Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats
These adorable pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispie treats are made by melting marshmallows and butter, then mixing in rice cereal and fall spices. Shaped into tiny pumpkins and decorated with a stem, they have a soft, chewy texture with a festive orange hue, perfect for Halloween or fall gatherings.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Rubber spatula
- Silicone mold or parchment-lined baking sheet
- Small spoon or piping bag
- Kitchen thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 cups mini marshmallows good-quality for soft texture
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or salted, cut back if using
- 6 cups rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice cinnamon, nutmeg, clove blend
- 2 drops orange gel food coloring vibrant color
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Grease your silicone mold or line a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to prepare for shaping the treats.
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter until it smells rich and slightly nutty, about 2 minutes.
- Add the marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes. You should hear a gentle bubbling and see a shiny, sticky mixture.
- Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin spice to incorporate fragrant, warm flavors.
- Mix in the orange gel food coloring a few drops at a time, stirring until the mixture turns a vibrant orange and is evenly colored.
- Quickly fold in the rice cereal, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly without overmixing, so the mixture remains light and sticky.
- Working swiftly, spoon the mixture into your prepared mold or onto the parchment-lined sheet, shaping small pumpkin-like mounds with your hands or a spatula. Press down gently to compact the treats.
- Let the treats sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until they firm up but remain soft to the touch.
- If desired, use a small spoon or piping bag to add tiny stems or faces for decoration, making your pumpkins more festive.
- Once fully cooled and set, gently remove the treats from molds or carefully lift from the parchment, revealing cute pumpkin shapes with cracks and bumps for charm.
- Enjoy these soft, chewy pumpkin treats immediately or store in an airtight container for up to a week, perfect for fall snacking or Halloween parties.
Notes
Feel free to add small chocolate chips or edible glitter for extra fun. Use gel food coloring for vibrant hue without thinning the mixture. Be quick when shaping to prevent the mixture from hardening too soon.