Dessert

Chocolate Peeps Cupcakes with Buttercream Recipe

ByClara Bennett March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Introduction

These Chocolate Peeps Cupcakes with Buttercream are a festive and fun treat perfect for spring celebrations. Rich chocolate cupcakes are topped with creamy green buttercream and a cute Peeps marshmallow, making them delightful for Easter or any special occasion.

The image shows a group of chocolate cupcakes with three layers: a dark brown base, a swirl of light green frosting on top, and a colorful marshmallow bunny standing upright in the center of each cupcake. The bunnies come in pink and yellow colors with small brown eyes and nose details. Each cupcake is in a pink or light brown paper liner. Small candy decorations in pastel colors are scattered on the frosting around the bunnies. The cupcakes are placed on white plates with a white marbled surface underneath, and there are bottles of milk in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup flour
½ cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup oil
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp milk
Green food coloring
Easter sprinkles
Peeps marshmallows

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line standard muffin tins with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Step 2: In a stand mixer bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.
Step 3: Add vanilla, eggs, milk, and oil. Mix on low speed until the batter comes together, scraping down the sides as needed.
Step 4: Divide the batter evenly into prepared cupcake liners using a measuring cup or scoop.
Step 5: Bake for 14–16 minutes or until the centers are set. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
Step 6: For the frosting, place softened butter and half of the powdered sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Mix on low until combined, scraping down sides as needed.
Step 7: Add remaining powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix again on low until smooth.
Step 8: Pour in milk and continue mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined, scraping down sides as needed.
Step 9: Add green food coloring a little at a time, mixing between additions until desired shade is reached.
Step 10: Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
Step 11: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe a generous swirl of frosting on each cupcake.
Step 12: Decorate by adding Easter sprinkles and gently pressing a Peeps marshmallow into the center of each cupcake.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the cupcake batter.
Try different Peeps colors or shapes for a variety of festive looks.
If you don’t have a piping bag, spread the buttercream with a knife or spoon for a simpler finish.

Storage

Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving. The Peeps marshmallows are best added fresh to avoid getting soggy.

How to Serve

The image shows chocolate cupcakes with light green swirled frosting on top, each decorated with colorful candy sprinkles and a small marshmallow bunny in pink or yellow standing upright in the frosting. The cupcakes are in pink paper liners, and they sit on white plates with a white marbled surface below. One cupcake in the foreground has a bite taken out of it, revealing the dark chocolate cake inside, with a silver spoon resting on the plate next to it. In the background, two glass bottles of milk with pink and white striped straws add to the scene. The overall setting is bright and cheerful with a soft pink backdrop. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best texture and appearance.