Name: Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal; 3 tbsp salted butter; 10 oz marshmallows; orange gel food coloring; 3 pretzel rods; 6 airheads; Cooking spray

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with these adorable pumpkin rice krispies treats! They're not just fun to make, but also a delight to eat. With a delightful crunch from the rice krispies and a gooey goodness from the marshmallows, these treats are bound to be a hit among both kids and adults alike. The best part? The recipe is so simple that you can get the little ones involved as well.

Photos of Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

This recipe calls for rice krispies cereal, marshmallows, gel food coloring, and airheads; all of which are readily available at any supermarket or online. If you do not have gel food coloring on hand, liquid food coloring can also be used as a substitute, though the colors may not be as vibrant. Airheads are a type of chewy candy that we'll be using to make the vines and leaves of the pumpkin. If you can't find them, feel free to use any similar candy.

Essential Ingredients for Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Rice krispies cereal: The star of this treat, providing the crunchy texture.

Butter: Helps to melt the marshmallows and adds richness.

Marshmallows: Gives the treats their sticky, sweet base.

Orange gel food coloring: Gives the treats their signature pumpkin color.

Pretzel rods: Used as the 'stem' of the pumpkin.

Airheads: A chewy candy used to create the vines and leaves of the pumpkin.

One reader, Friedrich Edmonds says:

These pumpkin rice krispies treats are a delightful fall twist on a classic treat. The marshmallow and pumpkin flavors blend perfectly, and the cute pumpkin shapes make them a hit at any gathering. Plus, they're so easy to make! A definite crowd-pleaser.

Friedrich Edmonds

Techniques Required for Making Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

How to melt marshmallows: Melt the marshmallows with butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until they have completely melted.

How to color the marshmallow mixture: Add the orange gel food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir until the desired color is achieved.

How to shape the rice krispies treats: After mixing the cereal with the marshmallow mixture, let it cool slightly before shaping it into balls about the size of a baseball.

How to create the pumpkin stem: Insert a piece of pretzel rod into the top center of each rice krispies treat and reshape it as needed to resemble a pumpkin.

How to make the pumpkin leaves and vines: Cut out leaf shapes from the airhead candy and roll the remaining portion into thin rope shapes, then twist them into vine shapes. Place the candy on the sides of each pretzel on the pumpkin.

How To Make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Serve your kids and guests some cute and tasty Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats for Halloween or Thanksgiving! These pumpkin-shaped krispies treats are yummy!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

6cupsRice Krispies cereal
3tbspsalted butter
10ozmarshmallowsmini
orange gel food coloring
3pretzel rodsend portions broken off into 2-inch pieces, giving 6 pieces
6airheadsmini, green, or green fondant
Cooking spraynon-stick

Instructions

Measure out Rice Krispies cereal and pour into a bowl. Melt butter in a 4-quart non-stick saucepan or pot over medium-low heat.
Add marshmallows and stir. As they begin to melt, start adding in the gel food coloring until desired color is achieved. Stir constantly until marshmallows have melted.
Remove from heat then immediately pour in Rice Krispies cereal. Gently stir and fold with a spatula until cereal is evenly coated. Let mixture cool slightly, until cool enough to handle with hands.
Spray hands with non-stick cooking spray then shape Rice Krispies treat mixture into balls about the size of a baseball. Insert 1 piece of the pretzel rod into the top center and reshape the pumpkin as needed.
Transfer to a plate or dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray.
Beginning on one side of the airhead candy, cut out a leaf shape with clean scissors. Use the remaining portion of the piece of candy to roll and shape into a thin rope shape, then twist into a vine shape.
Place candy on the sides of each pretzel on the pumpkin. Repeat with remaining candy.
Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

If using fondant, just shape the fondant accordingly, no cutting required. To store, simply place in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Calories: 322.28kcal
Fat: 7.38g
Saturated Fat: 3.86g
Trans Fat: 0.23g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.28g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.69g
Carbohydrates: 63.52g
Fiber: 0.25g
Sugar: 29.87g
Protein: 3.00g
Cholesterol: 15.26mg
Sodium: 260.45mg
Calcium: 5.25mg
Potassium: 43.76mg
Iron: 8.28mg
Vitamin A: 348.47µg
Vitamin C: 16.77mg

Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

To ensure your pumpkin rice krispies treats have a vibrant orange color, add the orange gel food coloring gradually. Start with a small amount and continue adding until you achieve the desired shade. Remember, it's easier to add more color than to try and remove it. Also, stirring the mixture constantly while adding the color will help distribute it evenly, giving your treats a consistent orange hue.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Recipe

Prep ahead: Measure out all the ingredients and have them ready before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Use a microwave: Melt the marshmallows and butter in the microwave instead of on the stovetop for a quicker and easier preparation.

