Description
These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are bright, cute, and perfect for Halloween! With their round pumpkin shape (and optional spooky faces), they’re ideal for kids’ parties, school events, or adding a whimsical touch to your dessert table. Quick, no-bake, and endlessly customizable — make classic pumpkins or try monsters, ghosts, and bats.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Treats
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or Fruity Pebbles for variation)
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- Orange gel food coloring (or red + yellow to mix)
For the Decoration
- Green M&M’s or green jelly beans (for stems)
- Green frosting or candy melts (for leaves)
- Black icing or edible marker (optional for faces)
Tools
- Large pot
- Heatproof spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Nonstick spray for hands or gloves
Instructions
- Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over low heat, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth.
- Add food coloring: Stir in orange food coloring until evenly distributed; adjust intensity as needed.
- Mix in the cereal: Remove from heat and quickly fold in Rice Krispies until every piece is coated.
- Shape the pumpkins: Coat hands with nonstick spray. While warm, scoop portions and roll into balls. Work quickly before the mixture cools.
- Add stems and leaves: Press a green M&M/jelly bean on top for the stem; pipe green frosting or melted green candy for leaves.
- Optional spooky faces: Use black icing or an edible marker to draw jack-o’-lantern faces.
Notes
- Perfect pumpkin shape: Work while the mixture is warm (not hot). Lightly press grooves with fingers or a spoon for a realistic look.
- Decorating ideas: Add candy eyes for monster pumpkins; drizzle colored chocolate for a bakery-style finish; serve in Halloween cupcake liners.
- Variations: Make Monster Rice Krispie Treats with bright colors and candy eyes; use Fruity Pebbles and skip coloring.
- Classroom project: Pre-shape pumpkins and let kids add stems, leaves, and faces.
- Tips: Use fresh marshmallows; melt on low heat; don’t pack the mixture too firmly.
- Common mistakes: Stale cereal, overheating marshmallows, and slow shaping (have decorations ready).
- Storage: Airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days; avoid refrigerating.
- Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats, Halloween desserts, Cute Halloween treats, Monster Rice Krispie Treats, Fruity Pebbles Rice Krispies