Easter Peeps are an enigma in the life of Cara {me}. Why did I just address myself in third person? And I love how I had to clarify who Cara is.
I want to like them, I really do. Every Easter, I pick a box of Peeps up and proceed to sniff them through their wrapper and decide whether or not this is going to be the year that I finally like them. But it ends in the usual manner: I take a bite out of it and then immediately spit it out. These are not the only foods that I have this strange dichotomy towards, mind you. I do this every year at Thanksgiving when I see those sweet potatoes with that marshmallow top. And cantaloupe. And eggs. And Chex Mix. And…okay, you get the point.
But that doesn’t mean that I will be stopped from making homemade Peeps, oh no! I just spent the last minute explaining to you how Peeps are not my thing but that by no means affects my desire to create them Sure sure, I took a bite only to inevitably spit them out again, but no one said that I was actually sane. {This has nothing to do with the recipe, by the way. It’s only personal preference}.
Homemade Peeps Recipe
Gluten, egg, and dairy free
I followed this recipe {Thanks, Martha!}
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 packet Naturals Dessert unflavored Jel {I used this} OR: 2 .5 tsps agar powder/2 .5 Tbs agar flakes/or 1 packet gelatin {whatever is your poison}
- 1/3 c. cold water, plus 1/4 c. water {for syrup}
- 1 c. sugar
DIRECTIONS:
Follow what Martha says.
Here is what your base should look like after the 8-10 minutes of mixing {yes! 8-10 minutes–that is not an exaggeration in the instructions!}
- I used a Ziploc baggie to fill up my marshmallow cream. Cut a 1/2″ slit into the corner. Pipe immediately!
- This is the difficult part. Start with the body base. Make it shape like an oval. It’s not going to look perfect so get over that now. I rolled sugar over it because it made it easier to work with.
3. Pipe a head on the edge of the body base. Again, to make it easier to work with you can dust with sugar at this point. Pipe the ears and pray for the best. Finish the sugar dusting.
As you can see in the background, some of those bunnies are definitely the runts of the litter. Maybe not the best looking but who cares? YOU JUST MADE PEEPS!
PEEPS!
85 comments
kayse says:
Jun 10, 2014
What haven’t you figure out how to recreate?! You’re an absolute genius!!
Cara says:
Jun 11, 2014
You, my friend, are super sweet! Thank you
Janice says:
Apr 20, 2014
My sister used to buy Peeps, slit the cellophane, and leave them in her drawer for a month or two. She liked them just at the hard stage where you can snap off an ear like you would snap in half a stale piece of gum. The thing is, though, I would find her stash, not be patient enough to wait, and steal one or two at a time. By the time she went back to get her stale Peeps, they would be almost gone. Boy, she would be mad, and in those days you had to wait a whole year for them to come out again. Hey, little sisters are supposed to be pains in the patoot. I still like them – fluffy or stale, but I have an awful sweet-tooth. Vegetarian for over 45 years and trying hard to go full vegan. I’m close. Thanks for this recipe. I’ll have to make some for my sister in retribution for my childhood foibles.
How To Build a Better Easter Basket | Go Raw NewsGo Raw News says:
Apr 17, 2014
[…] coloring in the storebought peeps, so we found a gelatin-free recipe on the web for you. Thank you Fork and Beans! We can’t promise they’ll look like the ones in the packages, but it’s a small […]
17 Recipes for Making Easter Treats Healthier | Organic Authority says:
Apr 9, 2014
[…] Vegan “Marshmallow” Peeps […]
Dark Chocolate-Covered Matzoh with Ginger, Fennel and Figs + Vegan Easter Round-Up | Love Without Handles says:
Mar 31, 2013
[...] Little Bo Peep via Fork and Beans. [...]
Stephanie Howard says:
Aug 3, 2012
Hey Cara, just tried the marshmallow fluff with the agar agar, but it didn’t fluff! Any idea’s what may have gone wrong?
