Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins – As the leaves begin to change into their colors and the air carries the promise of autumn there’s nothing quite, like these homemade Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins to capture the essence of fall. Filled with the timeless charm of marshmallows and cereal combined and infused with the warmth of autumn hues these treats are not only delicious to indulge but also a delight to create.
I can still vividly recall my first attempt at shaping these pumpkins; our kitchen was bathed in the golden glow of an October afternoon with a sweet buttery aroma filling the air. It was a recipe born out of love and a longing to capture the spirit of this season. The sight brought excitement to my husband’s eyes while my child’s laughter echoed throughout the room as we rolled and molded these treats together. It was a family moment crafting these gems that tasted like home and filled our hearts.
What makes this Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins truly special?
These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are more than a treat; they embody an adventure with every bite. Their appeal lies in their simplicity. How they bring joy to any fall gathering. With no need for baking it becomes a hassle-free activity that can be enjoyed by everyone. From toddlers all the way up, to grandparents.
They are so versatile. Can be customized to suit any autumn color scheme. You can adjust the colors to match the palette you prefer or even add types of candies to create pumpkin patch looks. Let’s not forget how perfect they are, for those tables that are just begging for an Instagram-worthy photo! They’ll definitely charm your guests. Create memories that will last.
What You Need To Make This Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins Recipe?
Butter: The foundation of our treats, it must be just the right amount to bind yet not overwhelm. Opt for unsalted to control the sweetness.
Marshmallows: Choose the fluffiest marshmallows you can find—they’re the secret to the treats’ cloud-like texture.
Rice Krispies: The snap, crackle, and pop bring a playful crunch that contrasts the marshmallow’s softness, the true essence of this treat.
Food Coloring: This is where creativity shines. The drops of red and yellow are your palette for the perfect pumpkin hue. Go bold or soft—it’s your autumn vision.
Mini Rolos and Green M&M’s: These are the whimsical touches that transform a simple ball of cereal into a pumpkin. The Rolos’ chocolatey depth and the M&M’s sugary shell add not just taste but character to each pumpkin.
Cooking Oil or Melted Butter: This is the secret weapon for sculpting. A touch on your hands, and you can shape and mold without a sticky battle.
Steps To Make Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins:
Step 1: Begin by gently melting the butter in a sizeable pot, keeping the flame low to avoid any browning. Toss in the marshmallows, stirring them patiently until they merge with the butter into a smooth, creamy sea of fluff. Here’s where the magic happens: start with splashes of yellow food coloring into the marshmallow mix, followed by droplets of red, swirling after each addition. It’s like painting a sunset; you’ll want to achieve that perfect shade of pumpkin orange.
Step 2: Pour in the Rice Krispies, turning them over and over in the marshmallow mixture until each little puff is coated in the sticky, sweet concoction. Now, with your hands greased up with cooking oil or butter, scoop up a bit of the mixture, and with the warmth of your palms, roll them into little pumpkin orbs. Each ball is a canvas for your creativity, so don’t hesitate to make each one unique.
Step 3: As they’re still warm and pliable, crown each pumpkin with a Mini Rolo stem and a Green M&M leaf, pressing them in just enough to stick. If they begin to firm up, just make a small indentation to nestle the candies in. Let them sit until they’re solid enough to hold their shape, like miniature pumpkin sculptures ready for your fall festivities.
Tip:
For achieving pumpkins that are uniform and well-shaped you can try using a greased ice cream scoop or a measuring cup. This method ensures that each pumpkin is of the size creating a visual display and aiding in the even cooling and setting of the treats. Once you’ve scooped out a portion, with your chosen tool gently roll it in your greased hands to smoothen any edges. This clever technique transforms the process into an effortless mess and enjoyable activity – for consistently creating adorable pumpkin shapes every single time.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different kinds of cereal?
Of course! You’re more than welcome to try out types of cereal. Just make sure they have a crunch and can hold up well with the marshmallow coating.
How long do these treats stay fresh?
If you store these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins in an airtight container at room temperature they should stay fresh for a week.
Can I make these in advance for a party?
Absolutely! You can definitely make these ahead of time for your party. Just remember to store them in an airtight container so they retain their crunchiness.
Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins
- Total Time: 20 MINS
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are a tribute, to the charm of autumn. Imagine this; marshmallows and butter that melt in your mouth mixed with crispy Rice Krispies then magically transformed into pumpkins with a bright orange hue. Each one is like a piece of art topped with a stem made of Mini Rolos and a leaf made of green M&Ms to delight your taste buds and evoke the festive spirit of fall. Not only are they visually appealing, reminiscent of a flourishing pumpkin patch. They also provide a nostalgic journey down memory lane with every crunchy and gooey bite. Ideal, for autumn gatherings these treats exemplify the joy that comes from simple ingredients coming together to celebrate the beauty of the season.
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
If you’re someone who enjoys the autumn season but follows a diet you’ll be happy to know that making these Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins suitable, for your dietary needs is actually quite easy. The main change lies in the choice of cereal. While regular Rice Krispies contain gluten there are brands that offer gluten-free crispy rice cereal which replicates the texture and taste of the original perfectly. These alternatives are made with rice that hasn’t undergone malted processing, which often involves barley containing gluten. By substituting with a gluten-free crispy rice cereal you can savor all the flavors of this festive treat without any concerns, about gluten.
- Prep Time: 20 MINS
My name is Natasha and I am the owner of nodashofgluten.com, a blog dedicated to all kinds of recipes. On my website, you can find classic dishes, vegetarian delights, creative snacks, Gluten-free recipes, and desserts – all proving that cooking isn’t as hard as it seems! With easy-to-follow instructions and tips on how to make your meals even better, I strive to help everyone become master chefs in their own kitchen. Come join me at nodashofgluten.com for some delicious fun!
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