Name: Marshmallow Peeps Rice Krispies Treats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 16
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 30-40 Marshmallow Peeps chicks (assorted pastel colors, about 3-4 standard packs); 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or crispy rice cereal); Optional: Easter sprinkles for topping

These Marshmallow Peeps Rice Krispies Treats are a whimsical, no-bake Easter dessert that combines the classic chewy, crispy goodness of traditional Rice Krispies treats with the fun, colorful, sugary charm of seasonal Peeps marshmallow chicks. Perfect for spring celebrations, kid-friendly baking, or using up extra Easter candy, they deliver sweet vanilla notes and vibrant pastel hues in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As an experienced chef, I adore this recipe because it takes the beloved, foolproof Rice Krispies treats we all grew up with and gives them an irresistible Easter makeover. The Peeps not only melt into a super-gooey marshmallow base but also infuse extra sweetness and subtle fruity flavors from their colorful coatings, creating treats that are softer, stickier, and more festive than the standard version.

They’re incredibly quick to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, require no oven for the classic stovetop method (or a fast oven hack if preferred), and turn out eye-catching pastel swirls or layers that wow at Easter brunches, classroom parties, or family gatherings. Kids love helping stir in the chicks and watching them puff and melt—it’s pure magic—and adults appreciate the nostalgic twist on a timeless treat. They’re portable, shareable, and always disappear fast!

Yield: 16 squares

Marshmallow Peeps Rice Krispies Treats

Fun, colorful Easter Rice Krispies treats made with melted Peeps marshmallows for a sweet, chewy, festive no-bake dessert.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Additional Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
30-40 Marshmallow Peeps chicks (assorted pastel colors, about 3-4 standard packs)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or crispy rice cereal)
Optional: Easter sprinkles for topping

Instructions

Get everything ready — Grab a large pot, spatula, and a 9x13-inch baking pan. Generously butter or spray the pan (and your spatula) so nothing sticks later—trust me, this saves headaches!
Prep your Peeps — Unwrap those adorable colorful chicks. If using different colors, you can keep them mixed for swirls or sort by color for layers—either way is super cute.
Melt the butter — Place the 4 tablespoons of butter in your large saucepan over low heat. Let it melt slowly and gently until it's fully liquid and bubbly around the edges.
Add the Peeps magic — Toss all those Peeps right into the melted butter. Watch in amazement as they puff up like little clouds—stir constantly with your spatula until they're completely melted into a smooth, gooey pink/yellow/purple river. This takes 5-8 minutes; keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Remove from heat — Once fully melted and smooth (no lumps!), take the pan off the heat immediately—overheating makes it stiff later.
Stir in the cereal — Dump all 6 cups of Rice Krispies into the gooey marshmallow mix. Stir quickly and enthusiastically until every puff is evenly coated—this is the fun, arm-workout part! The mixture will be sticky and glorious.
Transfer to pan — Scoop the warm mixture into your prepared 9x13 pan. Press it down gently but firmly with your buttered spatula (or buttered hands) to create an even layer—don't smash too hard or they'll lose their chew.
Add fun toppings — While still warm, sprinkle on those Easter sprinkles if using—they stick perfectly and make everything look extra festive!
Let it cool — Walk away and let the treats set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes until firm enough to cut. Resist sneaking too many bites (I know it's hard!).
Cut and enjoy — Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars. Share with loved ones, hide a few for yourself, and watch the smiles—happy Easter vibes guaranteed!

Notes

These treats are best enjoyed the day they're made for maximum gooeyness, but they hold up well. Peeps vary slightly by pack size/season, so adjust cereal slightly if the mix seems too wet or dry. Perfect for Easter baskets, potlucks, or using leftover holiday candy!

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 381Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 8mgSodium 486mgCarbohydrates 78gFiber 0gSugar 9gProtein 6g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use fresh Peeps for the best melt and flavor—stale ones can be tough to melt evenly. Melt over low heat to avoid scorching; stir constantly once the Peeps start puffing. Work quickly when mixing in the cereal to prevent the mixture from hardening too fast.

Grease your hands, spatula, and pan generously with butter or cooking spray for easy handling and cleanup. For cleaner cuts, let the treats cool completely (at least 30-60 minutes) before slicing with a sharp knife.

If layering colors for a rainbow effect, press each layer firmly but gently to avoid squishing. Add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted to balance the sweetness.

Ingredients Notes

Butter: Unsalted is ideal so you control the salt level, but salted works fine too. It adds rich flavor and helps everything melt smoothly—don’t skimp, as it keeps the treats soft instead of rock-hard.
Peeps Marshmallow Chicks: These are the star! Use 30-40 chicks (about 3-4 packs, assorted pastel colors like pink, yellow, blue, lavender) for vibrant color flecks and extra marshmallow intensity. Their sugary exterior melts into a flavorful base different from plain marshmallows.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Classic Kellogg’s brand gives the best snap, crackle, and texture—generic versions can be denser or less crisp. Measure after opening to avoid crushing.
Optional Sprinkles: Easter-themed pastel jimmies or nonpareils add extra fun and crunch on top.

Variations and Substitutions

For a layered rainbow version, divide Peeps and cereal by color (e.g., 10 pink Peeps + 1.5 cups cereal per layer), melt and press into a loaf pan one color at a time for stunning stripes.

Mix in mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&Ms for added texture and surprise bites. Use bunny-shaped Peeps instead of chicks for variety. For a gluten-free option, ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free. Dairy-free? Swap butter for vegan margarine or coconut oil (flavor changes slightly).

If Peeps are unavailable, substitute regular mini marshmallows (about 4-5 cups) plus a few drops of food coloring and vanilla for a similar vibe, though you’ll miss the signature Peeps taste. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract for deeper flavor, or a handful of white chocolate chips stirred in at the end for creaminess.

Storage Options

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days—they stay softest this way. Layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw at room temp for 30-60 minutes before enjoying. Avoid refrigerating, as it can make them overly firm and chewy in a less pleasant way.