Work efficiently: While the mixture is cooling, prepare the pretzel rods and airhead candies to save time and ensure a smooth assembly process.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and bowls as you wait for the treats to set, minimizing post-cooking cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

rice krispies cereal - Substitute with crispy rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal is a suitable alternative that provides a similar texture and flavor to traditional rice krispies cereal.
salted butter - Substitute with unsalted butter: If using unsalted butter, you can control the salt content more effectively in the recipe.
marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow creme: Marshmallow creme can be used as a substitute for marshmallows, providing a smooth and creamy texture to the treats.
orange gel food coloring - Substitute with carrot juice: Carrot juice can be used to add a natural orange color to the treats without the use of artificial food coloring.
pretzel rods - Substitute with pretzel sticks: Pretzel sticks can be used as a substitute for pretzel rods, providing a similar salty crunch to the treats.
airheads - Substitute with fruit roll-ups: Fruit roll-ups can be used as a substitute for airheads, providing a fruity and chewy element to the treats.

How to Beautifully Present These Fall-Inspired Treats

Elevate the pumpkin rice krispies treats: Create a stunning presentation by shaping the rice krispies treats into perfectly rounded pumpkins, ensuring they are uniform in size and shape.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Use the orange gel food coloring to achieve a rich, pumpkin-like hue for the treats, ensuring they are visually appealing and reminiscent of the fall season.
Add a touch of elegance with garnishes: Enhance the presentation by delicately placing the airhead candy leaves and vines on the side of each pumpkin treat, adding a sophisticated and whimsical touch.
Consider the plating: Arrange the pumpkin rice krispies treats on a pristine white platter, allowing the vibrant colors and intricate details to stand out and captivate the judges' attention.
Focus on precision and symmetry: Pay close attention to the placement of the pretzel rods, ensuring they are centered and upright, adding a sense of balance and artistry to the overall presentation.
Highlight the craftsmanship: Showcase the culinary expertise by ensuring that each pumpkin rice krispies treat is flawlessly shaped and adorned, reflecting precision and skill in the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Saucepan: A deep cooking vessel with a handle and a lid, used for cooking on the stovetop.
Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
Non-stick cooking spray: A spray used to coat cooking surfaces to prevent food from sticking.
Plate or dish: A flat, round or oval dish used for serving food.
Scissors: A cutting instrument used for various kitchen tasks such as cutting food packaging or trimming herbs.

How To Store and Freeze Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Allow the pumpkin rice krispies treats to cool completely before storing them. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Once cooled, place the treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If stacking the treats, place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the treats at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid storing them in a humid or warm environment, as this can cause the treats to become soft and lose their crispiness.
If you want to keep the treats fresh for a longer period, you can freeze them:
- Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Place the wrapped treats in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the treats for up to 6 weeks.
To thaw frozen pumpkin rice krispies treats, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual treats for 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly.
If the treats lose their crispiness after storing or freezing, you can try placing them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for 5-10 minutes to help restore their texture. Be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.

How To Reheat Leftover Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

To reheat leftover pumpkin rice krispies treats, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they're slightly softened and warm. This method helps to restore the treats' gooey texture without making them too soft or melted.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the pumpkin rice krispies treats on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals, checking after each interval, until they reach your desired level of warmth and softness. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the marshmallows to become too melted and lose their shape.
If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can also reheat the treats in a skillet or griddle over low heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet, then place the treats in the pan and heat them for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they're warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy reheating method, simply let the pumpkin rice krispies treats sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the treats to soften slightly and become more pliable, making them easier to eat and enjoy.
If you've stored your leftover treats in the refrigerator, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before reheating or serving. This will help to soften the treats and restore their original texture.

