Jump into fall with these marshmallowy pumpkin Rice Krispie treats! These seasonal cereal bars are perfect for lunch boxes or whenever you want a little treat to celebrate the best season of the year.
I try not to go overboard with pumpkin everything the moment September rolls around. Pumpkin spice is wonderful in small doses and when it’s done well. Instead of pushing pumpkin into unrelated dishes, I prefer treats where the flavor genuinely belongs — like fluffy pumpkin pancakes or these pumpkin-spiced Rice Krispie treats. They have just the right hint of pumpkin and a warm spice blend that complements the marshmallow and cereal perfectly.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
These treats are made much like classic Rice Krispie squares with the addition of pumpkin and pumpkin spice. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible from the pumpkin, cook it with the butter so excess water evaporates, and give the mixture time to cool before combining with the cereal.
Because pumpkin puree contains a fair amount of water, adding it straight in can make the cereal soggy and prevent the bars from setting properly. Blot the puree with a clean tea towel or paper towels to remove extra moisture before using. Cook the pumpkin with the butter and spices so the mixture is hot and slightly reduced, then let it rest so the marshmallows can melt and the mixture cools enough to incorporate the cereal without melting it.
Shaping Your Rice Krispie Treats Like Pumpkins
While bars are the quickest option, shaping them into little pumpkins is a fun project with kids. Once the mixture has cooled enough to handle, take a small handful and form it into a ball, then flatten it slightly so it looks squatter. Press gently so the surface is smooth.
Create a stem using pretzel rods, rolled chocolate candies, chocolate-covered almonds, or a small piece of tootsie roll. If you want vines or leaves, use green icing, fondant, or small green candies. For a more pronounced pumpkin color, stir in a drop or two of orange food coloring, mixing just until you reach the shade you want.
Storing Your Treats
Store the pumpkin Rice Krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bring them to room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Recipe Card
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Amanda Powell
Pin Recipe
10
2
25
37
1 pan
157 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree*
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
Instructions
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Heat a large pot over medium heat. Cook the butter and pumpkin together until the butter has melted and the pumpkin is very hot.
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Stir in the salt and pumpkin spice mix and heat for another minute.
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Remove the pot from the heat and add the marshmallows, allowing them to melt in the residual heat.
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Let the mixture cool for about 20 minutes so it’s easier to handle.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
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Fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
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Grease a 9 x 9-inch pan and press the mixture firmly into the pan.
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Set aside to cool and fully set for about an hour, then cut into bars or shape into pumpkins as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Calories: 157kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 8mg
Sodium: 181mg
Sugar: 15g
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