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Let me start out today with two secrets. . .the first is, I've never made a layered cake. You know the mile high, beautiful cakes with frosting in the middle of each layer? Yep. I pin photos of them like crazy and I have talented blogging friends who create amazing edible masterpieces, but beautiful, layered cakes just aren't my thing.
You know why? Because I don't have the patience {I also don't have one of those cake stands with a dome} and I seriously just don't have the time {in that order}. Thus, my cake today is made from a boxed mix, and baked in a 9x13 inch pan.
Okay, please stay, don't go away. The technique I'm sharing today is worth the time it will take you to read this post. I'm certainly hoping some of you popped over here in search of an easy and delicious dessert idea. If that's the case, you won't be disappointed.
Okay, time for secret #2. . .I don't really like Peeps. Do you? If you do, great. If you don't, great. This cake is for Peeps lovers and Peeps dislikers {hate is such a horrible word}. This Peeps Cake with Marshmallow Frosting incorporates bits of Peeps right into the baking process, producing a colorful and slightly sweetened cake with a fluffy, marshmallow frosting that literally melts in your mouth. It is YUMMMMY.
I started by removing one row of Peeps from each package. Aren't all of the colors fun? Now, don't blink, because we need to transform these little guys. Remember, they're just candy. Now, get your knife.
Chop 'em up. Try to keep them divided by color if you can. This is the most time consuming part of the process. Why? Because they're marshmallows and they're sticky. Your knife will get gummed up, the pieces will stick together. . .and to you. Just keep pushing through. It's worth it. I promise.
When you're finished with the chopping, do a happy dance. You deserve it!
Alright, so you put half the cake batter into a greased 9x13 inch pan, sprinkle half of the Peeps over the top, cover those with the rest of the cake batter and then sprinkle the remaining Peeps on the top. After you bake it in the oven, you'll see how the bits of Peeps just kind of melt into the cake.
The top of the cake doesn't look that attractive, but don't worry, you'll be covering that with frosting. It's what's inside that counts. Where have I heard that before? 😉
Just look at the inside! I love all of the colors. It almost looks like a colorful poke cake, doesn't it? So, I bet you're wondering how it tastes?
Delicious. There are no chunks of Peeps, mounds of sugar - nothing like that. The Peeps literally disappear into the cake and leave behind only the beautiful colors and a subtle hint of additional sweetness.
Not only did the Peeps disappear into the cake, the cake. . . disappeared from the pan. . .in a matter of two days. Oh, and the frosting! We haven't even talked about the frosting! Homemade marshmallow frosting is the perfect way to top off this tasty dessert.
So, although when it comes to cakes, I'm not into fancy, I'm certainly into simple and delicious. If you're looking for a fun Easter dessert for the family, this is it. You're going to love it!
READY FOR MORE EASTER FUN?
Peeps Cake With Marshmallow Frosting
Ingredients
- For the Cake
- Box white cake mix (with required ingredients)
- 20 marshmallow Peeps (colors are up to you!)
- For the Frosting
- 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- For the Cake
- Preheat oven to directed temperature on the bake of the cake box.
- Cut the Peeps into small pieces taking care to keep the colors separate, if desired.
- Prepare the batter for the cake as directed on the box.
- In a greased 9x13 inch pan, add half of the batter.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped Peeps evenly over the top.
- Cover the chopped Peeps with the remaining cake batter.
- Sprinkle the remaining Peeps pieces over the top of the cake.
- Bake as directed on the back of the cake box.
- Allow cake to cool.
- For the Frosting
- Cream the butter until fluffy and add the marshmallow creme until well-combined.
- Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Frost cooled cake and top cake pieces with Peeps if desired.
Notes
- Peeps Preparation: When cutting the marshmallow peeps for the cake, use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut them into small pieces. To keep the colors separate for a vibrant presentation, cut each color of peeps separately. Alternatively, you can mix the colors together for a rainbow effect throughout the cake. Be gentle when handling the peeps to prevent them from sticking to each other or becoming misshapen.
- Layering Technique: When layering the cake batter and chopped peeps in the pan, ensure that the peeps are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent flavor and texture in each bite. Spread half of the batter in the pan, sprinkle half of the chopped peeps over it, then cover with the remaining batter before adding the remaining peeps on top. This layering technique helps distribute the peeps throughout the cake and prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- Frosting Consistency: For a smooth and creamy frosting, ensure that the butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the marshmallow creme. This helps the ingredients blend together seamlessly and creates a light and fluffy frosting. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing to achieve the desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to thin it out. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and top with additional peeps for decoration, if desired.
Kendra @ www.joyinourhome.com
Oh Sara, your Easter desserts are making me droooool!!! YUMMY!! Featuring this dessert tomorrow 🙂 Hope you're having a great week!
Jillian
What an awesome idea! I never thought of baking Peeps inside a cake, so this is something I've definitely got to try for myself. It's such a pretty cake with all the colors melted throughout the cake!
Sara
My son absolutely LOVED this cake, Jillian. The Peeps just make the cake a little sweeter - there's no major difference in texture, etc. Good luck and I hope you enjoy it!
Creatively Homespun
Wow! This looks adorable AND yummy! Thanks for sharing at the Show and Tell Link Party! 🙂 Pinning!!
Jacqui
This sounds amazing! Thank you for linking up to Party Time and we hope to see you again next week!