marshmallows and gently remelt on very low heat.
- If bars are too soft or crumbly, press more firmly into the pan and allow extra cooling time to set.
- Use an 8–9 cup mixing bowl to combine cereal and marshmallow — you need room to fold without crushing the cereal.
- Avoid overmixing once the cereal is added; overworking breaks down the structure and yields a dense bar.
- Common mistake: letting the marshmallow sit on high heat. If you smell burning, discard and start fresh — burnt sugar gives a bitter taste.
You can experiment with chocolate accents like this Mint Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats method for drizzle and topping ideas: Mint Chocolate Chip Rice Krispie Treats.
Storage & Freezing for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Room temperature storage: Place cooled bars in an airtight container layered with parchment paper. They keep fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Refrigerator storage: For slightly chewier bars and longer life, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezer storage: Individually wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
Reheating: Microwave a single bar for 8–12 seconds to soften before serving, or let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Avoid heating too long, which may melt the Peeps and change texture.
For a citrusy storage-tested variant idea, see tips used in Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats: Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats.
Variations & Substitutions for Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
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Chocolate-drizzled Peeps Rice Krispie Treats: Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate and drizzle over cooled bars. The chocolate sets into a crisp shell that balances the extra sweetness from Peeps.
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Peanut butter Peeps Rice Krispie Treats: Stir 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter into the melted marshmallow before adding cereal. This yields a richer, slightly salty bar that pairs well with the Peeps’ sweetness.
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Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats: Press half the cereal mixture into the pan, add a thin layer of colored melted white chocolate, then top with remaining mixture. This creates a pretty layered look and adds a creamy candy layer. For layered technique inspiration, check this idea: Layering techniques similar to layered treats.
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Fruity cereal swap: Replace half the Rice Krispies with Fruity Pebbles for a burst of color and fruit flavor, keeping binding ratios the same. Result will be sweeter and more colorful, and slightly more delicate structurally.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Q: Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
A: Yes. If using large marshmallows, cut them into smaller pieces or use about 2 cups of large marshmallows for every 4 cups of minis. Large marshmallows melt differently and may require slightly more stirring; measure by volume after cutting to maintain the same marshmallow-to-cereal ratio.
Q: Do the Peeps melt and disappear into the bars?
A: Peeps soften significantly but won’t completely vanish when used at the step called for. They break into chewy pockets that provide texture and color. Chop them finely for even distribution or in larger pieces for distinct chewy bites.
Q: How do I prevent the Rice Krispie Treats from becoming too hard after cooling?
A: Overcooking the marshmallows or pressing the mixture too hard into the pan causes dense, hard bars. Melt marshmallows on low heat only until smooth, and press gently into the pan. Store in an airtight container to prevent drying.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
A: Yes. Fold in up to 1 cup of mix-ins after combining cereal and before pressing into the pan. For chocolate chips, let the mixture cool slightly so chips don’t melt completely. For nuts, lightly toast them first for deeper flavor.
Q: What’s the best way to make neat, uniform squares?
A: Use a sharp chef’s knife warmed under hot water, wipe dry between cuts, and cut in one smooth motion. You can also score the top with a bench scraper immediately after pressing, then cut fully after cooling for cleaner lines.
Final Thoughts on Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
If you try these Peeps Rice Krispie Treats, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and pin this to Pinterest so others can find the recipe. For more playful Peeps and Rice Krispie ideas, check this layered Peeps take from Yellow Bliss Road: Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats – Yellow Bliss Road, the official fun twist on the classic at the Rice Krispies site: PEEPS® RICE KRISPIES TREATS™, and a Peeps-branded recipe with notes on technique: PEEPS® RICE KRISPIES TREATS™ Recipe – Peeps.
Peeps Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter over low heat in a large pot.
- Add mini marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and add Rice Krispies, stirring quickly but gently to coat.
- Fold in chopped Peeps immediately.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until set, about 30–45 minutes.