Soft & Sweet: The Dreamy Peep Bars Recipe You’ll Adore
Craving a sweet, nostalgic treat that peep bars capture childhood memories with a delightful twist?
Marshmallow magic meets chocolate graham goodness in this simple dessert.
Soft, pillowy marshmallow layers melt between rich chocolate and graham cracker elements.
Sticky and sweet, these bars promise a quick escape into sugary bliss.
Kids and adults alike will adore the playful combination of textures and flavors.
Each bite brings a smile, reminding you of carefree moments and sugary indulgences.
Whip up this irresistible confection and watch faces light up with pure joy.
Why Peep Bars Bring Nostalgia to the Table
Peep Bars Ingredients
Base Layer:Milk Layer:Chocolate and Candy Toppings:Finishing Toppings:Making Peep Bars at Home
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Line the dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later.
Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base
Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the foundation for your delicious bars.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Layer
Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly across the graham cracker crust, ensuring it covers the entire surface in a smooth, consistent layer.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Fun Toppings
Scatter your colorful mix of toppings across the condensed milk layer:Distribute these ingredients generously to ensure each bite will be packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Watch for the edges to turn a beautiful golden brown, indicating the bars are ready.
Step 6: Add Final Chocolate Touch
Once the bars have cooled completely, sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles on top for an extra layer of sweetness and decoration.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Carefully lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper edges. Cut into even squares and serve to eager friends and family.
Pro Tip: For extra gooey Peeps, slightly melt them before adding to the bars. Always let the bars cool completely before slicing to achieve clean, precise edges.
Peep Bar Tips That Capture Fun, Color, and Crunch
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Treat Pairings for Peep Bars
Peep Bar Fun Twists
FAQs
Definitely! Chopped Peeps add unique marshmallow flavor and fun pastel colors to the bars, making them a festive Easter or spring dessert.
Yes, you can use digestive biscuits or crushed vanilla cookies as an alternative base. Just maintain the same butter-to-crumb ratio for a stable crust.
Balance the sweetness by using semi-sweet chocolate chips and adding a pinch of sea salt on top. This will cut through the sugary intensity and enhance overall flavor.
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then use a sharp knife wiped with a warm, clean cloth between each cut. This ensures smooth, neat edges without crumbling.
Print
Peep Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Creamy peep bars bring marshmallow magic straight from childhood memories to your dessert table. Rich layers of graham cracker crust and sweet marshmallow create a nostalgic treat that will delight you with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Nuts and Glaze Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom and sides.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture that will form the foundational crust.
- Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even and compact layer.
- Carefully drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface of the crust, ensuring an uniform distribution.
- Scatter white chocolate chips, chopped Peeps, and pastel candy chocolates over the condensed milk layer, spreading them evenly.
- Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the layers and prevents crumbling.
- Once cooled, sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles across the top of the bars for additional texture and visual appeal.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the cooled dessert into individual bars, creating clean and precise cuts.
- Serve and enjoy these decadent Peep bars at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soften Peeps gently in microwave for 5-10 seconds before sprinkling to create extra melty, gooey texture throughout the bars.
- Use parchment paper overhang as handles to easily lift and remove entire dessert from baking pan for clean, precise cutting.
- Experiment with different colored Peeps or mix candy varieties to create festive seasonal variations for Easter, spring, or children’s parties.
- Chill bars in refrigerator for 15-20 minutes after cooling to help chocolate set firmly and make cutting into neat squares easier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Marcus Hale
Founder & Recipe Storyteller
Expertise
Education
Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.
At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.