Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can substitute regular marshmallows, but you'll need to adjust the quantity. Use about 5 regular marshmallows in place of each ½ cup of mini marshmallows. They may take slightly longer to melt, so watch them carefully in the microwave.

My treats turned out too hard. What went wrong?

Overly firm treats usually result from using too much cereal or cooking the marshmallow mixture too long. Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely and only heat the marshmallows until just melted. Also, avoid pressing the layers too firmly into the pan.

Can I make these without Peeps if they're not in season?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows plus food coloring work perfectly as a substitute. Add 4-5 drops of gel food coloring to each batch of melted marshmallows to achieve similar vibrant colors.

How far in advance can I make these treats?

For best freshness, make these treats no more than a day before serving. However, they'll stay delicious for up to three days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container.

Vibrant Peeps Rice Krispie Squares Recipe

Name: Vibrant Peeps Rice Krispie Squares Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 green Peeps; ½ cup mini marshmallows; 3 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 8 yellow Peeps; ½ cup mini marshmallows; 3 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 8 blue Peeps; ½ cup mini marshmallows; 3 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 8 pink Peeps; ½ cup mini marshmallows; 3 tablespoons salted butter (room temperature); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal

This rainbow Vibrant Peeps Rice Krispie Squares recipe transforms the classic marshmallow treat into a stunning multi-layered dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With vibrant green, yellow, blue, and pink layers created from Peeps marshmallows, this nostalgic treat gets a colorful makeover perfect for spring celebrations, Easter gatherings, or anytime you need to add some cheer to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive Visual Appeal: These squares aren’t just tasty—they’re a showstopper with four distinct, vibrant layers that’ll make everyone say “wow!” when you slice into them.
Kid-Friendly Activity: Making these treats is an excellent way to get children involved in the kitchen with simple, safe steps they can help with.
Quick Preparation: Despite their impressive appearance, these squares come together in just 20 minutes of active time—perfect for last-minute celebrations or when you need a sweet treat in a hurry.
Nostalgic Upgrade: They combine two beloved treats—Rice Krispie squares and Peeps marshmallows—into one delightful mashup that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Peeps Rainbow Pops: These colorful marshmallow treats give each layer its distinct hue while adding that signature Peeps flavor. Be sure to separate them by color before you begin.
Mini Marshmallows: Used to enhance the gooeyness factor and ensure each layer has the perfect texture. Fresh marshmallows will melt more smoothly.
Salted Butter: Provides richness and balances the sweetness. The salt content elevates the overall flavor profile.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the marshmallow mixture, complementing the sweetness beautifully.
Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers that classic crispy crunch everyone loves. Make sure your cereal is fresh for the best texture.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Custom Color Combinations

Try creating themed color layers for holidays—red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween, or your favorite team colors for game day celebrations.

Flavor Twists

Add a few drops of complementary extracts to each layer—lemon in the yellow layer, mint in the green, berry in the pink, or coconut in the blue for subtle flavor variations.

Mix-In Magic

Incorporate mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or crushed cookies between layers for extra texture and surprise elements.

Single Color Option

Short on time? Choose just one Peeps color and make a single-color batch—still delicious and much quicker to prepare.

How to Make Peeps Rice Krispie Squares

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray. Sort your Peeps by color, removing them from their lollipop sticks. Have four medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowls ready (or plan to wash between batches).

Step 2: Create the Green Layer

Combine ½ cup mini marshmallows, 3 tablespoons butter, and all green Peeps in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 45-60 seconds. Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Fold in 2 cups Rice Krispies until fully coated. Press into the prepared pan as your bottom layer.

Step 3: Add the Yellow Layer

Repeat the process with yellow Peeps and fresh ingredients. Spread this mixture evenly over the green layer, gently pressing down to secure.

Step 4: Create the Blue Layer

Follow the same steps with blue Peeps, creating your third colorful layer.

