Peeps Rocky Road Oatmeal Blondies

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Looking for a unique dessert? Peeps Rocky Road Oatmeal Blondies blend classic oatmeal blondies with rich chocolate and fluffy Peeps marshmallows for a treat that’s both nostalgic and original. Bring these bars to your next event or make them as a colorful surprise for the kids.

 

If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert that brings smiles to every gathering, you’ve found it! Peeps Rocky Road Oatmeal Blondies combine gooey marshmallow fun, crunchy chocolate, and the wholesome chew of oatmeal in one irresistible bar. Bright colorful, it’s a fun Easter recipe that’s perfectly pastel!

 

What Are Peeps?

 

Peeps are iconic marshmallow confections shaped like chicks, bunnies, and other whimsical forms. You’ll recognize them by their sparkly sugar coating and vibrant colors. Since their debut, Peeps have become a symbol of springtime celebrations, especially around Easter.

 

 

These fun marshmallows were first created in the early 1950s.  The Just Born company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania started making them by hand-piping them.  Peeps quickly became a favorite and they started to mass-produce them to meet the demand. Over the decades, Peeps have hopped from Easter baskets into pop culture, inspiring everything from contests to creative recipes.

 

Different Colors and Flavors of Peeps

 

Peeps remain relevant by continuing to evolve with the times.  Yellow chicks may be the most classic color, they now come in a rainbow of colors.  They have even expanded their flavors, too!  I’ve seen sour watermelon, cotton candy, party cake, and chocolate-dipped varieties. There’s even Dr. Pepper flavored peeps out there making sure there is a Peep for every palate and mood!

 

 

What Is Rocky Road and How Was It Created?

 

Rocky Road is a classic combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and nuts. Its roots trace back to the 1920s.  Ice cream makers blended these ingredients for a sweet, chunky scoop. The name “Rocky Road” reflected the bumpy, joyous texture and indicated it was a playful treat to lift spirits during tough times.

 

While typical rocky road recipes include roasted peanuts or almonds, there’s a slew of creative combinations.  Each variation can be different from next.  Some have replaced the nuts with dried fruit or even chopped cookie pieces.  Other recipes have incorporated nut butters or other toppings like salted caramel sauce.

 

 

Of course, you change out the peanuts for other nuts like macadamia or pecan.  Finally, you can change up the chocolate and try a dark or even white chocolate like I did in this recipe. The best part? Rocky Road welcomes your imagination!

 

Finally, change up the marshmallows!  Marrying Peeps with Rocky Road is pure magic. Peeps melt into gooey pools while holding their cheerful shape.  Their iconic pastel colors provide an eye-catching Rocky Road topping. When layered over chewy oatmeal blondies, you get a playful dessert that’s both nostalgic and new.

 

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

 

For the oatmeal blondies:

• 2 tablespoons margarine
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup egg substitute ( or 2 large eggs)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup old fashioned oats

For the Rocky Road Topping:

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 2 cups marshmallows (or Peeps)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup fat free half and half

 

 

Steps to Make these Peeps Rocky Road Oatmeal Blondies

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F so it’s ready when you are.
2. In a microwave safe dish, combine the first three ingredients (margarine through chips). Heat on high for 1 minute and then stir the mixture. If the chocolate chips are not melted, heat at 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until they have melted. Pour the mixture into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar to the bowl and stir until combined. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
3. Combine the baking powder, baking soda, salt and flour in a small mixing bowl. Stir with a whisk to combine and then set the bowl aside.
4. Add the egg substitute (or eggs) and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture along with the cinnamon. Gently stir in the flour mixture until the flour is just combined.  Try not to overmix the batter.  Some small pockets of flour are okay.  Fold in the oats and let the matter rest for 5 minutes.
5. Pour the batter into a 9 x 9 baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Cool in the bars in the pan for 5 minutes.  Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

 

6. Once cooled, sprinkle the walnuts and marshmallows evenly over the top. If you use Peeps, cut them into bite sized pieces with scissors or kitchen shears coated with cooking spray to prevent them from sticking.
7. Place the remaining chips and the half and half in a small, microwave safe, bowl. Heat on high for one minute and then stir the mixture. If the chips are not melted, heat at 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until they have melted. Once they are completely melted, slowly pour over the mixture over the walnuts and marshmallows making sure to evenly coat the top.

 

Tips for Perfect Blondies

 

• Don’t overmix the batter! Stir just until combined for a tender blondie.
• If you love gooey centers, pull them from the oven just as the edges set. They will continue to cook as they cool in the pan.
• Use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter and even bake. Cold eggs and warm butter will make the butter seize or become solid again.
• For clean slices, chill the blondies before cutting with a sharp knife. Clean the knife between each slice. 
• Try different Peeps shapes, colors, or flavors on top for a seasonal twist.
• Swap nuts for toasted coconut or pretzel pieces for crunch and fun flavor.
• Try butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.

 

 

What do these oatmeal blondie bars taste like?

 

I know what you’re thinking, “They look dry and heavy” but they’re not.  As I was cutting into them, I thought the same thing.  But they aren’t!  They’re light and tasty with just enough sweetness to make it feel like a dessert.  But there’s not so much sugar and other sweet ingredients in these blondies to make your teeth hurt. 

 

Even with all the sweetness that white chocolate has to offer. That’s one of the reasons I don’t make much with white chocolate.  I find it too sweet.  But these bars have a perfect balance of sweet and buttery goodness.  Then there’s the rocky road topping and adds more flavor and texture.

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