These easy Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect fall twist on a classic, beloved treat! The ultimate combination of festive, gooey, sweet and crunchy makes these rice krispie pumpkins perfect for fall get togethers, Halloween and Thanksgiving!
Looking for more festive fall treats? Make sure to check out my Witch Hat Halloween Cookies, Halloween Punch and Black Widow Brownie Bites!
Rice Krispie Pumpkins
A delightful combination of the classic rice krispie treats that we all adore and the warm, festive vibes of pumpkin season, these rice krispie pumpkins are everything a fall treat should be. Terrifically gooey, wonderfully sweet with a satisfying crunch that appeals to kids of all ages.
- Festive and Fun: The adorable pumpkin design and festive orang hue makes these treats the perfect addition to dessert tables and holiday festivities.
- Classic and Easy: Everyone loves a rice krispie treat! Not only do they taste amazing they are quick and easy to make!
- Crowd Pleaser: Kids and adults of all ages are sure to be drawn to this fun and festive treat!
These Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats are as delicious as they are adorable! This simple recipe is easy to make and fun for the whole family.
What You’ll Need
Just four main ingredients in the rice krispie treats plus a few extras for decorating! As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…
- butter – Adds richness to the treats and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
- miniature marshmallows – Literally the glue that holds these treats together and gives them their classic, goeey texture.
- orange food coloring – I use gel food coloring for richer color and you don’t have to use as much. Can’t find orange? Mix red and yellow food color for the same results.
- crispy rice cereal – You want to make sure you use really fresh cereal (generic or brand name) for a nice and crunchy rice krispie treat.
To Decorate
It’s really up to you what you use for the stem and leaves. You can also decorate the pumpkins to make them look like jack-o-lanterns. Here are some ideas:
- stems – chocolate baking chunks, pretzel rods, Rolos, Tootsie Rolls, etc.
- leaves – green M&Ms (whole or cut in half), green skittles (whole or cut in half), green frosting, green spice drops cut in half, green jelly beans, etc.
- melted chocolate – This is optional but it helps to adhere the stems and leaves to the pumpkin. You can also just press the stems and leaves into the rice krispie treat.
How To Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
I don’t know what it is about the universal appeal of Rice Krispies treats – but no matter what shape and size they come in – everyone loves them! They are a breeze to make and yummy to eat…does it get any better than that? So fun for Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dessert tables. You can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Melt butter over medium low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Add several drops of orange food coloring (until your desired color is achieved) and stir until incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Fold in the rice krispies cereal with the marshmallow mixture until fully combined. Let mixture cool for 15 to 20 minutes or until cool enough to handle.
- Spray a large cookie coop or ice cream scoop lightly with cooking spray and use it to scoop out the rice krispie mixture and form into large balls, make sure to press the ball together firmly. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Place ⅓ cup of semi sweet baking chunks in a small, microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until chocolate is fully melted.
- For each pumpkin, dip a chocolate baking chunk into the melted chocolate and then gently press it into the top of one of the rice krispie pumpkins.
- Place two green M&M halves next to the “stem” for leaves (dipping in the melted chocolate if they do not stick).
- Allow the pumpkins to set up for 10 minutes or so before serving.
Storage Information
Leftover pumpkin rice krispie treats can be store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I do recommend wrapping them individual in plastic wrap. I do not recommend freezing the treats.
Variations To Try
- Flavored Marshmallows. Sometimes, this time of year, I see pumpkin spice marshmallows at the store. Those would be perfect for these treats.
- Decorate. Add candy eyes and use black or chocolate icing to draw faces on these pumpkins.
- Sprinkles. Roll the treats in sprinkles or add them to the cereal mixture for a festive twist.
Trish’s Tips and Tricks
- Heat the marshmallows over medium low heat! Helps with slow, even melting and ensures a gooey rice krispie treat.
- Use really fresh cereal for the best crunchy treats.
- Cool the mixture off quickly by popping in the fridge for 10 minutes.
- Spray your hands and the scoop with nonstick cooking spray so the mixtures doesn’t stick. Wetting your hands with water will also work.
- Spray your ice cream scoop and hands with cooking spray before forming the pumpkins so that the rice krispie treat mixture sticks together and not on your hands or tools!
Can I use regular sized marshmallows?
Sure! I like to use miniature marshmallows because they melt more quickly and evenly.
More Festive Fall Treats
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 10 ounces miniature marshmallows
- orange gel food coloring
- 5 cups rice krispies cereal
Stems and Leaves
- 12 green M&Ms or skittles or green spice drops cut in half
- ⅓ cup semi sweet chocolate baking chunks
- 12 semi sweet chocolate baking chunks for the stems (or use tootsie rolls, pretzels or rolos)
Instructions
- Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.
- In a large pot or dutch oven, add the butter and stir over medium low heat, until melted. Add the marshmallows and stir until melted.4 tablespoons salted butter, 10 ounces miniature marshmallows
- Add several drops of orange food coloring and stir until incorporated. Add more food coloring if needed. Remove from heat.orange gel food coloring
- Add the rice krispies cereal and gently stir together with the marshmallow mixture until fully combined. Let mixture cool for 15 to 20 minutes or until cool enough to handle.5 cups rice krispies cereal
Stems and Leaves
- Cut the M&Ms in half for the leaves. You can also leave them whole and just press into the pumpkin.12 green M&Ms
- Spray a large cookies coop or ice cream scoop lightly with cooking spray and use it to scoop out the rice krispie mixture and form into large balls, making sure to press the ball together firmly so they hold their shape. Place on the parchment paper. (Butter or spray your hands so they don't stick to you!)
- Place ⅓ cup of semi sweet baking chunks in a small, microwave safe bowl. (You can also use semi sweet chocolate chips.) Microwave in 30 second increments at 50% power, stirring in between, until chocolate is fully melted.⅓ cup semi sweet chocolate baking chunks
- For each pumpkin, dip a chocolate baking chunk into the melted chocolate and then gently press it into the top of one of the rice krispie pumpkins.12 semi sweet chocolate baking chunks
- Place two green M&M halves next to the “stem” for leaves (dipping in the melted chocolate if they do not stick).12 green M&Ms
- Allow the pumpkins to set up for 10 minutes or so before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published October 12, 2011.
Jessi @ Practically Functional says
Yep, absolutely LOVE rice krispies treats, and these are so cute! Thanks for sharing at The Fun In Functional!
michele says
so cute!
found your post via tipjunkie. come visit anytime and follow if you like what you see!
http://www.hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com
warmly.
michele
Reagan says
I couldn’t find green gumdrops so I just cut Tootsie rolls in half for the stem!
Stuff and Nonsense says
such a cute idea
for making a simple fall treat
that the kiddos will adore
thanks for sharing at fridays unfolded!
alison