Step 5: Finish with Pink

Complete your rainbow creation with the pink Peeps mixture as your top layer. Press down firmly to ensure all layers bond together properly.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes until completely set before slicing into squares.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Work Quickly: Once each colored mixture is ready, you’ll want to move fast before it starts setting. Having all ingredients pre-measured helps tremendously.
Clean Cutting: Use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray to get clean cuts when slicing your treats.
Color Enhancement: If your Peeps aren’t giving you the vibrant color you desire, add 2-3 drops of food coloring to intensify each layer.
Prevent Sticking: Wet your hands with warm water or spray them lightly with cooking spray before pressing each layer to prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to your fingers.

How to Serve

Festive Presentations

Cut these treats into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter in rainbow order for a colorful dessert table centerpiece.

Celebrations

Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for birthdays or special occasions—the combination of warm and cold, chewy and creamy creates a delightful contrast.

Gifting

Wrap individual squares in cellophane with colorful ribbons for adorable homemade gifts, party favors, or classroom treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

These treats freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Let frozen squares thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. For a warm, gooey treat, microwave a square for 8-10 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can substitute regular marshmallows, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity. Use about 5 regular marshmallows in place of each ½ cup of mini marshmallows. They may take slightly longer to melt, so watch them carefully in the microwave.
My treats turned out too hard. What went wrong?

Overly firm treats usually result from using too much cereal or cooking the marshmallow mixture too long. Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely and only heat the marshmallows until just melted. Also, avoid pressing the layers too firmly into the pan.
Can I make these without Peeps if they’re not in season?

Absolutely! Regular marshmallows plus food coloring work perfectly as a substitute. Add 4-5 drops of gel food coloring to each batch of melted marshmallows to achieve similar vibrant colors.
How far in advance can I make these treats?

For best freshness, make these treats no more than a day before serving. However, they’ll stay delicious for up to three days when stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

These Peeps Rice Krispie Squares bring joy in every colorful bite! They’re the perfect way to transform ordinary rice cereal treats into something magical that will delight both kids and adults. The beautiful rainbow layers make them ideal for spring celebrations, but honestly, these cheerful treats are welcome any time of year when you need a dose of color and sweetness. Give them a try—they’re sure to become a new favorite in your treat-making repertoire!

Vibrant Peeps Rice Krispie Squares Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

Bright, colorful, and fun, these Peeps Rice Krispie Squares are a delightful twist on the classic treat. With layers of marshmallowy goodness in vibrant rainbow colors, this recipe is perfect for holidays, parties, or just a cheerful snack. The combination of Peeps, marshmallows, and Rice Krispies creates a chewy, sweet, and crispy treat that is both visually stunning and incredibly easy to make.

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with baking spray and set aside. Ensure all ingredients are prepped, as you will need to work quickly for each Peeps color batch.
Separate Colors:
Remove the Peeps from their lollipop sticks and sort them into four colors: green, yellow, blue, and pink. Place each color batch into separate microwave-safe mixing bowls.
Make the Green Layer:
In a microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup mini marshmallows, 3 tablespoons butter, and 8 green Peeps. Microwave on high for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and stir until fully smooth. Fold in 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and combine until evenly coated.
Layer the Green:
Spread the green-colored Rice Krispie mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to gently press it into a compact, even layer.
Repeat for Yellow Layer:
Following the same method, mix and prepare the yellow Peeps batch. Spread the yellow Rice Krispie mixture directly on top of the green layer and gently press it down to create a firm and even surface.
Repeat for Blue & Pink Layers:
Repeat the process for the blue and then the pink Peeps, layering each one on top of the previous layer. Gently press each layer to ensure the treats are packed tightly.
Chill:
Place the baking dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the treats to cool and set fully before slicing.
Serve:
Remove the set Rice Krispie squares from the refrigerator, slice into 12 equal portions, and enjoy!

Notes

Use fresh Peeps and mini marshmallows for smoother and easier melting.
To deepen the colors of the layers, add 2–3 drops of liquid or gel food coloring during mixing.
Lightly wet your hands or spray them with cooking spray while pressing to prevent sticking.
For a slightly stickier texture, allow the treats to set on the counter for at least an hour if you skip refrigeration.