Susan Kelley says:
Apr 6, 2012
You are seriously brilliant.
elise says:
Apr 4, 2012
i do the same thing with pumpkin pie! every. single. year. i like pumpkin so it’s weird that i still don’t like the pie, but i keep thinking…one of these days…
this reminds me of the definition of a crazy person (trying the same thing over and over expecting a different outcome). damn. sometimes my nursing career really comes back to bite me in the ass. telling me im loco.
Genevieve says:
Apr 4, 2012
Such a fun post! If anyone could recreate Peeps but make them more adorable, it would have to be you! They look so soft and fluffy…is it weird that I just want to poke one? I think I would be like you and not actually eat them, but they look like they would be fun to play with – maybe take them outside or build them a bunny house
Cara says:
Apr 4, 2012
It wouldn’t be weird at all–in fact, I had more fun just squishing them
haha. You are in good company, for sure. *currently making a graham cracker bunny house now*
SilentMyth says:
Apr 3, 2012
OMG. Those look super cute Cara.
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
Goodness, thank you love! xo
throve says:
Apr 3, 2012
Peeps and Dandies. My vocab is expanding. I have tried a peep. Very sugary texture. Store bought. I just thought they were all baby chicks, peeps. I’m learning.
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
I’m here to educate
ha!
Brooke says:
Apr 3, 2012
Woman, I am all *about* peeps. We are clearly not as in synch as I though we were… I’m having a mental reassesment of our relationship… OK I’m done. I still love you.
these are too stinking cute! Do I say that every time? Whatever, they still are… When I saw them in the inbox I figured you used Dandies. I will have to look for Naturals Dessert. But the big question is, Do they make good s’mores?
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
It’s not you, it’s me…
Honey, you can say whatever you want every single time. I am always just so happy to see your face pop up so I will take it! You can even say that I have a mustache and you hate the smell of my armpits…
And I think they would make excellent S’mores! In fact, these homemade Peeps were much more bearable than the store bought {which means you will like them!}
AnonymousBurn says:
Apr 3, 2012
I’ve never liked PEEPS either and I don’t bother trying every year. These looks cute, though. I’m sure they are better than the original.
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
Once again, you are better than I
Cadry's Kitchen says:
Apr 3, 2012
I’ve never understood the allure of Peeps either! I really only enjoyed marshmallows three ways – in s’mores, in hot cocoa, or as part of a marshmallow fluff and peanut butter sandwich. Just having a mouthful of squishy marshmallow wasn’t my thing, even though they looked cute and festive. Yours look adorable! Well done!
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
A marshmallow fluff and peanut butter sandwich?? I have never tried something like that, let alone heard of that combo. However, after much consideration, that sounds like it could be such a delightful treat
Cadry's Kitchen says:
Apr 3, 2012
I probably should have mentioned that was an elementary school phase, lest you think I spent my twenties noshing on PB&M sandwiches.
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
Oh Cadry, we all know you are sitting in the corner with a PB&M sandie in your mouth as you write this. We won’t judge
hehe
Isobelle says:
Apr 2, 2012
The first Easter I had here in America, I didn’t have a clue what Peeps were. But then I went into a grocery store with my mum one day and there was this HUGE Peeps display and I remember thinking- “Gee, who makes a display out of bright yellow marshmallow chicks?”. And then I saw the Peeps name, and I was like “Ohhh. So. These are Peeps” And I stared them down for a bit. We bought a box and I hated them. So tasteless!
But every time I went into a store after that my eyes were assaulted with bright yellow Peeps displays..
Except now they have the bunnies. Do bunnies even make a peep sound? I thought they were called Peeps because chicks go “peep, peep”..? no? okay.
Well, I love your homemade Peeps. They’re not bright yellow. That’s a bonus
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
No one said Americans have common sense. ha. Can you believe that company makes millions upon millions of dollars every year? Damn, why didn’t I think of that!
I am so happy now that I didn’t go with yellow…
Isobelle says:
Apr 2, 2012
I know, it’s crazy. I’m sure people just buy Peeps to look at, and not eat. All of that waste.
