Spice Cake Bars with Peeps in Snow Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm and cozy flavors: The spice cake has a delicious combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the snowy frosting.

• Fun and festive: The Peeps add a playful and colorful touch, making these bars ideal for any celebration or seasonal event.

• Easy to make: These cake bars come together quickly, and the frosting and Peeps make for a fun, eye-catching finish.

• Perfect texture: The bars are moist and tender with the perfect balance of spices, and the snow frosting is light, fluffy, and sweet.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

For the frosting:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup coconut flakes (optional, for added “snow” effect)

For decoration:

• Peeps (the number of Peeps depends on how many you want to add for decoration)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the cake:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

For the frosting:

1. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue to whip until fully incorporated and fluffy.

2. Spread the frosting: Once the spice cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of the whipped cream frosting over the top. You can use a spatula to smooth it evenly or create a more textured, snowy effect.

3. Add coconut flakes: For an extra “snowy” look, sprinkle the coconut flakes over the frosting to give it a wintery, snowy feel (optional but fun!).

For decoration:

1. Top with Peeps: Gently press the Peeps into the frosting, arranging them however you’d like for a colorful, fun decoration. You can use one Peeps per slice or create a Peeps “scene” on top of the cake bars.

2. Chill: Let the bars sit for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set slightly and make it easier to slice.

3. Serve: Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of these fun cake bars!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16 bars

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes (for the cake)

• Chill Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cake bars gluten-free. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions for best results.

• Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter, the eggs with flax eggs, and use non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk) in place of the buttermilk.

• Different frosting: If you prefer a thicker frosting, try using cream cheese frosting or buttercream frosting for a richer taste.

• Spicy kick: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the cake batter for an extra layer of spice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The frosting may soften slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

• Freezing: These bars freeze well without the Peeps. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

• Reheating: These cake bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. You can warm them up slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

FAQs

Can I use regular whipped cream instead of making my own frosting?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream if you’re short on time. However, homemade whipped cream is light and fluffy and will give the bars a better texture.

Can I use a different type of frosting?

Yes! You can substitute the whipped cream with cream cheese frosting or buttercream for a richer, denser frosting. Both will work great with the spiced cake.

Can I make the spice cake bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the spice cake a day or two in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and frost it just before serving.

How do I make the frosting thicker?

If you prefer a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar or reduce the amount of heavy cream when whipping. You could also substitute part of the heavy cream with mascarpone cheese or cream cheese for a thicker texture.

Can I make these bars without Peeps?

Yes, if Peeps are unavailable or you prefer not to use them, you can simply top the bars with additional decorations, such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or even candied ginger for a seasonal touch.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Make sure the cake has cooled completely before frosting. Also, refrigerating the cake for 30 minutes after frosting helps set the whipped cream and prevents it from melting.

Can I use a different cake flavor?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of spice cake, you can substitute it with another flavor, such as carrot cake, vanilla, or even chocolate cake. Just adjust the frosting and decorations accordingly.

Can I make this a layer cake instead of bars?

Yes, you can layer the spice cake and frosting in a round cake pan to create a layered cake instead of bars. Just adjust the baking time to account for the different pan size.

Can I use a different type of candy instead of Peeps?

Absolutely! You can use any candy or decorative item, like gumdrops, chocolate-covered marshmallows, or even small gingerbread cookies, for a fun and festive look.

How do I make these bars more festive?

For a holiday touch, you can decorate the cake bars with red and green sprinkles, use colored frosting, or even add holiday-themed Peeps like Christmas trees or bunnies.

Conclusion

Spice Cake Bars with Peeps in Snow Frosting are the perfect combination of festive fun and delicious flavors. The rich spice cake, fluffy snow-like frosting, and playful Peeps make these bars a showstopper at any holiday or winter gathering. Whether you’re baking for a party or just treating yourself to a cozy dessert, these cake bars are sure to bring joy and warmth to your kitchen!