Description
These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are a festive, fun twist on the classic rice krispie snack. Made with gooey marshmallows dyed orange and shaped into pumpkin-like balls, they’re accented with pretzel stems and green candy leaves and vines for an adorable autumn-themed treat perfect for parties or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 Tbsp salted butter
- 1 (10 oz) package mini marshmallows
- Orange gel food coloring, amount as needed
Decorations
- 3 pretzel rods, end portions broken off into 2-inch pieces (about 6 pieces)
- 6 mini green Airheads candy or green fondant
- Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a 4-quart non-stick saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter. Once melted, add the entire 10 oz package of mini marshmallows, stirring continuously until they begin to melt completely. Gradually add orange gel food coloring, stirring constantly, until a bright orange color is achieved. Stir until marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Cereal: Remove the melted marshmallow mixture from heat immediately and pour the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal into the mixture. Gently fold and stir with a spatula to coat the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly until it is safe to handle but still pliable.
- Shape Pumpkin Treats: Spray your hands lightly with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Form the cereal mixture into balls roughly the size of a baseball. Insert one pretzel rod piece vertically into the top center of each ball to resemble a pumpkin stem. Reshape as needed to form a rounded pumpkin shape. Place finished pumpkins onto a plate or dish lightly sprayed with cooking spray.
- Create Leaves and Vines: Using a clean pair of scissors, cut a leaf shape from one side of each mini green Airhead candy. Take the remaining candy and roll it into a thin rope, then twist the rope into a vine shape. Alternatively, shape green fondant into leaves and vines if using fondant instead of candy.
- Assemble Decorations: Attach each candy leaf and vine onto the sides of the pretzel stem on each pumpkin treat to mimic pumpkin vines and leaves (as pictured). Repeat this process for all six pumpkin treats.
- Store: Transfer the decorated pumpkin rice krispie treats to an airtight container and store at room temperature until ready to serve. Enjoy within a few days for best freshness.
Notes
- Non-stick cooking spray on hands prevents the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging and makes shaping easier.
- Adjust the quantity of orange gel food coloring depending on desired vibrancy of the pumpkin color.
- Green fondant is an alternative to green Airheads candy if preferred for decoration.
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and pretzel rods.
