Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
If you adore the cozy flavors of fall and crave a nostalgic treat with a seasonal twist, this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with the warm spices of pumpkin pie and the classic, crispy crunch of Rice Krispies cereal, these treats perfectly balance sweet comfort and festive flair. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a gathering or a fun autumn snack, this recipe blends simple ingredients into a delightfully chewy and spiced experience you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From buttery richness to marshmallow sweetness and pumpkin warmth, every component shines through beautifully.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy backbone of the treats, providing that iconic crunch and lightness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Melts smoothly and adds a rich, creamy depth to the marshmallow mixture.
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows: The sticky, sweet binder that holds everything together with a luscious gooey texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness with a warm, mellow flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Brings in classic autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that define the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds an extra layer of warm spice for those who love a little punch.
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée: Infuses moist, natural pumpkin flavor without overpowering the treats, keeping them soft and tender.
- Optional: white chocolate drizzle or candy corn for decoration: Adds a festive and fun finishing touch that makes these treats as eye-catching as they are delicious.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray. This small step ensures your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats will release easily once set, keeping those squares perfectly intact and ready to share.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter in a large pot. Once fully melted, add your mini marshmallows and stir constantly until you have a smooth, luscious marshmallow mixture. This smooth base is essential for evenly coating your cereal and giving the treats their famous chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Spices
Stir in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and optional cinnamon into the melted marshmallow mixture. Continue stirring for another minute to allow some moisture from the pumpkin to evaporate. This step enhances the flavor concentration and prevents your treats from becoming too soggy.
Step 4: Combine with Rice Krispies Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every bite is evenly coated with the spiced marshmallow mixture. This ensures each treat delivers the perfect balance of spice and crunch.
Step 5: Press the Mixture into the Dish
Using a buttered spatula or greased hands, press the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Don’t compact it too hard; you want tender, chewy treats rather than dense squares. This gentle touch is key to achieving that ideal texture.
Step 6: Let the Treats Cool
Allow your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats to cool for about 30 minutes. Cooling lets the sweet, spiced flavors meld and the treats firm up just enough for clean slicing without crumbling.
Step 7: Add Festive Decorations
For a festive final touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle candy corn across your treats. These decorative accents not only add visual charm but also a little surprise sweetness or crunch with every bite.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats by topping them with a light drizzle of white chocolate or scattering some mini candy corns. These garnishes bring a delightful texture contrast and a festive look that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or fall-themed parties.
Side Dishes
Serve these treats with a warm cup of spiced apple cider or a fragrant pumpkin latte to complement their flavors. The warm beverages echo the spices in the treats and provide a cozy pairing that’s impossible to resist on a chilly day.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats into festive shapes using cookie cutters like leaves, pumpkins, or acorns before decorating. You could also stack them with layers of whipped cream and caramel sauce for a quick no-bake pumpkin spice parfait that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to three days, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack for busy days when you want a quick bite of fall comfort.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen treats maintain their flavor and texture for up to a month, perfect for prolonging that pumpkin spice bliss.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen treats, allow them to thaw at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them lightly in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to refresh their gooey softness, but be careful not to overheat as marshmallows can become tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! While Rice Krispies provide that classic light crunch, puffed wheat or cornflakes can be creative alternatives. Just remember that they’ll change the texture slightly, and it might affect how well the marshmallow coating sticks.
Is canned pumpkin necessary, or can I use fresh pumpkin?
Canned pumpkin purée is recommended for its smooth texture and consistent moisture level. Fresh pumpkin can work if pureed very finely, but it may introduce extra water that could alter the treats’ firmness.
How spicy are these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats?
The spice level is gentle and warm, aimed at complementing the sweetness without overwhelming it. You can always adjust the pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to your taste for more or less warmth.
Can I omit the butter for a dairy-free version?
Butter contributes both flavor and texture, but you can substitute it with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the final taste and softness may vary slightly with substitutions.
How long do these treats last if left unrefrigerated?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats will stay fresh at room temperature for about three days. Beyond that, they might start to lose their chewy texture and become stale.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe enough for anyone looking to capture the essence of fall in a fun, simple dessert. It’s quick to whip up, irresistibly tasty, and brings that perfect hint of pumpkin spice to a classic childhood favorite. Trust me when I say this recipe will become your go-to for festive snacking all season long!
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Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 squares 1x
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats bring a cozy autumn twist to a classic favorite. Infused with pumpkin purée and warm spices like pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon, they offer a delightful seasonal flavor perfect for Halloween or Thanksgiving gatherings. Soft, chewy, and easy to make, these treats are enhanced with optional white chocolate drizzle or candy corn for a festive finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
Optional Decoration
- White chocolate drizzle
- Candy corn
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray and set aside to ensure the treats do not stick after pressing the mixture in.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and all marshmallows are melted.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the canned pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon if using. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Continue stirring for about one more minute to allow some moisture from the pumpkin to evaporate, helping the treats set better.
- Combine Cereal: Remove the pot from heat. Quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring gently to coat each piece evenly with the pumpkin marshmallow mixture to ensure balanced flavor and texture.
- Press Into Dish: Using a buttered spatula or hands greased with butter or spray, press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Press gently to avoid compressing too much, which can make the treats hard instead of soft and chewy.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the mixture cool and set at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up before cutting into squares, ensuring clean cuts and the right texture.
- Decorate: For a fun, festive look, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle candy corn across the treats before serving.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid extra sweetness and spices.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan to keep treats soft and chewy.
- Allow treats to cool completely before slicing to ensure they cut cleanly.
- Optional cinnamon adds an extra layer of warm spice, but it can be omitted if preferred.
- White chocolate drizzle and candy corn add festive flair but can be skipped for a simpler version.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
