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Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic, bringing the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen with a festive, playful presentation. These no-bake wonders are incredibly simple to whip up, making them a perfect activity for a busy afternoon or a quick, cheerful addition to any autumn gathering. The chewy, gooey texture combined with that signature crispiness is truly irresistible, a simple joy for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a fun Halloween treat that kids can help make or simply a charming way to celebrate the season, these pumpkin-shaped delights are sure to bring smiles. They’re wonderfully portable, making them ideal for school parties or potlucks, and their vibrant color is always a welcome sight that brightens any table.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this recipe for so many reasons! It’s so easy to make.
- Effortless Assembly: Ready in under 20 minutes of active time. You can whip these up so fast!
- Kid-Friendly Fun: A fantastic way to get little ones involved in the kitchen. They love helping shape them.
- Festive Flair: The perfect no-bake treat for Halloween or any fall celebration. They look so cute!
- Pure Nostalgia: That classic, comforting Rice Krispie treat taste with a seasonal twist. It’s pure comfort food.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
The magic of these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats lies in their simplicity, transforming everyday pantry staples into a festive fall masterpiece. It’s amazing how a few simple additions can evoke the spirit of the season. I love how accessible these ingredients are.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: This creates the crispy, airy foundation. It gives these treats their signature texture.
- Miniature Marshmallows: They act as the sticky binder. This holds everything together for that wonderfully chewy pull.
- Unsalted Butter: It adds lovely richness. Butter helps the marshmallows melt smoothly for a cohesive mixture.
- Orange Gel Food Coloring: This is key for that perfect pumpkin hue. Gel coloring gives concentrated color without extra liquid.
- Tootsie Roll Candies: These make the perfect little “stump.” They add a fun touch to our pumpkin shape.
- Green M&M Candies: They add a pop of color. These represent the pumpkin’s festive leaf.
Substitutions and Tips
For an even richer flavor, try browning the butter first. If Tootsie Rolls aren’t your thing, small caramel pieces or pretzel sticks work as a stem. Green fruit leather or gummy candies make great leaf alternatives. Remember, exact measurements are in the recipe card below. Feel free to adjust the food coloring for your ideal pumpkin shade!
How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Making these adorable Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats is a breeze, even for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quickly this classic recipe comes together. Follow these simple steps for festive, homemade treats.
Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a large pot. Use medium heat for this. This gentle heat melts the butter evenly. It prepares the pot for the marshmallows.
Melt the Marshmallows
Add the miniature marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir them frequently over medium heat. You want the marshmallows to be completely smooth. The mixture should be wonderfully gooey.
Add Color and Cereal
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in about a half teaspoon of orange gel food coloring. Mix until the marshmallow mixture is a uniform color. Then, add all of your Rice Krispies cereal. Stir everything until the cereal is coated. Ensure the color is distributed evenly. Add more gel coloring if you want a deeper pumpkin shade.
Shape the Pumpkin Treats
Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray. This stops the sticky mixture from clinging. Scoop out portions of the Rice Krispie treat mixture. Gently shape them into 10 distinct balls, like little pumpkins. They should be a good size for treats.
Add the Stems and Leaves
Press a Tootsie Roll candy into the top center of each pumpkin ball. This creates a realistic “stump.” Then, add a green M&M to the Tootsie Roll. This makes a festive “leaf.” It’s a charming finishing touch.
Let Them Set
Place the shaped Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats on wax paper. Parchment paper works well too. Let them set and firm up. An hour at room temperature is usually enough. This resting time lets them hold their beautiful shape.
Print
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 treats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fun and festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats, perfect for Halloween or fall celebrations. These no-bake treats are easy to make and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 6 cups Miniature Marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- Orange Gel Food Coloring
- 10 Tootsie Roll Candies
- 10 Green M&M Candies
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Once butter is melted, add marshmallows and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until melted.
- Remove from the heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of orange gel food coloring.
- Add rice krispies cereal, stirring until well coated and color is evenly distributed. Add additional orange gel coloring if needed for your perfect pumpkin shade.
- Spray your hands with non-stick spray and form the rice krispie treat mixture into 10 large balls.
- Add a tootsie roll “stump” in the middle of each pumpkin ball and add a green M&M to make the “leaf.”
- Allow the pumpkin rice krispie treats to set for an hour.
Notes
- For easier handling, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray before shaping the treats.
- Adjust the amount of orange gel food coloring to achieve your desired pumpkin shade.
- You can use other candies for the stem and leaf if Tootsie Rolls and M&Ms are not available.
How to Store Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
These delightful Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats taste best when fresh. Luckily, they store quite well for a few days. You’ll want to keep them chewy and fresh. Storing them properly is key to that.
Keep them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. Layering them between sheets of parchment or wax paper helps prevent sticking. They are happiest at room temperature. Your treats stay delicious for up to 3 days this way. Don’t refrigerate them, though. Cold can make them hard and less appealing.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to make your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats perfect:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture. Old ones can be dry.
- Spray your hands with non-stick spray before shaping. This helps immensely with handling the sticky mixture.
- Don’t over-melt the marshmallows. Cook just until smooth to maintain that perfect chewiness.
- For deeper color, use gel food coloring rather than liquid. It gives more vibrant hues.
- Press gently when shaping. Avoid making the treats too dense or hard.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Gathering your tools makes the process smooth!
- A large pot or saucepan is essential for melting.
- Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
- Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
- Non-stick cooking spray is a lifesaver for shaping. Butter works too.
- Parchment paper or wax paper prevents sticking while they set.
- A baking sheet is helpful, though optional, for easy setting.
Serving Suggestions
These festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are super versatile!
- Serve with cold milk or warm apple cider.
- Arrange them on a platter for parties.
- Pair with caramel apples or pumpkin bread.
- Enjoy as a sweet ending to a cozy soup meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can whip up these festive treats in advance! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead option for parties or those very busy weeks.
How do I achieve that perfect pumpkin shape?
To get the best pumpkin shape, lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray or a touch of butter before handling the mixture. This little trick prevents sticking. It allows you to gently mold the warm cereal mixture into smooth balls. Just don’t pack them too tightly, or they might become hard.
What if I don’t have orange gel food coloring?
If you’re out of orange gel food coloring, liquid food coloring works too. You’ll just need more drops for that vibrant color. Be careful not to add too much liquid, though. It can sometimes change the texture of your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats. Start with a few drops and add more until you reach your preferred pumpkin shade.
