Peeps Sunflower Cake: Spring’s Sweetest Surprise!

Introduction

Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a ridiculously delicious cake featuring those iconic marshmallow chicks, Peeps? This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant and surprisingly easy-to-make layer cake that’s perfect for Easter, spring birthdays, or any celebration that needs a little extra sweetness and sunshine. Prepare to be amazed at how much fun (and flavor!) you can pack into a cake!

Why This Works

This Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is a winner because it’s visually stunning, incredibly delicious, and surprisingly simple to make. The combination of moist yellow cake, creamy frosting, and those cheerful Peeps creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—everyone loves a cake that’s as pretty as it is tasty!

Key Ingredients

• 🎂 Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 4 large eggs 🥚
  • 1 cup milk 🥛
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 🫙
• 🌼 Frosting:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 🧈
  • 3 cups powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1/2 cup milk 🥛
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🫙
  • Yellow food coloring 🟡
• 🌻 Decoration:
  • Approximately 30 yellow Peeps 🐥

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2️⃣ Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.

4️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

5️⃣ Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6️⃣ Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7️⃣ Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vanilla and yellow food coloring until you reach your desired shade.

8️⃣ Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of frosting. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

9️⃣ Decorate: Arrange the yellow Peeps around the top of the cake to resemble a sunflower. You can add a few chocolate chips in the center for the sunflower’s seed.

Handy Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for the best results in both the cake and frosting.
• Don’t overmix the cake batter; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
• If your frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Heat Control

Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t burn. Using an oven thermometer is a good idea to ensure your oven’s temperature is accurate. If the cakes start to brown too quickly, lightly tent them with foil for the remaining baking time.

Crunch Factor

This cake offers a delightful contrast in textures. The moist and fluffy cake provides a soft base, while the frosting adds a creamy richness. The Peeps add a slightly chewy and sweet counterpoint, creating a delightful textural experience.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cake batter.
• Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls of frosting on the cake.
• Get creative with your Peeps arrangement – try different patterns or shapes!

Storage Tips

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting! Present it on a pretty cake stand, or package individual slices in charming bakery boxes tied with ribbon.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Lemon Peeps Cake: Add lemon zest to the cake batter and use a lemon-flavored frosting.
🌟 Chocolate Peeps Cake: Use a chocolate cake recipe and chocolate frosting, and decorate with chocolate Peeps.
🌟 Strawberry Peeps Cake: Use a vanilla cake recipe and strawberry frosting, and add fresh strawberries around the Peep sunflowers.
🌟 Coconut Peeps Cake: Add shredded coconut to the cake batter and frosting, and incorporate coconut-flavored Peeps if you can find them.

Troubleshooting

• Cake is dry: Make sure you didn’t overbake it. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier.
• Frosting is too thin: Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
• Frosting is too thick: Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

FAQ

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?: Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead of time and frost them just before serving.
• Can I substitute the Peeps?: You can use other candies for decoration, but the Peeps truly make this cake special!
• What kind of food coloring should I use?: Gel food coloring will give you the most vibrant color.
• Can I freeze this cake?: It’s best not to freeze the frosted cake, but you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers individually.

Conclusion

This Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any spring celebration. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor. Give it a try and share your creations with us on Ratemyrecipes.com! Happy baking!