Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect festive desserts that combine the classic crunch of rice cereal with warm autumn flavors. These adorable orange treats bring joy to any Halloween party or fall gathering. Last October, my neighbor Sarah brought these delightful treats to our block party. The kids went crazy for them. The adults did too. Within minutes, the entire batch disappeared from the dessert table.
These homemade Rice Krispies treats Halloween favorites are incredibly simple to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or professional baking skills. Just a few basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. The best part? You can make them look like actual pumpkins or infuse them with real pumpkin spice flavors. Both versions taste amazing and look absolutely adorable on your dessert spread.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Basic Orange Pumpkin-Shaped Version:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (or 40 large marshmallows)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Orange food coloring (gel works best)
- Green candy melts or chocolate chips for stems
- Black decorator gel for faces (optional)
Pumpkin Spice Flavored Version:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring
- Green candy melts for decoration
Both recipes make about 12 medium-sized treats. The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. Most people already have rice cereal and marshmallows in their pantry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
For Orange Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Crispy Treat Pumpkins:
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes removal much easier.
Step 2: Melt the Base In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and marshmallows together. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This usually takes 90 seconds total.
Step 3: Add Color Stir in orange food coloring while the marshmallow mixture is still warm. Start with a few drops and add more until you reach your desired pumpkin orange shade.
Step 4: Mix in Cereal Add Rice Krispies cereal to the colored marshmallow mixture. Stir quickly but gently until every piece is coated. Work fast because the mixture hardens as it cools.
Step 5: Shape Into Pumpkins With buttered hands, scoop portions of the mixture and roll into pumpkin shapes. Place them on your prepared pan. Make slight indentations with your finger to create pumpkin ridges.
Step 6: Add Stems Melt green candy melts in the microwave. Use a spoon to drizzle small stems on top of each pumpkin. Let cool for 15 minutes.
For Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats:
Follow steps 1-2 above, then:
Step 3: Add Pumpkin Flavor Stir pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla into the melted marshmallow mixture. Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Color and Combine Add orange food coloring and Rice Krispies cereal. Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Press and Cool Press mixture into your prepared pan using a buttered spatula. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Pro Tips and Variations for Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
Expert Tips:
- Use fresh marshmallows for the best texture. Stale marshmallows create tough, chewy treats.
- Butter your hands when shaping to prevent sticking.
- Work quickly once you add the cereal. The mixture becomes harder to work with as it cools.
- For deeper orange color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid.
Creative Variations:
Fruity Pebbles Version: Replace Rice Krispies with Fruity Pebbles for colorful Halloween Rice Crispy Treats Ideas that kids absolutely love.
Candy Corn Style: Make three layers using orange, yellow, and white colored mixtures for Rice Krispie Treats Candy Corn versions.
Monster Treats: Add googly candy eyes and use different colors to create Monster Rice Krispie Treats Halloween characters.
Spooky Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create different Halloween shapes from your Fall Rice Krispie Treats mixture.
Storage Tips:
Store your finished Pumpkin Rice Krispies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Desserts
These Cute Halloween Treats work perfectly for multiple occasions:
Halloween Parties: Arrange your Rice Crispy Treat Pumpkins on a black platter with plastic spiders for dramatic effect. Kids love the spooky presentation.
Thanksgiving Desserts Table: The warm pumpkin spice version fits beautifully alongside traditional Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats and other autumn desserts.
School Events: Pack individual treats in clear cellophane bags tied with orange ribbons. Teachers and parents appreciate these nut-free Halloween Party Snacks.
Fall Gatherings: Create a dessert station with various Fall Rice Crispy Treats Ideas including these pumpkin versions alongside candy corn and apple-themed treats.
Office Potlucks: These Yummy Sweets travel well and please everyone. They’re much easier to transport than frosted cakes or delicate pastries.
Pair them with hot apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, or cold milk for the perfect combination. The crispy texture contrasts nicely with smooth beverages.
Conclusion
Making Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats brings families together in the kitchen and creates lasting Halloween memories. These simple Rice Krispie Desserts require no special skills but deliver impressive results every time.
Whether you choose the classic pumpkin-shaped version or the spiced pumpkin flavor variety, you’ll have a batch of Halloween Baking Rice Krispies treats that disappear quickly. The combination of nostalgic Rice Krispie Treats with festive autumn flavors creates the perfect Dessert Halloween celebration.
Start making these treats today. Your family and friends will thank you. These Crispy Treats prove that the best Halloween Party Food Rice Krispies recipes are often the simplest ones.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease. Set aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, stirring until combined.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in the crispy rice cereal until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula to gently press it evenly into the pan.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Calories: 145
- Total Fat: 3.2g
- Saturated Fat: 2.1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
- Sodium: 95mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugars: 15g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Vitamin A: 2% DV (from food coloring)
- Iron: 8% DV (fortified cereal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Pumpkin Spice Rice Crispy Treats ahead of time?
Yes! Make them up to 3 days before your event. Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste better after the flavors have time to meld together.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice for my Fall Rice Crispy Treats Ideas?
Make your own by mixing 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves. This homemade blend works perfectly in Halloween Rice Krispie Treats Ideas.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! Use about 40 regular marshmallows instead of 4 cups mini marshmallows. Cut them into smaller pieces for faster, more even melting.
How do I prevent my Halloween Rice Crispy Treats Ideas from becoming too hard?
Don’t overcook the marshmallows, and work quickly when mixing. If your mixture becomes too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter to soften it.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free rice cereal instead of regular Rice Krispies. Check that your marshmallows are also gluten-free certified.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares from my Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats?
Use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking spray. Wipe the blade clean between cuts. For easiest cutting, let the treats cool completely before slicing.
