Delicious & Easy Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats: Your Go-To No-Bake Fall Dessert
As the leaves begin to change color and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s a comforting sense of warmth that settles over everything, inspiring cozy gatherings and, of course, delicious fall-themed treats. Among the simplest yet most beloved desserts are Rice Krispie Treats, a nostalgic classic cherished by many, including my husband who ranks them among his top favorites. While traditional Rice Krispie Treats are undeniably fantastic, the beauty lies in their versatility. We’ve enjoyed exploring various twists like our delightful Biscoff Rice Krispie Treats and the uniquely satisfying Peanut Butter Butterscotch Krispie Treats.
However, once autumn arrives, my culinary focus shifts entirely to the irresistible flavors of pumpkin and apple. This year, allow me to introduce you to a seasonal sensation that perfectly captures the essence of fall: these incredible Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats. Infused with the rich, earthy notes of pumpkin puree and the warming embrace of pumpkin pie spice, these no-bake wonders are an absolute must-make if you’re a pumpkin enthusiast. They’re quick to prepare, delightfully chewy, and packed with all the autumnal charm you could ask for, making them ideal for everything from school lunchboxes to holiday dessert tables.
The Magic of Pumpkin in a Rice Krispie Treat
What makes these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats so special? It’s the harmonious blend of familiar comfort and seasonal spice. By incorporating pumpkin puree directly into the marshmallow mixture, we achieve a subtle, natural pumpkin flavor and a wonderfully soft, slightly denser texture that sets them apart from their plain counterparts. The addition of pumpkin pie spice elevates the entire experience, bringing those quintessential fall aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that instantly transport you to a cozy autumn evening. These treats aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the season, a vibrant pop of color, and a burst of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Perfection
Creating these delightful no-bake pumpkin bars requires a handful of common pantry staples, with a few key seasonal additions. Quality ingredients are crucial for the best flavor and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to assemble your ultimate fall dessert:
- Rice Krispie Cereal: The foundation of our treats! Ensure your cereal is fresh to guarantee that satisfying snap and crunch. Stale cereal can lead to soggy treats, so check the expiration date.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is where the magic happens. It’s vital to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor balance of this recipe. We’ll also be draining it to prevent mushy treats.
- Butter: Essential for richness and flavor. I typically use unsalted butter so I can control the salt content, but salted butter works fine too – just be mindful of any additional salt you might add. Cut into cubes for easier melting.
- Marshmallows: The binding agent! Fresh marshmallows melt smoothly and provide the signature gooey texture. You can use mini marshmallows for faster melting or large marshmallows, simply adjust melting time slightly.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is the heart of our fall flavor. If you don’t have it on hand, don’t fret! You can easily whip up your own Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice in minutes, ensuring you have it ready for all your autumn baking adventures.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of warmth and depth to the overall profile. Don’t skip it!
- White Chocolate: Melted white chocolate creates a beautiful drizzle, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a lovely visual contrast. It’s optional but highly recommended for that bakery-quality finish.
For an extra festive touch, I love to adorn these treats with Pumpkin Mellowcreme candies. These adorable little candies instantly communicate that these are pumpkin-flavored, making them visually appealing and a hit at any fall gathering. While they are entirely optional, they certainly add to the seasonal charm and excitement!
Crafting Your Fall Favorites: How To Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Making these pumpkin-infused Rice Krispie Treats is surprisingly simple and requires no oven, making them perfect for busy fall days. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless batch:
- Prepare the Pumpkin: Begin by preparing your pumpkin puree. Place two layers of paper towels on a small plate. Spread the measured pumpkin puree evenly over the paper towels. Allow it to sit and drain for 10 minutes. This crucial step removes excess moisture, preventing your treats from becoming soggy or mushy. While it drains, you can prepare your baking pan by lightly spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray and setting it aside.
- Melt Marshmallows and Butter: In a large, microwave-safe bowl (or a saucepan over low heat if you prefer the stovetop), combine the marshmallows and cubed butter. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds on high. Alternatively, stir constantly on the stovetop until mostly melted.
- Incorporate Pumpkin: Remove the bowl from the microwave (or stovetop) and stir the mixture until smooth. Add the drained pumpkin puree and mix vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined and melted. If the mixture isn’t completely smooth, return it to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds, stirring again until perfectly homogenous.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice. Continue mixing until the flavors are evenly distributed and the marshmallow mixture is wonderfully smooth and fragrant.
- Fold in Cereal: Gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal. Work quickly but carefully to ensure all the cereal is coated with the pumpkin-marshmallow mixture without crushing the delicate flakes. The goal is gooey, well-coated cereal.
