Easter Rice Krispie Treats are a playful twist on classic Rice Krispie treats made especially for the Easter season. These layered bars combine colorful marshmallow Peeps with mini marshmallows and crisped rice cereal for bright, festive squares perfect for holiday gatherings.
Marshmallow treats are a favorite in many kitchens, from traditional Rice Krispie treats to Fruity Pebbles or Lucky Charms variations. A few years ago we wondered whether Peeps could replace standard marshmallows in Rice Krispie treats. After testing multi-colored Peeps with boxes of crisped rice cereal, we discovered a couple of important differences.
The first batches were vivid and fun but set more firmly than usual because Peeps are coated in a sugar shell. They tasted good but were a bit tougher to chew. With that experience in mind, the recipe was revised to improve texture and create layered, tri-colored bars that are softer than the original Peeps-only version.
This updated version uses bunny-shaped Peeps (if chick-shaped Peeps are unavailable) and adds mini marshmallows to the melted mixture to help keep the bars more tender. The result is still firmer than a standard Rice Krispie treat, but the added marshmallows give better chew and a more pleasant mouthfeel while preserving the bright Easter colors.
Rather than making thin sheets, these treats are built in layers so each bar has a clear band of color. Layering also allows you to work one color at a time and control the texture by adjusting the mini marshmallow amount if you want them softer.
How to make Easter Rice Krispie Treats:
- Butter an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9-inch baking dish. If making layered, tri-colored bars, prepare separate batches for each color.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 1.5 tablespoons unsalted butter with 6 ounces of Peeps (about 16 rabbit-shaped Peeps) and 1 cup mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until melted and well combined.
- Remove from heat, add 3 cups crisped rice cereal, and stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Quickly transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and use buttered hands or a buttered spatula to press it into an even layer.
- Allow that layer to cool and set (about 20 minutes) before repeating the process with the next color.
- Repeat for the third color if desired. Let the layers cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Store the treats wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature and consume within 2 to 3 days. Do not refrigerate.
Easter Rice Krispie Treats Tips:
- Enjoy these treats within 2 to 3 days. Because Peeps have a sugar coating, the bars firm up more quickly than standard Rice Krispie treats.
- To make a single-color batch, use only one Peeps color and combine the total amounts of butter, mini marshmallows, and cereal needed for the full recipe instead of working in separate batches.
- If you prefer softer bars, add extra mini marshmallows when melting. Extra marshmallows will lighten the color slightly; a few drops of food coloring can boost vibrancy if needed.
Other marshmallow treats you may enjoy:
- Fruity Pebbles Krispie Treats
- Valentine’s Chex Cereal Bars
- Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats
- Funfetti Rice Krispie Treats
Easter Rice Krispie Treats
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
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Butter an 8 x 8-inch or 9 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
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Work in batches for layered bars. In a large saucepan over low heat, combine butter, marshmallow Peeps, and mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
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Remove from heat, add the crisped rice cereal, and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared pan.
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Use buttered hands or a buttered spatula to press the mixture into an even layer. Allow this layer to cool for about 20 minutes before adding the next color.
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Repeat the melting and mixing steps for the remaining layers, allowing each layer to set before adding the next.
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Let the final layer cool completely, then cut into squares. Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and enjoy within 2 to 3 days; do not refrigerate.
Notes
- Nutrition and calorie figures are approximations based on the recipe card and a serving size of one square; actual values may vary.
- Using Peeps changes the texture of Rice Krispie treats. In testing, multiple packages were used to achieve the amounts listed for each color; this affects firmness compared to classic marshmallow-only versions.
Nutrition
Calories: 204kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g