• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Entrees
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Dog-Friendly
  • Life
    • Travels
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • About Sues
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Newsletter

We are not Martha

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Life
    • About
    • Contact
    • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Desserts

    Feb 3, 2014 · Modified: Oct 17, 2020 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 12 Comments

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes are the perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? 

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    Have you ever met a more polarizing candy than Peeps? People get passionate. Really passionate. Personally, I don’t understand how you can’t love Peeps… They are marshmallows covered in sugar. I repeat, marshmallows covered in sugar. There is absolutely nothing not to love about that. Right?? The good news for Peeps lovers is that there are now basically  Peeps for every holiday. From the original Easter to Halloween to Christmas and now to Valentine’s Day.

    In case you haven't seen any of my other Valentine’s Day posts, this day of love is pretty much my favorite holiday because of how freaking pretty it is. Love pink and red, love hearts, and love love. Swoon. Yes, I know it's a crazy commercialized weirdo holiday, but that doesn't mean I can't obsess over baked goods and decorations.

    And I'm not going to lie that the addition of Peeps to the holiday is making me pretty thrilled. I was also thrilled when they offered to send me a little care package filled with plenty o' Peeps.

    Have you seen the new Valentine’s Day Peeps (affiliate link) yet? Vanilla Creme hearts:

    Vanilla Creme Valentine's Day Peeps

    Chocolate Mousse Bears:

    Chocolate Mousse Valentine's Day Peeps

    Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Crème Chicks:

    Strawberry Creme Chocolate Dipped Valentine's Day Peeps

    Chocolate Covered Raspberry Hearts:

    Milk Chocolate Covered Raspberry Valentine's Day Peeps

    And more. They went all out. Which is the only way to go.

    Did you know I’ve never made a red velvet cake before? I’ve just never been one of those crazy omg red velvet is the best thing in the world type people. But in honor of Valentine’s Day and pretty red Peeps, I decided it was time to go for it. Though I was planning to top each cupcake with a Peep, I didn’t want to stop there. So I filled each cupcake with homemade marshmallow fluff and and drizzled a little chocolate ganache on top. Best Peeps cupcakes ever.

    Red Velvet Cupcake Making

    LOVE the bright red color. Even if it is from food coloring. My red gel food coloring said on the lid “no taste red,” which I guess is a good thing?

    You can make the fluff while the Peeps cupcakes are baking. You could also buy the fluff while the cupcakes are baking. But I promise that making it is easy. I cut my usual recipe in half so you wouldn't be left with a huge bowl of leftover fluff (actually, I didn't in real life and I WAS left with a huge bowl of leftover fluff, but I figured I'd spare you. Not that it's exactly a bad thing). You only need so much to fill a cupcake up!

    If you're in the market for a good cupcake corer (so much easier than using a knife!), I recommend this one from Cuisipro (affiliate link!).

    Red Velvet Cupcakes Being Filled with Marshmallow Fluff

    You can pop it in the fridge to chill a bit while you're finishing things up. Like the chocolate ganache. Which is another really easy recipe. You simple pour hot cream over a bowl of chopped chocolate. Done and done.

    Chocolate Ganache Making

    Once your cupcakes are cored and filled with marshmallow fluff, just drizzle some chocolate ganache over the top... And then pop a Peep on it!

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    Is that kind of like putting an egg on it? Maybe except the chicken came first. Or the Peep came first. Hmmm.

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    I was slightly disappointed this cupcake wasn't a bit more vibrantly red... I guess next time I'll need to use a touch more food coloring. That batter was so ridiculously red though!

    At least the Peeps on top for the perfect shade of red.

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    And yes, they really are strawberry flavored. Which was a pretty awesome depart from the typical original marshmallow flavor.

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    If you're a Peep hater, please just promise me you'll give them another try. Maybe having them on a cupcake will make a difference? I think it will. Especially with that little bit of chocolate on both the Peep and the top of the cupcake. Of course you could make these cupcakes with a different kind of Peep, another kind of candy, or no topper at all, aside from the delicious chocolate ganache.

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    But really, cupcakes and Peeps? Who needs love this Valentine's Day when you have these? Just kidding, love is nice, too. Except when you only have one Peeps cupcake left and you're just not in the mood to share it.

    Are you a Peeps person? Which new Valentine's Day Peeps will you be trying this holiday?

    📖 Recipe

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes -- The perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter? | wearenotmartha.com

    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes

    These Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes are the perfect Valentine's Day dessert. Who says Peeps are just for Easter?
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes
    Makes: 12 cupcakes
    Author: We are not Martha

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    • 1 Tbsp cocoa powder
    • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
    • 1 cup canola oil
    • 1 ½ tsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp red gel food coloring
    • 1 batch marshmallow fluff (recipe below or store-bought)
    • 1 batch chocolate ganache (recipe below)
    • 12 Valentine's Day Peeps

    Marshmallow Fluff

    • 1 large egg white
    • ½ cup corn syrup
    • â…› tsp salt
    • ¾ cup confectioners' sugar
    • ½ Tbsp vanilla extract
    • â…› tsp cream of tartar

    Chocolate Ganache

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 12 oz. dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped

    Instructions

    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
    • Whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
    • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, apple cider vinegar, vanilla, and food coloring.
    • Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gently until just combined, taking care not to over-mix.
    • Put papers into a cupcake tin and fill papers ¾ of the way full. Bake for about 20-22 minutes, until cupcakes are cooked through and springy to the touch. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.
    • Once cooled, remove the center of each cupcake using a cupcake corer or knife. Fill middles of cupcakes with marshmallow fluff.
    • Drizzle chocolate ganache over the top and then place a Valentine's Day Peep on top.

