PEEPS Easter Garden Cake

PEEPS Easter Garden Cake is a festive and fun dessert that brings the joy of spring to your table. With a moist cake base, fluffy frosting, and colorful PEEPS marshmallow bunnies and chicks arranged like a garden, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat!

I first made this cake when I wanted a playful and easy Easter dessert. The combination of pastel colors, coconut “grass,” and chocolate candy “dirt” created a whimsical garden scene that was almost too cute to slice—almost! It was an instant hit with both kids and adults.

What’s great about this cake is how creative you can get with it. Use different cake flavors, add candy eggs or edible flowers, or pipe frosting to create a little “fence” around your garden. Whether served at an Easter gathering or just for fun, this PEEPS Easter Garden Cake is guaranteed to bring smiles!

Perfect for:

• Easter celebrations
• Springtime gatherings
• Kid-friendly baking projects
• Dessert lovers of all ages
• Anyone who enjoys a colorful, fun-themed cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this PEEPS Easter Garden Cake will become a seasonal favorite:

• Festive and Fun: Bright colors, playful decorations, and PEEPS make this cake a standout Easter treat.
• Easy to Make: With a simple vanilla cake base and easy-to-assemble toppings, this cake is beginner-friendly.
• Moist and Fluffy Cake: The vanilla cake is light, soft, and perfectly sweet.
• Whimsical Decorations: PEEPS, candy eggs, and edible grass create a charming springtime garden scene.
• Perfect for Easter: This cake is an ideal addition to any Easter brunch or gathering.
• Customizable Design: Get creative with different PEEPS shapes, frosting colors, and toppings.
• Kid-Approved: Little ones will love helping decorate and enjoy the marshmallow-topped slices.
• Great Make-Ahead Dessert: The cake can be baked in advance and decorated later for convenience.
• Bright and Cheerful Presentation: A beautiful centerpiece for your Easter dessert table.
• Versatile Flavor Options: Easily swap out the vanilla base for chocolate, lemon, or carrot cake.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling and decorating)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 55g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (pastel shades)

For the Decorations:

• Assorted PEEPS marshmallow chicks and bunnies
• Edible green grass (shredded coconut dyed green or candy grass)
• Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans
• Pastel sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

• PEEPS Marshmallows: Iconic Easter treats that add sweetness and charm.
• Pastel Frosting: Soft spring colors make the cake visually stunning.
• Mini Chocolate Eggs: Add texture and extra chocolatey goodness.
• Edible Grass: Brings the garden theme to life.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Vanilla Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

7. Beat Butter: In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy and smooth.
8. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy.
9. Mix in Cream and Vanilla: Beat in heavy cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
10. Color the Frosting: Divide frosting into bowls and tint with pastel gel food coloring.

Assemble the Cake:

11. Layer and Frost: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, and add the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of pastel buttercream.
12. Create the Garden Scene: Sprinkle edible grass over the top of the cake.
13. Decorate with PEEPS and Candy Eggs: Arrange PEEPS marshmallow treats and mini chocolate eggs around the cake for a festive look.
14. Add Sprinkles: Scatter pastel sprinkles for extra color and texture.
15. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the frosting.

Serve:

16. Slice and Enjoy: Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful Easter treat.

How to Serve

Here are 10 fun ways to serve PEEPS Easter Garden Cake:

• As an Easter Brunch Dessert: A festive centerpiece for holiday meals.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• At a Spring Picnic: A colorful treat for outdoor gatherings.
• For a Kids’ Easter Party: Let kids enjoy the fun decorations and flavors.
• With Hot Chocolate: A perfect pairing for cool spring evenings.
• As a Gift: A homemade Easter surprise for friends and family.
• With a Cup of Tea: A light and sweet afternoon snack.
• On an Easter Dessert Table: Serve alongside other holiday treats.
• With Extra PEEPS on the Side: More marshmallow fun for everyone!
• As a Decorative Centerpiece: Display before serving for a stunning visual effect.

