Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake: A Whimsical Springtime Treat

If you’re looking to add a burst of color and creativity to your next celebration, the Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is just what you need. This delightful dessert combines the light, fluffy texture of vanilla cake with sweet, creamy frosting, all topped off with vibrant Peeps marshmallows arranged to look like a cheerful sunflower. Whether it’s for an Easter party, a birthday, or any spring gathering, this cake will be the star of the show. Plus, it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is everything you want in a cake: it’s beautiful, delicious, and full of personality. The moist layers of vanilla cake paired with the rich buttercream frosting create a flavor profile that everyone will love. But it’s the playful sunflower design made with colorful Peeps marshmallows that truly steal the spotlight. This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds—it’s a feast for the eyes too!

What makes this cake even more exciting is how versatile it is. You can customize the flavor by swapping out the vanilla cake for something like chocolate or adding in fruit fillings. The colorful Peeps marshmallows can also be mixed and matched, offering endless possibilities to match any theme or party. Whether you’re preparing it for a springtime celebration, a children’s birthday party, or even a backyard BBQ, this cake will be a showstopper.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The magic of the Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake lies in its ability to bring together simplicity and creativity in one delicious package. The base of the cake is a classic, moist vanilla cake that pairs perfectly with the sweet and creamy buttercream frosting. But what sets this recipe apart is the sunflower design made from Peeps marshmallows. This fun and festive decoration not only brings the cake to life but also adds a playful touch that’s sure to make any party feel even more special.

Peeps marshmallows are a beloved treat, and incorporating them into a cake elevates the usual marshmallow experience. The cheerful yellow and orange colors create a stunning contrast that mimics the look of a sunflower in full bloom. Plus, this cake is an absolute crowd-pleaser with both kids and adults. It’s a dessert that’s as much fun to decorate as it is to devour!

Ingredients

Save

Here’s what you’ll need to create this showstopping Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese (optional for frosting)
• Peeps marshmallow candies (yellow and orange for the petals and center)
• Black decorating gel or edible black pearls for the sunflower center
• Yellow food coloring (optional, for a more vibrant look)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Prepare the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will help create a light and fluffy cake. Set it aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is essential for a light, airy cake texture.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to give the cake its signature flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.
5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the desired frosting consistency. If you’d like a fun pop of color, you can also add a few drops of yellow food coloring to the frosting to enhance the sunflower theme.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cool, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake and repeat the frosting process. Continue with the third layer, covering the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
8. Decorate the Sunflower: Now comes the fun part! Arrange the Peeps marshmallow candies around the edge of the top of the cake to create the sunflower petals. You can use yellow Peeps for the petals and orange Peeps for the center. To make the center of the sunflower more realistic, use black decorating gel or edible black pearls to create a seed-like pattern in the center.
9. Final Touches: If you’d like, you can add more decorative touches, such as frosting leaves or edible sunflower seeds, to complete the look. Make sure to press the Peeps gently into the frosting to ensure they stay in place.
10. Chill and Serve: Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the frosting set. After that, bring the cake to room temperature for the best texture before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are all at room temperature before you start. This will help the ingredients combine more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, heavy cake.
• Customize the Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, you can easily substitute with classic buttercream. Just beat together more butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy for that same delicious sweetness.
• Chill the Cake: Refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes helps the frosting firm up, making it easier to cut and serve. It also helps the Peeps decorations hold their shape.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Chocolate Layers: For a richer flavor, substitute the vanilla cake with a chocolate cake mix. The combination of chocolate and marshmallow Peeps will add a whole new dimension to the cake.
• Different Peeps Colors: You can mix and match different Peeps colors to create a vibrant, multicolored sunflower effect. Use a combination of yellow, pink, and purple Peeps for a fun, rainbow-inspired look.
• Fruit Filling: Add a fruity twist by spreading a layer of lemon curd, raspberry jam, or strawberry preserves between the cake layers. This will add a burst of tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the marshmallows and frosting.
• Buttercream vs. Cream Cheese Frosting: If you prefer a lighter frosting, feel free to substitute classic buttercream for the cream cheese frosting. Buttercream will give the cake a more traditional sweetness, while cream cheese frosting provides a tangy contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Save

• Serve with Ice Cream: A slice of this cake is perfect when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the soft, fluffy cake.
• Pair with Lemonade or Iced Tea: For a refreshing, summer vibe, serve this cake alongside a glass of homemade lemonade or sweet iced tea. The light, citrusy notes will complement the richness of the cake beautifully.
• Add a Fresh Salad: If you’re serving the cake as part of a meal, balance the sweetness with a fresh salad. A light, citrusy green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help refresh the palate between bites of cake.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it will still taste delicious for a couple of days after being made.
• Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving to ensure the frosting is soft and the flavors are at their best.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this cake because the Peeps marshmallows can become sticky and the frosting may lose its texture. However, you can freeze the cake layers before frosting if you want to prepare ahead of time.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

You can assemble the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This gives the frosting plenty of time to set and allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not letting the cake cool completely: Always allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. If the cake is still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when mixing the batter. Overmixing can make the cake dense and dry.
• Not refrigerating the cake: Refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes after decorating helps set the frosting and keep the Peeps in place. Don’t skip this step!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use store-bought cake layers?
   Yes, store-bought cakes can work in a pinch. Just skip the baking step and focus on assembling and decorating.
2. Can I use other marshmallows instead of Peeps?
   Yes, you can use regular marshmallows or even other candies like gummy bears or jelly beans for the petals.
3. Can I make this cake vegan?
   Yes, by using vegan cake and frosting recipes and swapping out the marshmallows for vegan alternatives, you can make this cake completely plant-based.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls for the dry ingredients and wet ingredients
• Electric mixer or hand mixer for beating the frosting
• Parchment paper for lining the cake pans
• Spatula for spreading frosting
• Decorating tips or piping bags (optional for extra frosting details)

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!