Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
If you’re craving a nostalgic treat with a cozy, autumn twist, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe. Imagine the classic gooey, crispy texture of Rice Krispie treats infused with warm pumpkin pie spice and a hint of cinnamon, creating a perfectly balanced fall-flavored snack. These festive bars are not only super quick to whip up but they bring a burst of seasonal flavor that feels like a comforting hug in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a seasonal gathering or just to brighten your day, this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is a guaranteed winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on just a handful of pantry essentials that each play a vital role. From the buttery richness to the pumpkin puree adding moisture and depth, every component works in harmony to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and seasonal flair.
- Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): The foundation that adds irresistible crunch and lightness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Provides smooth richness and helps melt everything together.
- Mini marshmallows (10 oz bag): Essential for that classic sticky, chewy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 teaspoon): Brings the warm, signature autumnal notes that make this recipe special.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds extra spice depth for pumpkin spice enthusiasts.
- Canned pumpkin purée (1/4 cup): Adds moistness, subtle pumpkin flavor, and a lovely seasonal color.
- White chocolate drizzle or candy corn (optional): For festive decoration and extra sweetness.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or a non-stick spray. This simple step ensures your treats will come out cleanly without sticking, making cutting and serving an easy task later on.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter slowly. Once fully melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir consistently until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. This mixture is the core that will bind your treats together, so patience here means perfect results.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin and Spices
Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and optional cinnamon. Keep mixing until everything is thoroughly combined, then let it cook for another minute so some of the moisture from the pumpkin evaporates. This step is key to keeping your treats from becoming too soggy while locking in that fabulous pumpkin flavor.
Step 4: Mix in the Cereal
Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. The goal here is to coat every crunchy piece with that rich marshmallow and pumpkin mixture without smashing the cereal into crumbs. A light hand guarantees those satisfying crispy textures we all love.
Step 5: Press into the Pan
Using a buttered spatula or hands greased with butter or non-stick spray, spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Be sure not to press down too hard — you want the treats to stay fluffy and chewy rather than dense and hard. This is the stage that shapes your final bars, so a gentle, even press works best.
Step 6: Cool and Cut
Allow your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats to cool completely for about 30 minutes. Cooling lets them set properly, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling. Patience here leads to that perfect bite every time.
Step 7: Optional Decorations
If you want to take things up a notch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle candy corn across the surface. These finishing touches add festive flair and an extra pop of sweetness that make your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe truly stand out at any celebration.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of white chocolate, or a few candy corn pieces add playful seasonal charm. Not only do garnishes boost visual appeal, but they also give an extra hint of flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with warm fall beverages like spiced cider, creamy pumpkin spice lattes, or even a simple hot chocolate. When served alongside a fresh fruit platter featuring apples and pear slices, they make for a balanced and inviting autumn dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting your bars into bite-sized squares or fun fall-themed shapes using cookie cutters. You can stack them on a tiered tray with other seasonal treats or wrap individual pieces in parchment paper tied with rustic twine for a charming gift or party favor. Presentation is a delightful way to showcase the love and care behind your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your treats, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack or dessert for the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the treats by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen treats maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
While these treats are usually eaten cold or at room temperature, if you prefer a warm, melty experience, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave softens them up beautifully without losing that signature chewiness. Just be careful not to overheat and melt the marshmallows completely.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, which helps achieve a smoother mixture. If using large marshmallows, give them a bit more time and stir gently until fully melted.
Is canned pumpkin purée the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, pumpkin pie filling usually contains added spices and sugar, whereas canned pumpkin purée is plain cooked pumpkin. For this recipe, stick to pumpkin purée to control the flavor and avoid making your treats too sweet or overly spiced.
Can I make these treats vegan?
To make vegan Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows, which are often gelatin-free. Make sure the Rice Krispies cereal you choose is also vegan-friendly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips can add a delightful crunch or gooey bite. Just fold them into the cereal before pressing the mixture into the pan for best distribution.
What’s the best way to cut these treats without them crumbling?
Using a sharp knife lightly greased with butter or cooking spray helps the knife glide through the treats smoothly. Cut once the treats are fully cooled, and wipe the knife clean between cuts for polished squares.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is truly a seasonal treasure that’s easy enough for any home cook to tackle but impressive enough to steal the show at gatherings. The warm spices combined with that nostalgic crispy, chewy texture make these treats a perfect way to invite autumn into your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try them and make this recipe a new favorite in your fall baking lineup!
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Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are a festive twist on the classic snack, perfect for autumn celebrations. Combining the nostalgic crispiness of Rice Krispies with warm pumpkin pie spices and creamy pumpkin purée, these treats offer a delightful seasonal flavor. Easy to make in just 15 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleaser ideal for parties, gatherings, or a cozy afternoon treat.
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 for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
Optional Decorations
- White chocolate drizzle
- Candy corn
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray and set it aside to ensure the treats don’t stick when pressed in.
- Melt the Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they melt fully and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Pumpkin and Spices: Stir in the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and optional cinnamon. Continue stirring for about one minute to allow some moisture to evaporate, ensuring the mixture isn’t too wet.
- Mix in the Cereal: Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, making sure each piece is evenly coated with the pumpkin marshmallow mixture.
- Press into the Pan: Using a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Avoid compressing too much to keep the treats light and chewy.
- Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes to set before cutting into squares.
- Optional Decorations: For extra festive flair, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or sprinkle with candy corn before the treats fully set.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) to avoid added sugars and spices.
- Press the mixture gently to maintain a soft and chewy texture rather than a hard one.
- Optional cinnamon adds extra warmth but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the Rice Krispies cereal is gluten-free certified.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
