Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic marshmallow and cereal treat, perfect for fall celebrations like Halloween and Thanksgiving. These treats combine the traditional Rice Krispie Treat recipe with the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices, making them a festive and fun dessert option.
Ingredients
The basic ingredients for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats typically include:
- Butter: 4 tablespoons (or coconut oil for a dairy-free option)
- Mini Marshmallows: 10 ounces (or about 1 bag)
- Rice Krispies Cereal: 5 to 6 cups, depending on the recipe
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: ¼ to ½ cup, ensuring it’s pure pumpkin and not pie filling
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor)
- Orange Food Coloring: A few drops (optional, for visual appeal)
- Green Candy or Pretzel Sticks: For decoration (e.g., Mike and Ike candies or M&Ms for the “stem”)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
- Add Marshmallows: Stir in the mini marshmallows and microwave in 30-second increments until melted and fluffy.
- Incorporate Pumpkin: Mix in the canned pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. If using food coloring, add it at this stage to achieve your desired orange hue.
- Mix in Cereal: Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Shape Treats: Grease your hands with butter or cooking oil to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into round balls (about 2 inches in diameter) to resemble pumpkins.
- Decorate: Place a green candy or pretzel stick into the top of each ball to mimic a pumpkin stem.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the treats to cool on parchment paper until set before serving.
Tips for Success
- Moisture Management: If using canned pumpkin, it’s advisable to drain excess moisture by spreading it on paper towels before adding it to the mix. This helps maintain the right texture of the treats.
- Stickiness Solutions: If your mixture is too sticky to work with, consider adding a bit more melted butter or marshmallows to enhance stickiness.
- Creative Shapes: For added fun, you can press the mixture into a greased pan instead of forming balls and cut them into squares or wedges that resemble pumpkin pie slices.
These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are not only easy to make but also provide a great opportunity for kids to help out in the kitchen. They are visually appealing and deliciously sweet, making them an excellent choice for any autumn gathering!
Image Credit: https://kathrynskitchenblog.com/