Peeps Swirl Cake

Oh wow, I have to tell you this. I made the cutest Peeps Swirl Cake the other day, and it felt like pure spring in a pan. The colors were so fun I couldn’t stop staring at it.

I loved how easy it was. Just mix, swirl, and bake. That’s it. The Peeps melt a little and make the cake so soft and sweet.

And the best part? Every slice looks like a rainbow surprise. It made my whole kitchen feel happy, like a little party for no reason.

So yeah, you need to try it. It’s simple. It’s bright. And it tastes so good. When you make it, you’ll see why I keep going back to it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: The swirl of pastel colors combined with the sugary sweetness of Peeps makes this a crowd-pleaser, especially for those with a sweet tooth.
• Fun to Decorate: The Peeps marshmallows are the perfect finishing touch for decorating and make this cake as cute as it is delicious.
• Easter or Spring Perfect: This is an ideal recipe for spring celebrations, especially Easter. The bright pastel colors and Peeps make it a festive centerpiece.
• Delicious Layers: The light, fluffy cake layers are soft and slightly sweet, with a smooth whipped cream filling that complements the fun texture of the Peeps.
• Quick to Assemble: Though it looks impressive, this cake comes together in no time, making it the perfect last-minute showstopper for a party.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need for success:

• 10×15-inch Jelly Roll Pan: This is used to bake the cake in a thin, even layer.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents the cake from sticking to the pan.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the cake batter and whipped cream.
• Electric Mixer: To make sure your cake batter and whipped cream are light and fluffy.
• Rubber Spatula: To fold in the ingredients gently and evenly.
• Clean Kitchen Towel: This helps roll the cake after baking.
• Toothpick or Skewer: Use this to test the doneness of the cake.

Ingredients

Here’s a look at what you’ll need to make this colorful cake (measurements are provided in the recipe card below):

For the Cake:

• Eggs (4 large, separated): You’ll need both the yolks and whites for this recipe to create a light, airy cake.
• Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup, divided): Sweetens the cake while also helping with the texture.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth to the flavor of the cake.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Moisturizes the cake and helps with the texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): The base of the cake.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors.
• Pastel-Colored Food Gel: Pink, yellow, blue, and green are traditional Easter colors, but you can use any shades you prefer to create vibrant swirls.

For the Whipped Cream Filling:

• Heavy Cream (1 cup): The key ingredient for creating soft and fluffy whipped cream.
• Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds sweetness to the whipped cream without making it grainy.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): For a hint of flavor in the filling.

For Decoration:

• Easter Peeps: These pastel-colored marshmallow chicks are the star of the decoration. You can also use Peeps bunnies if you prefer.
• Powdered Sugar: For a light dusting over the top of the cake for extra sweetness.

Variations for Peeps Swirl Cake

While this Peeps Swirl Cake is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways you can tweak the recipe to make it your own:

• Try Different Peeps: Although Peeps chicks are traditional for Easter, you can use other shapes, such as the bunnies, or even Peeps in different colors to match your party theme.
• Add Fruit Flavors: Fold in fruit puree, like raspberry or lemon, into the batter for an extra burst of flavor and a colorful swirl effect.
• Use a Different Frosting: Instead of whipped cream, you can try a light cream cheese frosting or a buttercream frosting if you prefer something richer.
• Layer the Cake: For an extra indulgent dessert, you could bake the cake in two layers and add a fruity filling or custard between them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

Separate the Eggs

Separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in a clean, grease-free mixing bowl and the yolks in another.

Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In the bowl with the egg yolks, add 1/4 cup of the sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and pale.

Beat the Egg Whites

In the separate bowl with the egg whites, add a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. This step is important to get that light, airy texture in your cake.

Fold the Mixtures Together

Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mixture — fold until just combined.

Add the Flour and Milk

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour. Gradually add the flour and milk to the egg mixture, folding carefully until the batter is smooth.

2. Create the Swirl Effect

Divide the batter evenly into four bowls. Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl — pink, yellow, blue, and green — and gently fold the colors into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want a streaky, swirled effect, not fully blended colors.

3. Spread the Batter and Bake

Pour the batters into the prepared pan, alternating spoonfuls of each color. Use a toothpick or skewer to swirl the colors together in a marble effect. Be careful not to mix too much; the more distinct the colors, the better the swirl will look.

Bake the cake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake — you want the cake to be soft and light.

4. Roll the Cake

Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, use a clean kitchen towel to gently roll the cake up from the short end, like you would a jelly roll, while it’s still warm. Let the cake cool completely while it’s rolled up. This step helps the cake hold its shape and prevents cracking when unrolling.

5. Prepare the Whipped Cream Filling

While the cake is cooling, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as the cream can turn into butter.

6. Assemble the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, unroll it carefully. Spread a generous layer of whipped cream filling over the top, leaving a small border along the edges.

7. Roll the Cake Back Up

Gently roll the cake back up with the whipped cream inside. Don’t worry if a bit of the cream oozes out — that’s normal.

8. Decorate the Cake

Transfer the rolled-up cake to a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegance. Then, carefully place the Peeps marshmallow chicks along the top of the cake. You can arrange them in a row or create fun patterns. Add more pastel-colored decorations like sprinkles if you’d like!

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Peeps Swirl Cake

This cake is the perfect centerpiece for any occasion, especially spring holidays like Easter. You can serve it on a beautiful cake stand or platter for a show-stopping dessert.

• At Easter Gatherings: This cake is ideal for Easter brunch or as a dessert after an Easter meal. It’s colorful and festive, making it the perfect match for Easter eggs and other holiday treats.
• For Birthday Parties: Whether for a spring birthday or just because, Peeps Swirl Cake is a playful and delicious option that guests will adore.
• Springtime Picnics: This cake travels well, making it a great choice for outdoor spring picnics or gatherings.

Storing Peeps Swirl Cake

• Unfrosted Cake: If you have leftover cake layers, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, freeze the layers for up to 2 months.
• Frosted Cake: Store any leftover frosted cake in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Decoration: Peeps will lose their softness over time, so it’s best to decorate the cake just before serving. If you do need to store it with Peeps, make sure the cake is well-covered to keep the marshmallows from drying out.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

(Serves 10)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	365 kcal
Carbohydrates	54 g
Protein	4 g
Fat	15 g
Saturated Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	55 mg
Sodium	330 mg
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	38 g
Vitamin A	2% DV
Vitamin C	0% DV
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	6% DV

Conclusion

This Peeps Swirl Cake is the ultimate festive dessert for spring celebrations, combining the delightful sweetness of Peeps with the light, airy texture of a swirl cake. The pastel colors and playful marshmallow decorations make it a visual and culinary treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, a birthday, or just the arrival of spring, this cake will make any occasion special. So gather your ingredients, get ready to bake, and prepare to impress your guests with this delightful dessert!