Description
These festive pumpkin rice krispie treats are easy to make, eye-catching, and packed with cozy fall flavors. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, they’re the perfect autumn treat for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or a seasonal snack for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) package mini marshmallows
- Orange gel food coloring, as needed
- 3 pretzel rods, broken into six 2-inch pieces
- 6 mini green Airheads candies or green fondant pieces, for the stems and leaves
- Nonstick cooking spray, for shaping
Instructions
- Prepare your pan: Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over low heat.
- Add marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows until completely melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.
- Color the mixture: Add orange gel food coloring a little at a time, stirring until you achieve your desired pumpkin-orange color.
- Add the cereal: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the Rice Krispies cereal and stir until every piece is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Shape the treats: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. With lightly greased hands or a greased spatula, gently press it into an even layer without packing it too tightly.
- Cool and cut: Allow the mixture to cool until firm enough to handle. Cut out pumpkin shapes using a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter, or shape portions by hand.
- Decorate: Insert a 2-inch pretzel piece at the top of each pumpkin to create a stem. Shape small pieces of green Airheads candy or green fondant into leaves and attach them near the stem.
- Serve: Let the treats set completely before serving or arranging them on a festive dessert platter.
Notes
- The ingredient list does not include pumpkin puree; the pumpkin appearance comes from the orange coloring and pumpkin-shaped decorations.
- Melt the marshmallows slowly over low heat for a soft, chewy texture.
- Lightly grease your hands, spatula, and cookie cutter to prevent sticking.
- Press the cereal mixture gently into the pan. Packing it too firmly can make the treats hard.
- Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal flavor variation.
- Mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other candy decorations can be added if desired.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They’re best enjoyed while fresh and chewy.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and marshmallows, and check that the cereal and decorations meet your dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Halloween Treats
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pumpkin treat
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats, pumpkin-shaped cereal treats, Halloween treats, fall desserts, easy no-bake desserts, marshmallow treats, Halloween party snacks