Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a fun dessert to make for the Easter holiday. They're a twist on traditional Rice Krispie Treats, because they have marshmallow Peeps in addition to mini marshmallows.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good Rice Krispies Treat, Fruity Pebbles Treat, or Lucky Charms Treat?! We are huge fans of marshmallow treats in all forms.
A few years back, John and I were chatting and wondered if it were possible to make rice krispie treats for Easter using Peeps in place of the marshmallows. I thought it was a cute idea, so we headed to the store and purchased several packages of multi-colored marshmallow Peeps.
We came home and started experimenting with all those Peeps and several boxes of Rice Krispies. If you've followed us for a few years, you may have seen those pictures.
The Easter Rice Krispie Treats were vibrant and very bright in color. The downside was that they firmed up quickly due to the sugar coating on the marshmallow Peeps.
Don't get me wrong, they were tasty just a little tough to chew. This year, I decided to rework the recipe, take new pictures, and make a video.
The updated recipe looks quite a bit different. I was only able to find bunny shaped Peeps instead of the chicken Peeps that I'd used previously, and I'm not sure if that made a difference or not.
Instead of thin rice Krispie Treats, I decided to layer them for thicker, tri-colored treats. This time, to help prevent the Easter Rice Krispie Treats from firming up too much, I added mini marshmallows to the recipe.
It helped quite a bit, but they'll still set up firmer than regular Rice Krispie Treats. They don't have that nice marshmallow-ly pull and soft, squishy feel that you may be used to with other recipes.
How to make Easter Rice Krispie Treats:
- Butter an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9-inch baking dish. If you're making different colors and layering, you'll need to make separate batches.
- In a large saucepan, melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter, 6 ounces of Peeps (about 16 rabbit-shaped Peeps), and 1 cup of mini marshmallows.
- Add 3 cups of rice cereal. Stir to combine.
- Quickly scoop the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Use buttered hands or a buttered spatula to press into an even layer.
- Allow the marshmallow treats to set, then repeat steps with the next color.
- After the second layer sets, repeat the steps again with the third color.
- Allow the layered Easter Rice Krispie Treats to set completely before cutting.
- For storage, keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and do not refrigerate.
Easter Rice Krispie Treats Tips:
- These Easter Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days. Since they're already a little firmer than regular Rice Krispie Treats, they don't last quite as long.
- If you'd prefer to make one single color, such as pink or blue, there's no need to work in batches. Simply, use all one color of Peeps marshmallows and combine them with the total amount of butter, mini marshmallows, and Rice Krispies for the entire recipe.
- To make these softer, add additional marshmallows. Keep in mind that they'll still set up firmer than other marshmallow treats due to the sugar coating on the Peeps. Extra marshmallows will also lighten the color of the treats. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to brighten them up.
Other marshmallow treats you may enjoy:
Recipe Card with Ingredient Amounts and Instructions
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
Pink Layer
- 6 ounces Pink Marshmallow Peeps, about 16 marshmallow Peeps
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups crisped rice cereal
Purple Layer
- 6 ounces Purple Marshmallow Peeps, about 16 marshmallow Peeps
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups crisped rice cereal
Blue Layer
- 6 ounces Blue Marshmallow Peeps, about 16 marshmallow Peeps
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups crisped rice cereal
Instructions
- Butter an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Work in batches (make a separate batch for each color), and combine butter, marshmallow Peeps, and mini marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the ingredients are melted and well mixed.6 ounces Pink Marshmallow Peeps1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter1 cup mini marshmallows
- Add the rice cereal, and stir to coat. Remove from heat, and transfer the mixture to the prepare baking dish.3 cups crisped rice cereal
- Use buttered hands or a buttered spatula to press the marshmallow treats into an even layer. Allow the treats to cool for about 20 minutes before adding the next color layer.
- Repeat the process for the remaining layers making sure to allow each layer to cool before adding the next.
- Let the last layer cool completely before cutting and serving. For storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and enjoy within 2 to 3 days. Do not refrigerate.
Rachel @ Kitchen Cents says
Oh man, Kim! I saw your pin on Pinterest and loved it! Such a fun idea and great use of those colorful little peeps. I'm going to make these with my girls!
Rachel @ Kitchen Cents says
I should have included John in that comment, seeing that the recipe was made by him! Sorry John and fabulous recipe! 🙂
John says
No worries lol! I understand. We are planning on having our pictured updated so both of our faces on each post 🙂
John says
Thank you, Rachel! That makes me so happy knowing you liked the post. I hope you girls enjoy it as well 🙂