Ha, yes. NO YELLOW.
OH HEY. Check this out.
I think I need to hook up with this guy to learn some new moves for our raves:
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
HAHAHAHAHA!!! I am polishing up on my scoot, as displayed in this video. FUNNY!
hhj92 says:
Apr 2, 2012
these are so cute and gelatin free! <333
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Thank you! xo
stephanissima says:
Apr 2, 2012
Time for….Peep Wars!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
I’m making shirts! Who’s on my team???
stephanissima says:
Apr 3, 2012
Depends on what the winning team gets. If you’re giving away tasty food, I’ll be on your team
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
I can arrange that only if you are a guaranteee win for the team
Gotta think big picture, you know? ha
Lou Dwan says:
Apr 2, 2012
What are PEEPS? Are they just like sugary colourful fluff or something? You crazy Americans and your confectionery
They look cute though!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Precisely that. Colorful fluff
Marshmallowy grossness, really. And apparently Americans don’t like them that much, so I am learning. We just like to buy them and look at them…
Kristen says:
Apr 2, 2012
So funny! I have some Australian friends who were just talking about how weird Americans are for liking these, because they are so gross. Yes, they are sickly sweet, but yes, somehow, I too am drawn to them. If nothing else, they make for fun “peep fights” when you stick them in the microwave ;-0
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Peeps fight? BAHAHA!! I declare war tonight now…
Laurel says:
Apr 2, 2012
They are so cute! I want to eat them except I hate them. Seems to be a theme. Maybe you should develop a line of Cara’s where they get rolled in tinted coconut instead. Then, when I nuke them and put them between my cookies they’d be ever so much better.
Uhoh, I just had another idea. Always dangerous.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
You and your Snoballs, Laurel! ha. I was making these when on the phone with you… These officially have a piece of Laurel in them
Laurel says:
Apr 2, 2012
Thank you. I believe I’ll do just that – only not pink. What fun.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
I want pictures…even if it means you have to draw it out
Laurel says:
Apr 3, 2012
Now the man wants Moon Pies and Sno-Balls for his anniversary. You, Princess Fork are you a trouble maker. Pick yours up on your way to visit Caralie.
xox
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
I take absolutely no responsibility for your husband’s actions and desires! I mean, you did say that last year you made marshmallows right? So it sounds like YOU are the trouble maker, after all. Nice try though
hehe
malindagrace says:
Apr 2, 2012
I LOVE Peeps. Well, loved. I’ve even thrown up in the Just Born parking lot.
How did you do the eyes? Did you use a food pen?
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Okay this just made me laugh so hard, imagining you barfing in the parking lot!!! FOr clarification, was it because you o.d.ed on Peeps or you just so happened to have been in the lot and needed to puke? Thank you for the good laugh
Oh and yes! I used a Wilton brand edible pen…
Heather says:
Apr 2, 2012
I have a secret- back in highschool I use to live off of Peeps and Little Debbie Snacks (and I wonder why I have stomach issues), your peeps look a hundred times better than any peep I’ve ever had – this is totally the grown up version!
Girlie- you are the best!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
I love your little secrets… I want more!! From armpit sniffing to Peeps, you are my kind of people
I heart you so much!
Richa@HobbyandMore says:
Apr 2, 2012
you are the funniest, Cara! I started seeing these in stores lately and was like what are those and who eats them!:) those bunnies look adorable. they will probably just sit in a basket in my house until chewie figures out they are edible things and no one seems to be eating them.. he gets very upset if there is food out and no one eats it within His given amount of time(30 seconds) and no one gives it to him either.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
HAHA!! Apparently we are ALL buying them but no one is eating them
Sounds like you are raising a high maintenance Chewie… hehe
frugalfeeding says:
Apr 2, 2012
OH, Cara. You make the best cute things – I adore these so much.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Thank you St. Nick
How incredibly kind of you to say so, if I do say so myself…
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
Apr 2, 2012
Haha I never liked peeps either but they are so cute I always bought them! Who wouldn’t want some cute little chicks to brighten up their easter basket? Yours are so cute! I love the colours you picked!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
This is hilarious! An epidemic of Peeps haters yet still purchasing them! I seriously thought I was the only one
Thanks Gabby for the comment! xo
Shira says:
Apr 2, 2012
So. Darned. Cute! Happy Monday Cara!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
*waving* Hi Shira! Happy Monday to you too
Iris says:
Apr 2, 2012
Those are adorable! And I’m one of the weird ones who LOVES stale peeps…
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
You are among the minority, so I am figuring out. For the longest time I thought I was just the weird one for not enjoying Peeps but apparently it is more common than I thought. And stale too? Everyone poke and prod at Iris
xo!