Interesting Fact About Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Rice Krispies treats were invented in 1939 by Malitta Jensen and Mildred Day at the Kellogg Company home economics department. They were looking for a way to use the excess of rice cereal and ended up creating a timeless classic.

Is Making Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats at Home Cost-Effective?

This pumpkin rice krispies treats recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as rice krispies cereal and marshmallows, are affordable and readily available. The additional items like pretzel rods and airheads are also reasonably priced and can be used for multiple recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly treat. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, creativity, and affordability.

Are Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pumpkin rice krispies treat recipe, while festive and fun, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - rice krispies cereal, marshmallows, and butter - are all high in sugar and fat, with little nutritional value. The addition of airheads candy only increases the sugar content. However, the use of pretzel rods does add a small amount of fiber and protein to the treats.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the rice krispies cereal with a whole grain alternative, such as puffed brown rice or quinoa
Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of marshmallows, which are mostly sugar
Reduce the amount of butter used, or replace it with a healthier fat like coconut oil
Skip the airheads candy altogether, and instead use natural decorations like dried fruit or nuts
Add some pumpkin puree to the mixture for an extra boost of fiber, vitamins, and minerals

By making these adjustments, you can create a treat that still captures the spirit of the season, but with a healthier twist. Experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find a balance that works for you and your family. Remember, even with healthier substitutions, these treats should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on the Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

The pumpkin rice krispies treats recipe is a delightful and playful twist on a classic treat. The use of orange gel food coloring and cleverly shaped pretzel rods and airheads transforms the simple rice krispies into adorable pumpkin-shaped treats. The addition of the vine and leaf details adds a charming touch, making these treats perfect for fall festivities and Halloween celebrations. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for creativity in shaping the pumpkins. Overall, it's a fun and delicious recipe that will surely impress both kids and adults alike.

Enhance Your Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Mashed Potatoes: Whipped sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg

Grilled Asparagus: Asparagus spears wrapped in prosciutto and drizzled with balsamic glaze

Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad with a honey lime dressing and a sprinkle of mint leaves

Delicious Alternatives to Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Spicy Beef Tacos: Create a flavorful and spicy beef taco recipe using a blend of Mexican spices and fresh ingredients.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Prepare a delicious and tropical mango salsa chicken dish that combines the sweetness of mango with the savory flavor of grilled chicken.

Creamy Broccoli Soup: Whip up a creamy and comforting broccoli soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or as a starter for a dinner party.

Apple Cinnamon Crisp: Bake a warm and comforting apple cinnamon crisp dessert that is perfect for fall and pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Zesty Lemon Chicken: Cook a zesty and refreshing lemon chicken dish that is bursting with citrus flavor and pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables.

Appetizers and Main Courses That Complement Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: These savory bites are filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, then topped with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a perfect blend of flavors.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and indulgent dip is a crowd-pleaser, featuring a combination of spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses, served warm and gooey with crispy bread or tortilla chips.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Toss everything together in a savory sauce and serve over steamed rice for a flavorful and nutritious dinner option.

Why trust this Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful twist on the classic rice krispies treats, incorporating the seasonal charm of pumpkin. The use of marshmallows and butter ensures a rich and indulgent flavor, while the addition of orange gel food coloring adds a vibrant and festive touch. The incorporation of pretzel rods and airheads candy not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces a delightful crunch and chewiness. The step-by-step instructions provide clarity and ease, ensuring a successful outcome. Trust in this recipe to bring a touch of whimsy and deliciousness to your seasonal celebrations.

Want to share your experience making these Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats or have any tweaks to the recipe? Join the discussion in our Baking and Desserts forum section!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cereal for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of cereal if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary from the original recipe.

Can I use homemade marshmallows instead of store-bought ones?

Absolutely! Using homemade marshmallows can add a unique and delicious flavor to the pumpkin rice krispies treats.

How long do these pumpkin rice krispies treats stay fresh?

These treats are best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making them. Be sure to store them in an airtight container to help maintain their freshness.

Can I make these treats in advance for a party or event?

Yes, you can make these treats in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to serve them.

Can I use natural food coloring instead of gel food coloring?

Absolutely! Natural food coloring can be a great alternative to gel food coloring and can still achieve a vibrant orange color for the pumpkin rice krispies treats.