Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
These adorable, pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispie treats are the perfect festive snack for Halloween or Thanksgiving.
Fun to make and even more fun to eat, they’re a sweet treat the whole family will love.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create these cute little pumpkins that are as delicious as they are charming.
Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a weekend craft with the kids, these treats are sure to be a hit!
For Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
- Rice Krispies Cereal – The base of this treat, providing a crunchy texture and holding all the sweet goodness together.
- Salted Butter – Adds richness and helps bind the marshmallows and cereal together.
- Mini Marshmallows – These are melted to form the gooey, sweet center of the Rice Krispies treats.
- Orange Gel Food Coloring – Used to give the treats their vibrant pumpkin orange color.
- Pretzel Rods – Broken into pieces to serve as the “stems” for the pumpkin treats.
- Green Airheads or Green Fondant – These are shaped into a leaf and vine to complete the pumpkin look.
- Non-stick Cooking Spray – Used to lightly grease your hands and the dish to prevent sticking.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Notes
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows
- Orange gel food coloring
- 3 pretzel rods, broken into 2-inch pieces (yielding 6 pieces)
- 6 mini green Airheads or green fondant*
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions:
- Measure out the Rice Krispies cereal into a large bowl.
- In a non-stick saucepan or pot (about 4-quart), melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly.
- As the marshmallows begin to melt, add the orange gel food coloring to achieve your desired pumpkin color.
- Stir the marshmallows until completely melted, then remove the pot from heat.
- Immediately pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the pot, gently folding with a spatula to evenly coat the cereal with the marshmallow mixture.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it's cool enough to handle with your hands.
- Lightly spray your hands with non-stick cooking spray, then form the Rice Krispie mixture into balls about the size of a baseball.
- Insert one piece of the pretzel rod into the center of each ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Gently reshape the treat into a pumpkin if needed.
- Transfer the treats to a plate or dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
- For the leaf and vine:
- Cut a leaf shape from one side of the Airhead candy using clean scissors.
- Use the remaining portion of the candy to form a thin rope and twist it into a vine shape (alternatively, you can shape the fondant directly without cutting).
- Place the leaf and vine on each pumpkin treat, positioning them next to the pretzel rod to complete the pumpkin look.
- Repeat with the remaining candies.
- Store the treats in an airtight container.
Notes:
- For a kid-friendly option, use Airheads as the candy topping, as kids typically enjoy the flavor.
- For a more adult-friendly version, consider making a small batch of homemade green fondant (you can use your preferred fondant recipe) and tint it green for a more refined taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 365 kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 306mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 2040 IU | Vitamin C: 17.7mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 8.9mg
- How do I make sure my Rice Krispie treats aren’t too sticky?
Answer: If you find that the marshmallow mixture is too sticky, lightly spray your hands and the spatula with non-stick cooking spray before handling it. This will help you shape the treats without getting stuck in the gooey marshmallow!
- Can I make these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats in advance?
Answer: Yes! You can easily make these treats a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and perfect for your Halloween or Thanksgiving celebrations.
- What if I don’t have orange food coloring?
Answer: No worries! You can use any food coloring you have on hand or skip the color altogether for a fun twist. Or, consider using natural food coloring like beet juice for a more natural approach to the orange hue.
- Can I use a different candy for the pumpkin’s stem and vine?
Answer: Absolutely! While green Airheads or fondant are ideal for the leaves and vines, you can also use green gummy candies or even green licorice for the perfect pumpkin effect.
- How do I prevent my Rice Krispie treats from being too hard?
Answer: To keep your treats soft and chewy, avoid pressing the mixture down too hard when shaping it. Gently form the treats into balls without compressing them too much. Also, make sure not to overheat the marshmallows – melt them slowly over low heat for the best texture!