    Marshmallow Fluff

    • In the bowl of a stand mixer or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat together egg white, corn syrup, and salt on high speed for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens up and turns white.
    • Mix in the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream of tartar on low speed, until combined.
    • Place marshmallow fluff in the fridge until ready to use.

    Chocolate Ganache

    •  Place the cream in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Put chocolate in a heat-proof bowl.
    • Pour the cream over the chocolate and let stand for a few minutes. Then, stir together to make certain chocolate is melted. Use immediately.
    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Red Velvet Marshmallow Peeps Cupcakes
    Tweet
    Share
    Pin9
    Yum
    Share
    9 Shares

    More Dessert Recipes

    • Closeup view of pear cobbler on a plate topped with vanilla ice cream.
      Pear Cobbler
    • Closeup view of molasses crinkle cookies on wooden board.
      Molasses Crinkle Cookies
    • Overhead closeup view of a bowl of candy corn and peanuts.
      Candy Corn and Peanuts
    • Overhead closeup view of multiple pumpkin cheesecake cookies, some cut in half to show cream cheese filling.
      Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

      February 04, 2014 at 12:10 am

      I have a bunch of their peeps and have been trying to decide what to make. Love how the peeps look on top of these cupcakes.

    2. Muna Kenny says

      February 04, 2014 at 12:33 am

      These cupcakes look so cute 🙂

    3. Odetta says

      February 04, 2014 at 9:26 am

      I am a Peeps fan and need to try these strawberry ones! The cupcakes are adorable!

    4. Kitchen Belleicious says

      February 04, 2014 at 9:45 am

      i need these now! So delicious and the color is spot on for VDAY!

    5. Pam says

      February 04, 2014 at 5:01 pm

      Great idea! They look cute, festive, and so delicious.

    6. foodfashionandflow says

      February 04, 2014 at 6:36 pm

      This is such a cute and clever idea and they really look delicious!

    7. Gia Grossman says

      February 04, 2014 at 6:43 pm

      What?!??? These are so fun and delicious looking! Cute idea...

    8. Medha says

      February 04, 2014 at 6:47 pm

      These are gorgeous looking cupcakes! What a fun way to dress them up:)

    9. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says

      February 04, 2014 at 9:54 pm

      So cute! I love how you used the fun festive peeps!

    10. Jeannie Tay says

      February 04, 2014 at 10:23 pm

      Looks lovely Sues, I love the red peeps sitting on top of the cupcakes!

    11. LisaR. says

      February 05, 2014 at 8:57 am

      I will try the Milk Chocolate Heart Peeps and the Teddy Bear Peeps. Happy Valentines Day everyone! : )

    12. Leah | So, How's It Taste? says

      February 06, 2014 at 4:15 pm

      Ahh, so cute! I'm going to confess that I don't like peeps. I know, I know, it's nuts. I do like the ones dipped or covered in chocolate, but plain peeps, no thanks. These are the cutest though. I may have to change my ways!

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Sues

    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Christmas Recipes:

    • Eggnog Granola
    • Cranberry Dog Treats
    • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai Latte
    • Christmas Trail Mix
    • Cranberry Jalapeño Margarita
    • Iced Gingerbread Latte
    • Christmas Party Popcorn
    • Eggnog Gingerbread Cookies

    Holiday Syrup Recipes:

    • Sugar Cookie Syrup
    • Gingerbread Syrup
    • Cranberry Syrup
    • Candy Cane Syrup
    • Brown Sugar Syrup
    • Pistachio Syrup
    • Caramel Syrup

    Popular Now

    • Close-up view of basil chicken in coconut curry sauce with fresh basil in white bowl
      Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
    • Overhead view of a stack of Momofuku Milk Bar's cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow cookies with chocolate chips, cornflake crunch, and mini marshmallows all around
      Momofuku Milk Bar's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
    • Overhead view of purple blueberry vodka lemonade with blueberry skewer and lemon wedge with second cocktail, blueberries and lemon wedges in background
      Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
    • Chicken Dog Treats -- Want to make your pup homemade dog treats with fresh ingredients? These Chicken Dog Treats are easy to make with whole ingredients. Your dog will love them! | wearenotmartha.com
      Chicken Dog Treats

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Sues
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY AMAZON SHOP TO DISCOVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE COOKING AND BAKING ITEMS THAT I USE IN MY OWN KITCHEN. WE ARE NOT MARTHA IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. ORDERING ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED HERE ARE AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Copyright © 2023 WE ARE NOT MARTHA