BeyondRiceandTofu says:
Apr 2, 2012
Love your “runty” peeps! I always want to buy them too but rarely do. And my husband always sees them and wants them, but then we never actually eat them. I could probably eat one, but a whole package? Ewww.
Plus, I still remember my high school German exchange student laughing so hard when she saw them. She said they were “so American” and she bought some to take home with her. That summer I visited her back in Germany and she still had the peeps in the package on a shelf – they were hard as rocks but… She kept them for a couple of years just so she could laught at them!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
HAHA!! Well do I have a little story for your German exchange student. That grass pictured in this post is actually edible. It’s supposedly candy and it tastes HORRIBLE! I’d rather eat real straw at this point…and it’s imported from Germany. I guess the 2 countries are even now
naturalnoshing says:
Apr 2, 2012
Hahaha I giggled the whole time reading this post! Peeps aren’t my thing either but I’vesnidfed the package before and totally imagined you doing the same. I almost bought a package two weeks ago but knew I wouldn’t like them again either!
I love the runts of the liter…you know, because somebody has to!
Your little peeps are too cute!!!! Nice piping job
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Even runts need love though, right? We are the underdog rooters anyway so of course we would see the goodness in them
And kuddos to you for putting the box of Peeps down and not buying them. You are better than I–you have broken away from the insanity cycle of doing the same thing over but expecting different results. Will you teach me what that is like??? 
xo!
naturalnoshing says:
Apr 2, 2012
So true!
Well it was also the fact that I didn’t have any cash on me and I felt silly charging $2 on a CC hahahahaha
Also, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award in case you want to check it out
http://naturalnoshing.wordpress.com/2012/04/02/versatile-blogger-award/
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Thank you friend! Coming for you, that means a lot.
spabettie says:
Apr 2, 2012
I am not a fan of peeps either, but they are so darn cute. YOURS are even cuter! one day on a whim, years ago, I bought a peeps maker machine, but have yet to use it…
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
WHAT?? There is such a thing called a Peeps Maker? This is blowing my mind at the moment. And you haven’t used it??? I’m going to need a moment to process this…
stephiehatfield says:
Apr 2, 2012
I have a similar relationship with Peeps. I’ve always wanted to love them, but could only choke down maybe one if that. Then my cat Tissi who I’ve had for over 18 years (yes you read that correctly), was nicknamed Peeps when I was in college. Now I have several T-shirts with Peeps sayings (Give Peeps a chance, Hangin with my Peeps, etc.), but still do not care for the candy. Then they had to torture us further by coming up with ones for every single holiday, so now we’re tormented the entire year…
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Don’t they know that too much a good (?) thing isn’t always good… I liked how you had to wait for another year for them. Besides, who is eating them anyway? All but one who have commented so far say they don’t like them. 7 out of 8 people hate Peeps. That’s science, people. Then again, they are geniuses if they figured out a commodity that no one necessarily likes but *still* buys a boat load of! Note to self: figure out a product that will produce the same results. P.S. Love the “Give Peeps a chance” slogan. hehe
Willow says:
Apr 2, 2012
Haha – well done making vegan marshmallows, but what a bummer you don’t like to eat them! When I was little, I was never a big fan of peeps (though I did eat them, of course…) but my all-time favorite thing to do was put them on a plate in the microwave and watch them get bigger, and bigger, until you think they’re going to exlode!…. and then they deflate. Repeat.
