These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are the perfect fall dessert! Made with marshmallows, butter, and Rice Krispies, they’re easy, festive, and fun.
You know those desserts that instantly bring back childhood memories? The ones that make you feel like a kid again, no matter how many responsibilities you’re drowning in? These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins do exactly that for me.
I vividly remember making these at a fall festival when I was a kid. There was a long table filled with bowls of melted marshmallows, sticky Rice Krispies, and an unreasonable amount of food coloring. My hands were covered in an orange-tinted mess, but I didn’t care—because I was creating something fun, festive, and delicious. And of course, I had to sneak a few bites along the way.
Fast forward to today, and I still get that same nostalgic joy whenever I make these. Whether you’re making them with kids, bringing them to a Halloween party, or just looking for a fun, easy treat to brighten up your fall, these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
So, grab your marshmallows, and let’s get to it!
Why You’ll Love This Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins Recipe?
- No oven required! Perfect for when you don’t feel like turning your kitchen into a sauna.
- Super kid-friendly – Both to make and eat! Just be prepared for sticky hands.
- Festive & adorable – They look like little pumpkins, making them perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any fall gathering.
- Quick to make – You’ll be done in 20 minutes flat, and the hardest part is waiting for them to set.
- A classic with a twist – The same chewy, marshmallowy Rice Krispie treats you love, but shaped into pumpkins!
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe keeps things super simple, but let’s break it down:
For the Rice Krispie Mixture:
- Butter – Adds that rich, buttery flavor we all love.
- Marshmallows – The secret to that perfectly gooey, chewy texture.
- Rice Krispies cereal – The crunch factor! Any crispy rice cereal will work.
- Food coloring – A mix of red and yellow gives you that bright pumpkin-orange hue.
For the Pumpkin Decorations:
- Mini Rolos – The cutest little chocolate “stems” for your pumpkins.
- Green M&Ms – A simple way to add “leaves” on top.
- Cooking Oil or Butter – A lifesaver when shaping these sticky little guys!
How To Make Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins?
Step 1: Melt the Butter & Marshmallows
Start by melting 1/4 cup of butter in a large pot over low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir constantly until everything is smooth and combined.
Now, for the fun part—coloring! Add yellow food coloring first, then gradually mix in red, stirring after each drop until you get the perfect pumpkin-orange shade.
Step 2: Stir in the Rice Krispies
Turn off the heat and immediately stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Work quickly to ensure the cereal is evenly coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Step 3: Shape the Pumpkins
Now, here’s where things get messy (in the best way). Grease your hands with cooking oil or butter, scoop out portions of the mixture, and roll them into small pumpkin-shaped balls.
Place them on parchment paper as you go. If they start sticking to your hands, just re-grease and keep shaping!
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Decorate Your Pumpkins
While the Rice Krispie balls are still warm, press a Mini Rolo into the top for the stem. Then, add a green M&M next to it for the leaf.
Let them cool and set before serving—and that’s it! You just made the cutest fall treat ever.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Fridge: Keeps for up to a week, but they’ll be a bit firmer.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the texture gets too hard and chewy.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to get creative? Here are some ways to switch things up:
- Make them gluten-free! Just use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
- Use pretzel sticks for stems – Adds a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness!
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon – A tiny bit in the marshmallow mixture gives these a warm, cozy fall flavor.
- Make them spooky! Use black icing to draw little jack-o’-lantern faces for Halloween.
What to Serve with Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins?
These little pumpkins are adorable on their own, but if you want to go all out for a fall gathering, try pairing them with:
- Hot apple cider – Because fall flavors belong together.
- Pumpkin spice lattes – If you’re going full autumn overload, might as well do it right!
- A big ol’ Halloween candy spread – Because balance is key (right?).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just store them in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
What if I don’t have food coloring?
No worries! You can leave them their natural color, or mix in a little pumpkin puree for a natural tint.
Can kids help with these?
Yes! Just handle the hot marshmallow part yourself, and let them roll, shape, and decorate the pumpkins.
The Cutest Fall Treat Ever!
If you’re looking for a super simple, festive, and ridiculously cute treat, these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are the way to go. They’re quick, easy, and fun to make, and they bring instant fall vibes to any occasion.
So, what do you think? Are you making a batch this season? Let me know how they turn out—I love seeing your creations!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins
Ingredients
- 1/4 c butter
- 1 bag large marshmallows approximately 40 marshmallows
- 6 c Rice Krispies cereal
- Red & Yellow Liquid Food Coloring
- Mini Rolos
- Green M&M's
- 1/4 c cooking oil or melted butter for non-stick hand shaping
Instructions
- In a large pot slowly melt 1/4 cup of butter, over low heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the bag of marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and mixed with the butter.
- Take the pot off the heat. Add yellow food coloring to the mixture then gradually add red food coloring, stirring after each addition until you achieve your desired orange color.
- Add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Grease your hands with cooking oil or melted butter. Take portions of the mixture. Shape them into pumpkin balls. Place each ball on parchment paper. Apply oil/butter to your hands as needed to prevent sticking.
- While the shaped balls are still warm gently press a Mini Rolo into the top of each one to create a stem and place an M&M next to it as a leaf.
- Allow the Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins to cool and firm up before serving.
- Enjoy these festive Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
