Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins Recipe

I love these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins. Their irresistible blend of melted mini marshmallows, butter, and crispy Rice Krispies forms a comforting treat with a quirky twist. Shaping them into pumpkins and adding adorable decorative jack o lantern faces gives the recipe a playful, festive spirit that is entirely satisfying.

I love making Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins because they bring the best of both Halloween and Thanksgiving vibes in one cute dessert. I usually start by melting 3 tablespoons unsalted butter with a 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows, stirring until they become smooth and syrupy.

Then I mix in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal, making sure it’s well coated so the shapes hold together. I think the secret is in getting the consistency just right so these pumpkin shaped Rice Krispie treats dont crumble apart.

After forming little pumpkins by hand, I take a small tube of black icing and carefully draw little jack o lantern faces on them. I personally love how the icing adds that spooky touch, making these desserts not only fun to eat but also a great addition for any Halloween themed Rice Crispy Treats night.

Its a fun, easy and delicious project that everyone will enjoy.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it is super easy to make and doesn’t take long at all. The steps are simple and even if I mess up a little the whole treat still turns out awesome.

I also really enjoy that it’s a creative twist on a classic Rice Krispie Treat. I love how you get to shape them into cute pumpkin forms and then draw jack o lantern faces on each one with icing. It always makes me smile when I see them.

Finally, I appreciate that the ingredients are really basic, which means I don’t have to search high and low for anything special. It’s a fun, stress free way to make a seasonal treat that always bring back memories from when I was a kid.

Ingredients

• Rich fat adds smooth flavor and helps bind treats, used sparingly for flavor.
• Mini marshmallows provide sweet, gooey texture and essential sugary taste to the snack.
• Rice Krispies offer crunchy carbohydrates and light crispness forming the treat’s structure.
• Black icing decorates the pumpkins adding festive vibes with a slight sugary touch.
• This treat packs carbohydrates and sugars, making it an occasional sweet indulgence.
• Moderate butter usage helps maintain flavor balance and ensures a moist, yummy texture.
• Suitable for festive gatherings, these pumpkins present a creative twist on classic rice treats.
• Enjoy a playful mix of texture and flavor perfect for a fun fall snack.

Ingredient Quantities

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 small tube black icing for decorating jack o lantern faces

How to Make this

1. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat until fully melted.

2. Add the 10 oz bag of mini marshmallows to the butter and stir constantly until they are all melted and have a smooth consistency.

3. Remove the saucepan from heat once the marshmallows are completely melted.

4. Quickly fold in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal and stir until every piece is evenly coated with the melted mixture.

5. Lightly grease a large tray or cover it with parchment paper so the treats wont stick.

6. Scoop a good amount of the mixture with your hands (dipping them in water can help) and roll them into small pumpkin shapes.

7. Press lightly on the top to form a small depression which will make a face space.

8. Grab the small tube of black icing and carefully draw a jack o lantern face on each pumpkin.

9. Let the treats sit for about 30 minutes to firm up nicely.

10. Enjoy your cute Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins as a fun, seasonal treat!

Equipment Needed

1. Large saucepan
2. Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Large tray or baking sheet with parchment paper
5. Small bowl filled with water for dipping hands

FAQ

• Q: How do I make these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins?
  A: First, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 10 oz of mini marshmallows in a large pot over low heat. Stir them until combined, then add the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal and mix well. Press the mixture into a greased pan, shape it like a pumpkin and let it cool. Once its set, use the small tube of black icing to draw jack o lantern faces.
• Q: Can I substitute salted butter for unsalted?
  A: Sure, you can, but its recomended to use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness better.
• Q: How long can I keep these treats?
  A: You can store them in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. Keep them in a cool area for best results.
• Q: Can I decorate these treats with other things?
  A: Absolutely, feel free to get creative. Some people add sprinkles, colored sugars or even candy pieces along with the black icing to make their pumpkin faces more interesting.

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter or even coconut oil if you’re in a pinch just be mindful of the extra salt.
• Mini Marshmallows: If mini marshmallows aren’t available try chopping up regular ones or use a bit of marshmallow fluff.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: You could swap these out with another puffed rice cereal, or even experiment with corn puffs for a crunch twist.
• Black Icing: Instead of black icing, a drizzle of dark chocolate or tinted royal icing can work just as well for decorating.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you keep the heat really low when melting the butter and marshmallows so they dont burn, and stir all the time to get a smooth mix.
2. Dipping your hands in water before shaping the pumpkins helps a ton so the candy doesnt stick and you get a better grip.
3. If you want your jack o lantern faces to look extra nice, try using a piping bag instead of squeezing straight from the tube for more control.
4. Let the treats cool on a greased tray so they firm up properly and you avoid any sticky mess later on.