Every Easter table needs that one dessert. You know the one — everyone gasps when you bring it out, kids rush over to point at it, and someone immediately asks, “Wait… how did you make that?!”
This Easter Peeps Cake is that dessert.
It’s bright. It’s playful. It’s covered in fluffy green “grass.” And it’s topped with marshmallow Peeps and pastel M&M eggs that look like a little edible Easter garden. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy. You don’t need fancy decorating skills. Just a piping bag, a grass tip, and about 30 minutes of decorating fun.
If you’re looking for a Pinterest-worthy Easter cake that doubles as a centerpiece, this one absolutely delivers.
Let’s make it.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Peeps Cake
- 🐣 Perfect Easter centerpiece – it doubles as table décor.
- 🎂 Beginner-friendly decorating – the grass tip does all the work.
- 🌸 Bright, spring colors – pastel candy makes it pop.
- 👩👧 Fun to decorate with kids – they’ll love placing the Peeps.
- 🥳 Customizable – choose any Peeps colors or cake flavor.
This Easter Peeps Cake brings joy before anyone even takes a bite.
Ingredient Notes (Simple but Important Tips)
Let’s talk about what makes this cake work so well.
Cake Mix
Use your favorite boxed cake mix — white, vanilla, funfetti, or even chocolate. Since this cake focuses on decorating, the flavor is flexible.
Bake it in two 8-inch round pans for the perfect height.
Tip: Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
Green Frosting
You can use store-bought frosting or homemade buttercream. If you make your own, tint it with gel green food coloring for vibrant “grass.”
You’ll need enough frosting to:
- Frost between layers
- Frost around the sides
- Pipe grass on top
Marshmallow Peeps
Two boxes give you plenty to decorate around the edge. Use classic chicks or bunnies. Mix pastel colors for a playful look.
Pastel M&Ms
Speckled pastel M&M candies add texture and color contrast. They also help fill empty spots and make the cake look abundant and festive.
Piping Bag + Grass Tip
The grass tip (the one with multiple small holes) creates that realistic grassy texture. It instantly makes the cake look professional.
No grass tip? You can still frost smoothly and sprinkle green coconut on top instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions.
Divide the batter evenly between two greased 8-inch round pans.
Bake according to package directions. Let the cakes cool completely before decorating.
Cooling matters. Warm cake melts frosting, and nobody wants sliding Peeps.
Step 2: Level and Stack
Once cooled, use a serrated knife to carefully slice the domed top off one cake layer. This helps the layers stack evenly.
Place the first layer on your serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of green frosting on top.
Add the second cake layer on top.
Now you’ve got height — and height makes this Easter Peeps Cake feel impressive.
Step 3: Frost the Sides
Using a knife or offset spatula, spread green frosting around the entire cake — sides and top.
Don’t worry about perfection here. The grass piping will cover most of it.
Make sure the frosting layer on the sides is thick enough to hold the Peeps in place.
Step 4: Pipe the Grass
Fill a piping bag fitted with a grass tip with green frosting.
Hold the bag straight up and gently squeeze, then pull away to create grass strands.
Repeat across the entire top of the cake.
Work in small sections. The texture builds quickly and looks amazing.
Suddenly, your cake transforms into an edible spring meadow.
Step 5: Add the Peeps
Press marshmallow Peeps gently around the edges of the cake.
Space them evenly or cluster them close together — both look adorable.
If your frosting feels soft, chill the cake for 15 minutes before adding Peeps to help them stick better.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Easter Eggs
Scatter pastel M&M candies across the grassy top.
Tuck them slightly into the frosting so they stay in place.
Now step back and admire your Easter Peeps Cake masterpiece.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Chill between steps. If the frosting gets soft, pop the cake in the fridge.
- Use gel food coloring for bold green without thinning the frosting.
- Pipe straight up for realistic grass texture.
- Decorate close to serving time if your kitchen is warm — Peeps can get sticky.
- Use a cake turntable if you have one. It makes frosting easier.
If you want ultra-clean slices, refrigerate the cake for 30–60 minutes before cutting.
Variations and Substitutions
One reason I love this Easter Peeps Cake? You can customize it endlessly.
Chocolate Version
Use chocolate cake with green frosting for contrast.
Coconut Grass Option
Mix shredded coconut with green food coloring and sprinkle it on top instead of piping grass.
Funfetti Spring Cake
Use funfetti cake mix to add colorful sprinkles inside the cake layers.
Bunny Garden Theme
Add small candy carrots or edible flowers for extra detail.
Mini Cake Version
Bake in 6-inch pans for a smaller gathering.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Because of the frosting and candy, refrigeration keeps everything stable.
Make Ahead
You can bake the cake layers one day ahead and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Frost and decorate the day of your event for freshest results.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before decorating.
Avoid freezing fully decorated cake — the candy texture changes.
FAQ
Can I make Easter Peeps Cake without a grass tip?
Yes! Spread frosting smoothly and top with green-colored coconut for a similar grassy effect.
Do Peeps melt on cake?
They can soften in warm rooms. Keep the cake cool until serving.
What flavor cake works best?
Vanilla or white cake highlights the decorations best, but any flavor works.
Can I use homemade frosting?
Absolutely. Classic buttercream works beautifully and pipes well.
A Cake That Steals the Show
This Easter Peeps Cake isn’t just dessert. It’s part of the celebration.
It brings color to the table. It sparks conversation. It makes kids smile. And honestly, that’s what holiday baking should do.
You don’t need advanced skills. You don’t need hours of decorating. You just need cake, frosting, Peeps, and a little creativity.
Make it once, and it might just become your signature Easter dessert.
Save this Easter Peeps Cake for later, pin it to your Easter board, and share it with someone who loves spring baking 🐰🌸💛
