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Colorful Peeps Cheesecake Bars with swirled marshmallow patterns on white wooden surface

Peeps Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Colorful and festive Peeps Cheesecake Bars feature a graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake filling swirled with melted Peeps marshmallows. Perfect Easter dessert that combines nostalgia with gourmet taste.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Graham Cracker Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 16 crackers
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract pure
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peeps Swirl
  • 20 pieces Peeps marshmallows assorted colors
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 6 pieces additional Peeps for decoration
Optional Add-ins
  • lemon zest 1 teaspoon for bright citrus flavor
  • food coloring to enhance Peeps colors
  • white chocolate chips 1/2 cup for extra sweetness

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
  • 1 Electric mixer stand mixer or hand mixer
  • 1 Food processor for graham crackers
  • 1 Microwave-safe bowls for melting Peeps
  • 1 Rubber spatula for folding and swirling

Method
 

Prepare the Crust
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a food processor, pulse graham crackers until fine crumbs form. Mix with melted butter, sugar, and salt until evenly moistened. Pro tip: The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be soggy
  3. Press mixture firmly into prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Pro tip: Cold cream cheese will create lumps, so patience with room temperature ingredients pays off
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until combined. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream, vanilla, and salt. Pro tip: Don't overbeat after adding eggs to prevent cracks in the finished bars
Prepare the Peeps Swirl
  1. Separate Peeps by color into microwave-safe bowls. Add 1-2 teaspoons of heavy cream to each bowl. Pro tip: Keep colors separate for the most dramatic swirl effect
  2. Microwave each color for 20-30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly but keep workable. Pro tip: If mixture becomes too thick, add a few drops more cream
Assemble the Bars
  1. Pour cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  2. Drop spoonfuls of different colored melted Peeps over the surface. Use a knife to create swirl patterns. Pro tip: Don't overmix—you want distinct color streaks, not muddy colors
  3. Gently press additional whole Peeps into the surface for decoration.
Bake and Cool
  1. Bake for 25-30 minutes until center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. Pro tip: Overbaking will cause cracks and a dense texture
  2. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting. Pro tip: Chilling overnight gives the best texture and makes cutting much easier

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoothest mixing
  • Bars taste best after chilling overnight
  • Use warm, clean knife for cleanest cuts