Additional Tips

• Colorful Coconut Grass – Dye shredded coconut green using food coloring and sprinkle it over the cake for a realistic grassy effect.
• Piped Chocolate Fences – Melt chocolate and pipe small picket fences on parchment paper. Let them harden before placing them around the cake for a charming garden look.
• Hidden Candy Surprise – Cut out a small well in the center of the cake and fill it with mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans for a fun surprise when sliced.
• Pastel Drip Effect – Add a pastel-colored white chocolate ganache drip around the edges for an extra festive touch.
• Layered Cake Option – Bake two layers and spread a fruity jam or chocolate frosting between them for added flavor and height.
• Peeps Variety – Use different PEEPS shapes like bunnies and chicks to create a more dynamic Easter scene.
• Graham Cracker Pathway – Crush graham crackers and arrange them as a little walkway on top of the cake for a rustic garden effect.
• Floral Candy Accents – Use edible flowers, fondant blooms, or candy flowers to decorate the cake for a springtime feel.
• Whipped Cream Clouds – Pipe fluffy whipped cream dollops around the cake for a dreamy, cloud-like effect.
• Easter Basket Twist – Place a decorative handle (made from a pipe cleaner or chocolate-covered pretzel) over the cake to transform it into a festive Easter basket.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Easter Garden Cake: Swap vanilla cake for chocolate.
• Carrot Cake Base: A delicious alternative for a more classic Easter flavor.
• Coconut Frosting: Use coconut extract and shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mini Easter Cupcakes: Make individual cupcakes instead of a full cake.

Special Equipment

• 9×13-inch Cake Pan – For baking the base of your garden cake.
• Offset Spatula – Helps with smooth frosting application.
• Piping Bags & Tips – For decorating with grass, flowers, and other details.
• Electric Mixer – Makes mixing batter and frosting easier.
• Food Coloring Gel – To tint frosting and decorations in bright spring colors.
• Grass Piping Tip (#233) – Perfect for creating realistic grass frosting.
• Bench Scraper – Helps smooth the sides of the cake.
• Cake Turntable – Allows for easy decorating and even frosting application.
• Mini Cookie Cutters – For cutting fondant flowers or other edible decorations.
• Toothpicks or Skewers – Useful for securing PEEPS, candy decorations, or test cake doneness.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cake flavor?
   Absolutely! While vanilla and chocolate are popular choices, you can use lemon, carrot, or any favorite flavor to suit your preference.
2. How do I get the garden look on the cake?
   Use green-tinted frosting for grass, crushed cookies or coconut for soil, and arrange PEEPS, edible flowers, and mini eggs to create a fun spring scene.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container. Decorate it just before serving for the freshest look.
4. How do I store leftover PEEPS Easter Garden Cake?
   Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If using whipped cream frosting, keep it chilled until serving.
5. Can kids help decorate the cake?
   Of course! This cake is a fun and easy Easter activity for kids to get creative with PEEPS and other edible decorations.
6. Are there allergy-friendly alternatives?
   You can make the cake gluten-free by using a GF cake mix and dairy-free with plant-based frosting options. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.
7. Can I use homemade frosting instead of store-bought?
   Definitely! Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works great and can be tinted with food coloring to match your garden theme.
8. Where can I buy PEEPS for my cake?
   PEEPS marshmallow treats are available at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers, especially during the Easter season.

Conclusion

PEEPS Easter Garden Cake is a festive and fun springtime dessert that brings bright colors and delicious flavors together in one adorable treat! This whimsical cake features a fluffy, moist base topped with rich frosting and decorated with colorful PEEPS, candy eggs, and crushed cookie “dirt” to create a charming edible garden scene. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your Easter celebration!

This recipe is easy to customize—use your favorite cake flavor, swap the frosting for a light whipped topping, or add extra decorations like edible grass or chocolate bunnies for a playful touch. Serve it with a glass of milk or a cup of tea for a delightful holiday treat!

I can’t wait to see how your PEEPS Easter Garden Cake turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this recipe your own!