I’m certain I have brain damage from staring into the microwave so much.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Okay Willow, this totally gave me the a good laugh! I can just imagine you peering through the microwave window with a goofy look on your face, anticipating the expansion
I would do this with microwavable S’mores <–probably the only way I will ever eat a marshmallow, now that I think about it.
Baker Bettie says:
Apr 2, 2012
Oh these are just the cutest thing! I’m so impressed with you!
And I’m with you girl. I have NEVER liked peeps OR cadberry eggs OR donuts. Though I really want a donut pan because I love the look of donuts and my husband would eat them everyday if he could.
These have got to be way tastier than store bought ones!
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
I should have added Cadbury Eggs to the list too! Yeah, they are cool in theory and all, but one bite and I’m out. But donuts? DONUTS??? God, I wish I had the repulsion towards them as a kid. It probably would have saved me from gaining a few extra, oh…20 pounds
stephiehatfield says:
Apr 2, 2012
Cadbury eggs is where we differ. I believe they were created by the gods. Which would make sense why we only get them at Easter, hehe…
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
I have a feeling that you would win the great Cadbury Debate
Dawn says:
Apr 2, 2012
Those are adorable! And I love peeps (and miss them terribly) The only person I know who likes them more than I do is my mother.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
My mother totally loves them too! Maybe that is why I want to like them too. And those sweet potatoes marshmallow things. Another item my mother adores. I just cannot get into it. But hey, at least I am persistent
Enjoy, Dawn!
Your biggest fan! says:
Apr 3, 2012
Hey! Seriously…an Easter basket just isn’t complete without Peeps! And, if you forget to eat them & they’re still hanging around mid-summer, they make a great door stop – or wait a minute…..what about putting them on top of the sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving.hmmmm?
And then of course there’s the “how long does it take for one to EXPLODE in the microwave?” Ahhhh, too much fun – gotta love ‘em!
XOXOXO
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
All the pieces of the puzzle are finally being put together. I really AM my mother’s daughter, aren’t I? {Not that there were ever doubts really}
Kelly Klepfer says:
Apr 2, 2012
Ha. Ha. I may just have to give these a shot. Peeps and I have not been friends so much either. I kind of liken biting into a Peep to chomping ubersweet ground glass encrusted rubber. But my youngest daughter LOVES them. I think there is a whole texture thing, too. Some like to uncover their peeps til they get drier/gummier/more petrified? Others seem to like the fresher the better silica cloud of spun sugaryness. If nothing else, I’m thinking this is a good base for marshmallow. Vegan marshmallows are yummy and up there pricewise. Yikes.
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
YES!! Shards of glass is a PERFECT description of their texture. Not a fan. I will have to send you a package of Dandies from my winnings. I currently have a pile gaining height in my cupboard from a contest I won. I am halfway through receiving my year’s supply of Dandies
Kelly Klepfer says:
Apr 3, 2012
Ha. Ha. drowning in Dandies? What a way to go. : )
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
I fill up the bathtub every night with vegan marshmallows now and light the candles.
Kelly Klepfer says:
Apr 3, 2012
That explains some of your extreme creativity…marshmallow fumes!
Roll em and smoke em and see what that does for you. Ha. Ha.
Cara says:
Apr 3, 2012
I’m pretty sure that is illegal to roll and smoke something Kelly…
Caitlin says:
Apr 2, 2012
wait, who is cara?…haha just kidding!
i’ve always hated peeps. never ever ever liked them. but guess who does? dayv! i remember when we first met i told him he was probably the only adult that likes peeps.
i guess these will be going in his easter basket this year…
Cara says:
Apr 2, 2012
Who’s on first?
xo
hehe
Dayv is going to hit the jackpot come this Sunday. And can I just tell you something? You are the CUTEST thing in the world to still do Easter baskets with your lover. See, this is why I just love you so. You are edible! <–in the most non-cannibalistic way