- Press into Pan: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make the treats hard and dense instead of delightfully chewy.
- Set and Finish: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least a couple of hours. Once set, melt your white chocolate (you can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between). Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the bars in an artistic pattern. If you’re using them, immediately place the Pumpkin Mellowcreme candies on top of the wet chocolate for them to adhere.
- Cut and Serve: Once the chocolate has set, cut the treats into squares or your desired shapes and serve. Enjoy these festive, chewy, and utterly delicious Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats!
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Krispie Treats Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, a few clever tricks can elevate your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats from good to absolutely phenomenal. Pay attention to these tips for the best results:
- Amplify the Autumnal Hue: Want your treats to truly “scream” pumpkin? For a more intense orange color that visually signals the fall season, add a few drops of orange gel food coloring to the melted marshmallow mixture *before* you fold in the cereal. Gel food coloring provides a vibrant color without adding extra liquid, ensuring your treats maintain their perfect texture.
- Get Creative with Shapes: While classic square bars are always a hit, these treats offer a fantastic canvas for creativity!
- Pumpkin Balls: To make them look like mini pumpkins, spray your hands lightly with non-stick cooking spray (or butter them) and roll the warm mixture into balls. For a realistic “stem,” gently press a Rolo candy or a small piece of pretzel stick into the top of each ball. This is a delightful activity for kids and adults alike!
- Cookie Cutter Fun: For other festive shapes, press the mixture into a thin layer in a larger pan (like a 13×9 inch) and use fall-themed cookie cutters (leaves, ghosts, bats) once the treats have slightly set but are still pliable.
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Skip Drying the Pumpkin! This cannot be stressed enough. Pumpkin puree contains a significant amount of water. If you incorporate it directly into your marshmallow mixture without draining, your Rice Krispie Treats will turn out disappointingly mushy, soggy, or fail to set properly. Taking the extra 10 minutes to drain the pumpkin thoroughly will ensure your bars are perfectly chewy and crisp, just as they should be.
- Pan Size Matters for Thickness: The thickness of your bars is entirely up to personal preference, and you can achieve different results by simply changing your baking pan size.
- For thicker, more substantial bars, an 11×7 inch pan is my go-to choice. It yields wonderfully chunky squares.
- If you prefer slightly thinner bars or are making a larger batch for a crowd, a 13×9 inch pan works beautifully.
- For very thick, almost bite-sized squares, a 9×9 inch pan is an excellent option.
No matter the size, ensure your pan is well-greased with non-stick spray or butter, or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Storage for Freshness: To keep your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can make them hard and chewy.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment! You could add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg directly to the marshmallow mixture along with the pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick. Mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans could also be folded in with the cereal for added texture and flavor.
More Irresistible Fall Dessert Recipes to Savor
The fall season is a treasure trove of incredible flavors, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to explore every pumpkin, apple, and spice-filled delight. Once you’ve mastered these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats, venture into other autumn-inspired desserts that are sure to become family favorites. From comforting baked goods to other quick treats, there’s a fall dessert for every occasion. Check out some of my other popular fall recipes:
- Pumpkin Bars
- Apple Crisp Cheesecake
- Apple Bars
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Pumpkin Crisp
- Apple Spice Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Sugar Cookies
- Pumpkin Cupcakes
Each of these recipes brings a unique flavor and texture to your fall dessert table, ensuring you have plenty of options to celebrate the season with sweetness!
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
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Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 4 Tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- Pumpkin Mellowcreme candy
Instructions
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Place two layers of paper towels on a small plate. Spread the pumpkin over the paper towel and let it drain for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for preventing soggy treats by removing excess moisture from the pumpkin puree.
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Spray your chosen baking pan with non-stick spray and set aside. The size of the pan (13×9, 11×7, or 9×9 inch) will determine the thickness of your bars.
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Add marshmallows and cubed butter to a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Alternatively, melt in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
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Remove from the microwave (or stovetop) and stir until the mixture is smooth. Add the drained pumpkin puree and mix well until everything is fully melted and incorporated. If needed, return to the microwave for 30 more seconds, then stir again.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin pie seasoning until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and well combined.
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Gently fold in the Rice Krispie cereal until it is completely gooey and every piece is well coated with the pumpkin marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
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Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Using buttered hands or a piece of parchment paper, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Do not over-compress. Let it set at room temperature for at least a couple of hours.
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Once set, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for a decorative finish. If using, immediately place candy pumpkins (Pumpkin Mellowcreme candies) on top of the wet chocolate to secure them. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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