Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time for pastel colors, fluffy marshmallows, and all things sweet! This Easter Peep Cake is the ultimate festive dessert, bursting with vibrant colors and a fun, playful vibe. It’s light, fluffy, and decorated with the iconic Peeps marshmallow chicks, making it a showstopper for any Easter gathering. Trust me, this cake will have everyone at the table swooning—both kids and adults alike!
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Why You’ll Love This Easter Peep Cake
This cake isn’t just about looking cute (although it definitely does that). It’s also incredibly delicious and easy to make! Here’s why you’ll love it:
Festive and Fun: The bright colors and adorable Peeps make this cake a centerpiece-worthy dessert that screams “Easter!”
Super Simple: Whether you’re a baking pro or a total beginner, this recipe is foolproof. You’ll have a gorgeous cake with minimal effort!
Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, frosting colors, or decorations to match your style. Want chocolate cake instead of vanilla? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing: This cake is a guaranteed hit at Easter brunch, potlucks, or family gatherings. Everyone will be asking for a slice!
Ingredients
The magic of this cake is how simple it is to make while still looking like a masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
Cake Mix or Homemade Cake: Your choice of vanilla, funfetti, or chocolate cake as the base. If using a mix, just follow the box instructions.
Butter: Adds richness to the cake and makes the frosting ultra-creamy.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that smooth, fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract: A must for adding warmth and depth of flavor.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Food Coloring: Pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, and green for that fun Easter look.
Peeps Marshmallows: The star of the show! Use a mix of colors for extra festive flair.
Sprinkles: Optional, but highly recommended for that extra pop of color and fun.
Instructions
Let’s break this down into simple, stress-free steps:
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Cake Batter: If using a cake mix, follow the package instructions. For a homemade cake, mix butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and baking powder until smooth.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then slowly add powdered sugar. Mix in vanilla and a splash of milk or cream until smooth and fluffy. Divide the frosting into bowls and color each with different pastel food dyes.
Frost the Cake: Spread a generous layer of frosting between the cake layers, then cover the entire cake in a smooth layer of pastel frosting.
Decorate with Peeps: Arrange the Peeps marshmallow chicks around the edges of the cake, pressing them gently into the frosting so they stay in place.
Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the top and around the base of the cake.
Chill and Serve: Let the cake set in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Easter Peep Cake
This cake is already a showstopper, but here are a few ways to make it even more special:
Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes the perfect companion.
Drizzle with Chocolate: A little melted chocolate drizzled over the top? Yes, please!
Extra Marshmallows: Add more mini marshmallows around the base for a fluffy, cloud-like effect.
Additional Tips
Make It Ahead: Bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic until you’re ready to frost.
Keep the Peeps Fresh: Add the Peeps right before serving so they stay soft and fluffy.
Use a Turntable for Frosting: A cake turntable makes it easier to get a smooth, even frosting layer.
Storage Tips: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
A1: Absolutely! A simple vanilla or funfetti cake works great, but you can use any flavor you like.
Q2: Can I make this cake in advance?
A2: Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days ahead and store them tightly wrapped until ready to assemble.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Q4: Can I freeze the cake?
A4: Yes! Freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month. Just thaw, frost, and decorate when ready to serve.
Q5: What if my frosting is too thick?
A5: Add a tablespoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Q6: Can I use different colors for the frosting?
A6: Of course! You can go for classic pastel tones or even a rainbow effect for extra fun.
Q7: Can I use chocolate frosting instead?
A7: Yes! Chocolate frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla or funfetti cake.
Q8: Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
A8: Definitely! Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.
Q9: How do I get my cake layers even?
A9: Use a serrated knife to trim the tops for perfectly flat layers before frosting.
Q10: Can I add a filling inside the cake?
A10: Yes! Try a layer of fruit jam, marshmallow fluff, or even chocolate ganache for extra flavor.
Conclusion
This Easter Peep Cake is as fun to make as it is to eat! With its bright colors, fluffy Peeps, and delicious flavor, it’s the perfect dessert for celebrating spring. Whether you’re serving it at Easter brunch or just treating yourself to something sweet, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Give it a try, and let the compliments roll in—happy baking!
Print
Easter Peep Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easter Peep Cake is a colorful three-layer vanilla cake decorated with fluffy buttercream, Bunny Peeps, coconut grass, and Easter M&M’s. It’s a fun and festive dessert perfect for any Easter celebration! If you’re looking for Healthy Homemade Recipes, Easter desserts, or quick baking ideas, this cake is a must-try
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (250g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus extra for dusting pans
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 drop each of gel food coloring: Pink, Yellow, Blue
For the Vanilla Buttercream:
- 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
For Decorations:
- 24 Bunny Peeps (pink, blue, and yellow)
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes (dyed green)
- 1 bag Easter M&M’s
Instructions
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Prepare & Bake the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans with butter and dust with flour.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Add pink, blue, and yellow food coloring separately to each bowl and mix gently.
- Pour into prepared cake pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, mixing well.
- Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream. Mix on low speed until smooth.
- Transfer ¼ of the frosting into a piping bag with a large round tip.
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Assemble the Cake:
- Spread a small amount of buttercream on a cake stand and place the blue cake on top.
- Pipe a layer of buttercream over the blue cake and smooth it with a spatula.
- Repeat with the yellow cake, then the pink cake.
- Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the sides and chill for 20 minutes in the freezer (or 40 minutes in the fridge).
- Frost the cake with a final smooth layer of buttercream.
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Decorate:
- Arrange Bunny Peeps around the cake, alternating colors.
- Pipe swirls of buttercream along the top edge.
- Sprinkle green coconut in the center and top with M&M’s.
Notes
- For a neater look, press Peeps into the frosting gently so they stick.
- Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 65g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg