A whimsical and colorful layered cake inspired by the cheerful springtime vibes of Peeps marshmallow candies and bright sunflowers. This cake features fluffy layers, a creamy frosting, and eye-catching sunflower decorations that are perfect for festive celebrations or Easter parties.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also deliciously moist and flavorful. The combination of classic vanilla cake layers with sweet, fluffy frosting and playful Peeps marshmallows makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the sunflower design adds a charming, creative touch that makes the cake a centerpiece at any party.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese or butter (for frosting)
- Peeps marshmallow candies (yellow or assorted colors)
- Black decorating gel or edible black pearls (for sunflower centers)
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
Directions
- Bake the cake layers: Prepare a classic vanilla cake batter and divide evenly into 2 or 3 greased round cake pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Tint with yellow food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top. Repeat with remaining layers.
- Decorate with Peeps and sunflower design:
- Arrange yellow Peeps marshmallows around the top edge to mimic sunflower petals.
- Use black decorating gel or edible pearls in the center to create the sunflower’s core.
- Add extra frosting details or edible leaves to enhance the sunflower effect.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the frosting, then serve at room temperature.
Servings and timing
- Yield: 8–12 servings
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Bake time: 25–30 minutes per layer
- Assembly and decorating: 30–45 minutes
- Total time: About 2 hours
Variations
- Chocolate layers: Swap vanilla for chocolate cake layers for a richer flavor.
- Peeps colors: Use assorted Peeps for a multicolored floral look.
- Fruity filling: Add a layer of lemon curd or berry jam between layers.
- Buttercream frosting: Use classic buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting.
Storage/reheating
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bring to room temperature: Remove from fridge 30 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Do not freeze: Marshmallows can become sticky and frosting texture can change.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought cake layers?
Yes, store-bought cakes work great for a quick version.
Are Peeps safe to bake with?
Peeps are best used as decorations after baking, as they can melt and lose shape in the oven.
Can I make this vegan?
Use vegan cake and frosting recipes and vegan marshmallows.
How do I keep the marshmallow petals in place?
Press Peeps gently into the frosting so they stick well.
Can I make this ahead?
Assemble and decorate up to a day before serving. Keep refrigerated.
What if I don’t have black decorating gel?
Use small chocolate chips, black sprinkles, or edible pearls as alternatives.
Can I use other candies?
Yes, gummy rings or colored fondant petals can replace Peeps.
How do I avoid frosting melting?
Keep cake chilled until serving, especially in warm environments.
Is this suitable for kids?
Absolutely—a fun, colorful cake kids will love decorating and eating.
Can I make a smaller cake?
Yes, halve ingredients and bake in smaller pans accordingly.
Conclusion
The Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is a fun, festive dessert that combines playful springtime colors with classic cake flavors. Perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any cheerful celebration, this cake will bring smiles and a touch of whimsy to your table. Enjoy the creativity and deliciousness in every slice!
Print
Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Cakes
- Method: Baking & decorating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A whimsical and colorful Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake featuring moist vanilla layers stacked with creamy frosting, decorated with vibrant Peeps marshmallow candies arranged like sunflower petals.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Buttercream frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3-4 tbsp milk
- Peeps marshmallow candies (yellow and orange) for decoration
- Edible sunflower seeds or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare buttercream by beating butter until creamy, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and spreadable.
- Layer cakes with buttercream between each layer and around the outside.
- Decorate the top of the cake with Peeps marshmallow candies arranged in a sunflower pattern, using yellow for petals and orange for the center.
- Optionally sprinkle edible sunflower seeds or chocolate chips in the center for added texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best cake texture.
- Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the batter.
- Peeps decorations add fun color and a sweet, marshmallow touch.
- This cake is great for spring celebrations and kids’ parties.
- Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg