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Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake

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This Peeps sunflower layer cake is a classic yellow cake with rich homemade chocolate frosting and a playful sunflower design on top. Decorated with marshmallow chicks and chocolate chips, it’s a fun dessert that’s just as tasty as it looks.

Side view of the Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake

This Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake Starts with My Favorite Yellow Cake Recipe

If I’m making a cake for Easter, it’s probably going to be this Peeps sunflower layer cake. Bright yellow Peeps lined up around the outside, chocolate chips in the center like sunflower seeds—it’s got that fun, springtime look that makes people smile before you even slice it. But underneath all that, it’s really about the cake itself.

This is my favorite yellow cake recipe. It’s soft, fluffy, and full of buttery vanilla flavor. The homemade chocolate frosting is rich and smooth, and I like to chill it so it firms up enough to spread easily without losing that glossy finish.

Once everything’s cooled and frosted, decorating it is the fun part. You don’t need any fancy piping—just press the Peeps around the outside and pile on the chocolate chips in the middle. It’s simple to put together, and perfect for any Easter dessert table.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • The yellow cake is super reliable—light, buttery, and it bakes up evenly every time.
  • The frosting thickens as it chills, making it super easy to spread.
  • This cake is simple to decorate.

Side view of the fully assembled Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake with marshmallow chicks around the outside and chocolate chips in the center.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cake, the frosting, and the sunflower-style decoration on top:

  • Cooking spray – Used to grease the cake pans so the layers don’t stick.
  • All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the cake batter.
  • Granulated sugar – Sweetens both the cake and the chocolate frosting.
  • Baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
  • Salt – A little in the cake and a little in the frosting to balance the sweetness.
  • Milk – Adds moisture and richness to the cake.
  • Vegetable oil – Combined with the milk to keep the cake tender.
  • Butter – Used in both the cake batter and the frosting for flavor and texture.
  • Vanilla extract – Adds flavor to both the cake and the frosting.
  • Eggs – Bind the cake batter and add structure.
  • Cornstarch – Helps thicken the chocolate frosting.
  • Cocoa powder – Gives the frosting its rich chocolate flavor.
  • Yellow chick Peeps – Lined around the outside of the cake to look like sunflower petals.
  • Semisweet chocolate chips – Spread in the center of the cake to mimic sunflower seeds.

Overhead view of the ingredients for Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake, including flour, sugar, eggs, butter, cocoa, Peeps, and chocolate chips.

How to Make This Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake

Find the complete recipe with measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Step One (prep the pans)
    Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut some parchment paper to fit the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans. Spray the pans with cooking spray, lay the parchment circles in, and give the parchment a quick spray too—just to be safe.
  • Step Two (mix the dry stuff)
    In the bowl of a stand mixer (or just a big mixing bowl if you’re using a hand mixer), whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Step Three (measure the liquids)
    Pour 1¼ cups of milk into a glass measuring cup, then slowly add vegetable oil until the total hits 1⅓ cups. The measurements are super close, so double-check before moving on.
  • Step Four (mix the batter)
    Add that milk and oil mixture, plus the butter and vanilla, to the dry ingredients. Beat it all on medium-high for 2 minutes. Crack in the eggs and beat for another 2 minutes. When it’s all smooth, divide the batter evenly between your pans.
  • Step Five (bake and cool)
    Bake the cakes for 25 to 30 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, you’re good. Let them cool in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges, pop them out, and let them cool all the way.
  • Step Six (make the frosting)
    Grab a big saucepan (like 10–12 inches wide) and add the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Pour in 1½ cups of boiling water and start whisking.
  • Step Seven (thicken it up)
    Put the pan over medium-low heat and keep whisking until it thickens up—should take around 3–4 minutes. Once it’s thick, whisk in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and the vanilla. Take it off the heat and let it cool completely. It’ll firm up more as it cools—I usually stick it in the fridge to help it along.
  • Step Eight (frost and decorate)
    Once the cakes are totally cool, level the tops if needed so they stack evenly. Spread some frosting between the layers, then cover the whole cake with the rest.
  • Step Nine (make it a sunflower)
    Take your Peeps (don’t pull them apart) and wrap them around the edge of the cake so they look like sunflower petals. Curve them slightly as you go. Fill the center of the cake with chocolate chips—they’ll look like the sunflower seeds.

Step-by-step collage showing how to bake the cake layers, make the frosting, and decorate with Peeps and chocolate chips.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few tips to make this Peeps sunflower layer cake come together smoothly:

  • Use parchment in the pans and don’t skip the extra spray—it helps the cakes release cleanly.
  • Chill the frosting before spreading so it firms up just enough to stay in place.
  • Don’t separate the Peeps—keep them in connected strips so they curve around the cake more easily.
  • You can easily double this cake recipe and make more layers for a taller cake, or slice each layer in half and frost in between.

Overhead shot of a cake slice being lifted from the whole Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake, showing the sunflower design and cake layers.

Storage and Freezing

If you’ve got leftovers (or want to prep the cake in stages), here’s how to store, freeze, and make ahead:

  • Store leftover cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The Peeps may firm up a bit, but the cake and frosting hold up well.
  • You can make the cake layers ahead and freeze them—just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil once completely cool.
  • When you’re ready to assemble, thaw the layers at room temperature (still wrapped) for a few hours before frosting.
  • To freeze leftovers, slice the cake and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw individual slices in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temp for about an hour before serving.

Top-down view of two slices of yellow cake with chocolate frosting, Peeps, and chocolate chips on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use a boxed yellow cake mix instead? Yes, if you’re short on time, a boxed mix works fine—just bake it in two 8-inch pans and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
  • What kind of cocoa powder should I use for the frosting? Unsweetened cocoa powder works best here. Dutch-process will give a slightly deeper flavor, but regular is great too.
  • Do I have to use Peeps chicks, or can I use bunnies? You can definitely swap in bunny Peeps, but the chicks are easier to line up around the cake and look more like sunflower petals.
  • What else can I make with Peeps for Easter? These Peeps chocolate donut nests are a festive way to start off Easter brunch.

Close-up front view of a slice of Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake with a bite missing, showing the soft yellow cake and thick chocolate frosting.

More Easter Cake Recipes to Brighten Your Table

If you’re into springtime bakes like this one, here are a few more cake recipes that are perfect for Easter.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake
Print Recipe
5 from 8 votes

Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake

This Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake is a classic yellow cake layered with homemade chocolate frosting and decorated with Peeps chicks and chocolate chips for an easy Easter dessert.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Chill frosting:45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake
Servings: 12
Calories: 432kcal
Author: Cathy Pollak

Equipment

Ingredients

Cake:

Chocolate Icing:

Decor:

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Cut parchment paper to fit the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans. Spray the pans with cooking spray, line the bottoms with parchment, then spray the parchment as well.
    cooking spray
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer or large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    2-1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3-1/2 tsps. baking powder, 1 tsp. table salt
  • Measure 1¼ cups of milk in a glass measuring cup, then add enough vegetable oil to bring the total liquid to 1⅓ cups. (Be precise here—they’re close measurements.)
    1-1/4 cups whole milk, vegetable oil
  • Add the milk mixture, butter, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Add the eggs and beat for another 2 minutes. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
    8 tbsps. butter, 1 tbsp. vanilla extract, 3 large eggs
  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks for 20 minutes. Then run a knife around the edges to loosen, remove the cakes from the pans, and cool completely.
  • To make the frosting, in a large (10–12") saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, 1 tablespoon of butter, and salt. Pour in 1½ cups of boiling water and start whisking.
    1-1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/4 cup + 2 tbsps. cornstarch, 7 tbsps. unsweetened cocoa powder, 7 tbsps. butter, 3/4 tsp. table salt, 1-1/2 cups boiling water
  • Turn the heat to medium-low and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and the vanilla.
  • Remove from heat and let the frosting cool completely—it will continue to thicken as it cools. I like to chill it in the fridge to help it firm up until it's a spreadable consistency.
  • Once the cakes are cool, level the tops so they stack evenly. Spread the frosting between the layers, then frost the top and sides.
  • To decorate, arrange the Peeps (without separating them) around the edge of the cake, curving slightly to create sunflower petals. Fill the center with chocolate chips to look like sunflower seeds.
    20 yellow chick Peeps, 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Notes

For optimal outcomes when making this Peeps sunflower layer cake, I recommend referring to the recipe details within the post. The recipe post commonly includes valuable notes, expert tips and frequently asked questions, that are not presented in the recipe card, often including how to make this recipe dairy-free, gluten free or vegan and ideas for healthy ingredient substitutions or variations.
The provided nutrition information is merely an approximation, as variations can arise depending on the specific ingredients/brands you select.
 
© noblepig.com. All content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing this recipe is encouraged and appreciated, but copying and/or pasting the full recipe to social media or other platforms is strictly prohibited.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Peeps Sunflower Layer Cake
Amount Per Serving (122 g)
Calories 432 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 8.3g52%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Monounsaturated Fat 3.5g
Cholesterol 69mg23%
Sodium 200mg9%
Potassium 138mg4%
Carbohydrates 69g23%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 49g54%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 121IU2%
Calcium 103mg10%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.

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    5 from 8 votes

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  9. Pamela says

    That cake is striking! I made something similar for my youngest daughter & her April “gardening” birthday party when she was eight. I made a cake as you did, but only one layer, placed on a large flat platter. Instead of Peeps I used Twinkies for sunflower petals. I like the Peeps idea more. The boys and girls decorated clay pots, filled them with soil and planted pansies within their pots to take home. Great party favor.

    Reply

  11. Jenni in KS says

    One of my favorite flowers paired with one of my favorite treats! (It’s the Peeps, not the cake, lol.) If your son needs any more Kansas info. or goodies, let me know. I’d be happy to send him some.

    Reply

  50. Katrina says

    THAT looks awesome!!! Beings how we live in Kansas (right now), we claim that super awesomeness. Kansas Day is Jan. 29–a perfect day for this cake! I’m going to send the link to some friends. Love it! And YAY for Kansas replying first!

    Reply

  54. Kayola says

    You are my idol!!!!!! EVERYTHING you do is amazing….this is just the best use of peeps ever….definately want to do this for Easter……thank you for the idea….you my friend are my bluebird of happiness….hahahahaha

    Reply

  62. Kenzie says

    How cute! My daughter loves peeps so much.. I should save some from Easter and make this cake for her in June.. Peeps never go bad! They are like twinkies.

    Reply

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