Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Easy 5-Step Recipe
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are one of the easiest and most festive desserts to make during the fall season. I remember shaping these little pumpkins with my mom right before Halloween night. The kitchen smelled like butter, marshmallows, and warm pumpkin spice, and the joy of rolling the sticky mixture into pumpkin shapes was unforgettable. These chewy and colorful treats are a guaranteed hit for kids’ parties, school snacks, or even holiday bake sales. If you have been searching for fun Halloween Rice Krispie Treats or want to know how to make pumpkin spice Rice Krispies, this recipe will show you every step.
Whether you try the classic marshmallow version or experiment with Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows, you will love how simple and customizable this dessert can be.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until smooth. For no-marshmallow version, melt honey and nut butter together.
- Stir in pumpkin spice and a few drops of orange food coloring until fully blended.
- Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies until fully coated.
- Butter your hands and shape the mixture into pumpkin-sized balls.
- Press a Tootsie Roll or pretzel stick into the top of each ball to form the stem.
- Decorate with green frosting or green M&Ms to make leaves.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why you will love these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Pumpkin Rice Krispies are more than just a snack. They are:
- Quick and ready in 30 minutes
- Fun for kids to help shape and decorate
- Perfectly chewy with a hint of pumpkin spice
- Easily adapted into Pumpkin Shaped Rice Crispy Treats with different toppings
They are sweet, festive, and always the first treats to disappear at fall gatherings.
Ingredients you need
| Ingredient | Amount | Substitution Tip |
| Rice Krispies cereal | 6 cups | Any crisped rice cereal works |
| Marshmallows | 10 oz bag | Use honey and nut butter for no-marshmallow version |
| Butter | 3 tbsp | Unsalted butter is best |
| Pumpkin spice | 1 tsp | Cinnamon and nutmeg if spice mix is not available |
| Orange food coloring | Few drops | Gel coloring gives brighter orange |
| Tootsie Rolls or pretzel sticks | 12 pieces | Used as pumpkin stems |
| Green frosting or green M&Ms | As needed | Used for leaves and decoration |
This combination creates chewy, colorful treats with a festive pumpkin shape.
How to make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats step by step
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until smooth. For Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats No Marshmallows, melt honey and nut butter together.
- Stir in pumpkin spice and a few drops of orange food coloring until fully blended.
- Remove from heat and fold in Rice Krispies until coated.
- Butter your hands lightly and shape the mixture into small pumpkin balls.
- Press a Tootsie Roll or pretzel stick into the top of each ball to create stems.
- Decorate with green frosting or candy leaves to complete the pumpkin look.
You can also dip these in melted chocolate for an extra festive twist.
How to serve Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
- Arrange on a fall-themed platter for parties
- Wrap in clear bags with ribbons for bake sales
- Add them to a dessert table with other Halloween Rice Krispie Treats
- Pack in lunchboxes as a seasonal surprise
They are a fun addition to any fall or Halloween celebration.
Pro tips for perfect treats
- Use gel food coloring for a deeper orange color without changing texture
- Butter your hands before shaping to avoid sticking
- Work quickly while the mixture is still warm
- Do not press too hard when shaping or the treats will be dense instead of chewy
Common mistakes to avoid
- Melting marshmallows on high heat makes the mixture too stiff
- Adding too much cereal creates dry and crumbly treats
- Waiting too long before shaping allows the mixture to harden
- Forgetting pumpkin spice removes the seasonal flavor
Storage and reheating
| Storage Method | Duration | Tip |
| Room temperature | 2 to 3 days | Airtight container recommended |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Slightly firmer texture |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Wrap tightly and store in freezer bags |
To soften before serving, microwave for 5 to 10 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats without food coloring?
Yes, pumpkin puree can be used for a natural color, but reduce marshmallows slightly.
Are Pumpkin Rice Krispies the same as Rice Krispie Treats pumpkin shape?
Yes, they are simply shaped like pumpkins instead of squares.
Can I make these healthier?
Yes, replace marshmallows with honey and nut butter.
What if I do not have pumpkin spice?
Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little ginger for the same effect.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are a festive fall favorite that combine fun, flavor, and creativity. They are simple enough for kids to help with and impressive enough for any party table. Whether you make the classic version or a healthier twist, these chewy pumpkin-shaped bites are always a seasonal hit. Save this recipe for later and share it with friends looking for easy Halloween Rice Krispie Treats that everyone will love.
