Easter Peep Cake Amazing Festive Surprise

Last spring, I set this Easter Peep Cake right in the center of the table, and everyone went quiet for a second. The bright pink, yellow, and blue layers peeked out, and those little Bunny Peeps smiled all around the edge. In that moment, dessert felt just as joyful as the holiday itself.

Why You’ll Love This Easter Peep Cake

First, this Easter Peep Cake looks like a showpiece, yet it stays simple to make. You mix one batter, divide it, and tint it with gel color. As a result, you get bold layers without extra work.
Also, the vanilla buttercream tastes rich and creamy. It balances the sweet candy on top. Meanwhile, the soft cake layers stay tender because of the butter and buttermilk.
In fact, this Easter Peep Cake works for family dinners, church potlucks, or spring birthdays. You can slice it cleanly, and each piece shows off those pastel stripes.
If you enjoy colorful treats like my Easter Cookie Cake or the layered beauty of this Easter Trifle Dessert, then this cake will fit right into your holiday baking plans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Colorful Cake Layers

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup buttermilk or whole milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Pink, yellow, and blue gel food coloring

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

2 cups unsalted butter, softened
8 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup heavy cream

For Decorating the Peep Cake

24 Bunny Peeps
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, dyed green
Easter M and M’s candies

Tools and Equipment for Best Results

You will need three 9 inch round cake pans. I also like to line them with parchment circles, so the layers release easily.
A stand mixer or hand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Then, an offset spatula makes frosting smooth and simple.
Finally, keep a piping bag ready for swirls on top of your Easter Peep Cake.

How to Make an Easter Peep Cake Step by Step

Prepare the Baking Pans and Oven

First, heat your oven to 350°F or 180°C. Meanwhile, grease and flour three 9 inch round pans.
If you want extra insurance, then add parchment circles to the bottoms. This step saves stress later.

Mix the Cake Batter

Next, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step builds structure, so do not rush it.
Then add the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. After that, add the dry mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture in turns. Mix just until smooth.
If you do not have buttermilk, then stir a little vinegar into whole milk and let it sit for a few minutes. It works beautifully in this Easter Peep Cake.

Color and Bake the Cake Layers

Now divide the batter into three bowls. Tint one pink, one yellow, and one blue using gel food coloring. Gel gives strong color with only a tiny amount.
Pour each color into its own pan. Then bake for 20 to 25 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
Let the layers cool briefly in the pans. After that, move them to racks and cool completely.

Make the Smooth Vanilla Buttercream

Meanwhile, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low at first.
Next, add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. The frosting should spread easily but still hold its shape.
Transfer a portion to a piping bag for decorating later.

Assemble and Frost the Cake

First, spread a small amount of frosting on your serving plate. Place the blue cake layer on top.
Pipe a ring of frosting around the edge, then spread frosting evenly inside. Add the yellow layer and repeat. Finish with the pink layer on top.
Apply a thin crumb coat around the entire Easter Peep Cake. Chill it briefly so the crumbs set. Then frost the sides fully and smooth the top.

Decorate with Bunny Peeps, Coconut Grass, and Candy

Now press Bunny Peeps gently around the edges of the cake. They should stand upright against the frosting.
Meanwhile, fill the center with green coconut flakes to look like grass. If needed, shake coconut with green gel coloring and a splash of water, then let it dry.
Finally, scatter Easter M and M’s candies over the coconut. The colors make this Easter Peep Cake feel playful and bright.

Helpful Tips for Baking and Decorating Success

Always use room temperature eggs. They blend more smoothly into the batter.
Also, use gel food coloring instead of liquid. It keeps the batter thick and vibrant.
If you bake in lighter colored pans, then the cake may need a few extra minutes. Watch closely near the end.
For clean slices, chill the Easter Peep Cake for about 30 minutes before serving. Then wipe your knife between cuts.

Storage, Make Ahead, and Serving Info

This Easter Peep Cake takes about 30 minutes to prep and about 25 minutes to bake. Add about 1 hour for cooling and decorating. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 55 minutes.
The recipe yields about 12 servings. Each slice contains about 725 calories, 138 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein, 18 grams fat, 11 grams saturated fat, 89 milligrams cholesterol, 232 milligrams sodium, 154 milligrams potassium, 1 gram fiber, 113 grams sugar, 573 IU vitamin A, 69 milligrams calcium, and 2 milligrams iron.
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, add the Peeps just before serving for the best texture.

Common Questions About Easter Peep Cake

More Such Recipes

• Easter Blossom Cookies
• Easter Brownies Recipe
• Carrot Cake Cheesecake Bites
• Easter Cookies Recipe
• Cadbury Egg Cookies

Conclusion

This Easter Peep Cake brings color, sweetness, and a little childhood fun to your table. Although it looks impressive, the steps stay simple and manageable. So gather your pastel colors, line up those Bunny Peeps, and enjoy every bright, sugary slice with the people you love.

If you want more festive inspiration, follow along on Pinterest and join the fun on Facebook.

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