Irresistible Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Guide

Embrace the cozy spirit of autumn with a delightful twist on a timeless treat! These **Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats** elevate the classic no-bake dessert to a whole new level of fall deliciousness. We’re infusing the beloved crispy, marshmallowy bars with the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and a hint of warm spices. To top it all off, a luxurious cinnamon chip glaze adds an extra layer of irresistible sweetness and spice that perfectly complements the pumpkin. Get ready to satisfy all your autumn cravings with this easy, family-friendly recipe that promises to be a hit!

Pumpkin Rice Krispies: A Fall Favorite Reimagined

For those who adore cereal treats as much as I do, there’s something truly magical about transforming simple ingredients into a chewy, gooey delight. The combination of melted marshmallows over crispy cereal is pure comfort food, and it’s a staple in many households for good reason. This year, I wanted to capture the essence of autumn in one of my favorite recipes, turning the classic Rice Krispie treat into a sensationally seasonal **pumpkin-flavored snack**.

Welcome your new go-to fall dessert! These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are an exciting part of this year’s “Alex Daynes Pumpkin Palooza” lineup, where I’m sharing seven brand-new pumpkin recipes all week long. Prepare for a week filled with delicious, creative, and easy-to-make pumpkin ideas that will surely inspire your fall baking adventures. Stay tuned for more culinary delights!

What You’ll Need to Make Delicious Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

Crafting these delectable **pumpkin-infused cereal bars** requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry during the fall season. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of crispy texture, sweet marshmallow, and rich pumpkin flavor. Here’s your shopping list:

• 3 Tablespoons butter: Essential for richness and preventing stickiness.
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. This provides the authentic pumpkin flavor and a hint of color.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning blend: The magical spice mix that brings all the fall warmth! It typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows, reserve a handful: Mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, ensuring a smooth, gooey binder. Reserving a few adds delightful pockets of melty marshmallow goodness.
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal: The star of the show, providing that signature crispy crunch.
• 1/4 cup cinnamon chips: The secret ingredient for our glorious glaze! These chips deliver a unique sweet and spicy kick.
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil: Used to thin out the cinnamon chips for a perfect drizzle consistency.

The Magic of Cinnamon Chips

The cinnamon chip glaze is truly what sets this recipe apart and makes these **pumpkin cereal bars** extraordinary! Cinnamon and pumpkin are a match made in culinary heaven, and the warm, aromatic drizzle on top elevates the entire treat. These special chips are usually made by Hershey and become widely available in most grocery stores during the autumn months. I often find them at local markets like Lee’s or Dick’s Market, and specialty stores like Orson Gygi usually carry them year-round.

If you find yourself unable to locate cinnamon chips, don’t despair! You can easily substitute them with other delightful options. Regular chocolate chips or white chocolate chips would also create a delicious drizzle, offering a different but equally appealing flavor profile. Another idea is to melt white chocolate chips and stir in a pinch of ground cinnamon for a similar effect.

Creative Variations for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats:

While these **pumpkin rice krispie treats** are perfect as is, they’re also incredibly versatile! Here are some fun ways to customize them and make them even more special for your family or guests:

• Festive Pumpkin Shapes: Get creative with your presentation! Instead of pressing the mixture into a pan, let it cool slightly and then shape individual treats into small balls to resemble mini pumpkins. For a charming touch, top each “pumpkin” with a piece of a Tootsie Roll or a pretzel stick to act as the stem. These are fantastic for fall parties, Halloween celebrations, or a delightful lunchbox surprise.
• Microwave Method for Speed: If you’re short on time or prefer a no-fuss approach, the microwave is your best friend! Simply combine the butter, pumpkin puree, and mini marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2 minutes, then stir well. Continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Let it cool for a moment before folding in the Rice Krispie cereal until fully coated. Press into your prepared pan or shape as desired. This method is quick and yields equally delicious results.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds along with the cereal. The nutty notes complement the pumpkin beautifully.
• Spice It Up (or Down): Adjust the pumpkin pie seasoning to your preference. If you love a bolder spice profile, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce it slightly.
• White Chocolate Drizzle with a Twist: Instead of cinnamon chips, melt white chocolate and add a few drops of orange food coloring to create a vibrant orange drizzle for a festive look! You could also add a tiny dash of pumpkin pie spice to the white chocolate for an extra layer of flavor.
• Sprinkle Fun: Once the treats are set but before the glaze completely hardens, sprinkle some festive autumn-colored sprinkles on top. This is especially fun if you’re making them for children or a party.

LIKE THIS RECIPE AND WANT TO SAVE IT FOR LATER? PIN IT TO PINTEREST HERE!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats Every Time

• Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Melt the marshmallows just until smooth. Overcooking them can lead to hard, brittle treats rather than soft, chewy ones.
• Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture can become sticky and difficult to work with as it cools. Have all your ingredients measured and your pan prepared before you start.
• Press Gently: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a spatula or piece of parchment paper to press down gently and evenly. Over-compressing can make the treats too dense and hard.
• Grease Everything: Lightly grease your saucepan, spatula, and even your hands (if shaping manually) to prevent the sticky marshmallow mixture from adhering to everything.
• Proper Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step! It allows the treats to set properly and the cinnamon glaze to firm up, making them easier to cut and enjoy.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

These **pumpkin rice krispie treats** are wonderful served at room temperature, making them an excellent choice for potlucks, bake sales, or as a thoughtful gift. Pair them with a warm mug of apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn indulgence. They also make a fantastic addition to any fall-themed dessert spread or a fun, seasonal snack for school lunches.

How to Store Your Treats

To keep your **homemade pumpkin treats** fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve made a large batch or want to prepare them ahead of time, they can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration might make them a little firmer, so let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture. Freezing is not generally recommended as it can affect the texture of the marshmallows, making them less chewy upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some common questions about making these delightful **pumpkin spice rice krispie treats**:

• Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree? While fresh pumpkin puree can be used, ensure it’s thick and well-drained to avoid adding too much moisture to the treats. Canned pure pumpkin is generally recommended for its consistent texture and moisture content.
• What if I don’t have pumpkin pie seasoning? You can create your own! A good blend typically includes 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves.
• Why are my rice krispie treats hard? This often happens if the marshmallows are overcooked, or if the mixture is pressed too firmly into the pan. Ensure you melt marshmallows just until smooth and press gently.
• Can I make these treats gluten-free? Yes! Simply ensure your Rice Krispie cereal is certified gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

If you give this delightful **Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats recipe** a try, please let me know your thoughts! Leave a comment below, rate it, or even better, snap a photo and tag it with @TheAlexDaynes on Instagram! I absolutely love seeing your culinary creations and hearing about your experiences in the kitchen. It always makes my day! Happy fall baking!

Yield: 9 servings

Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

These delightful Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats are an irresistible fall twist on a classic no-bake dessert. Infused with rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices, and topped with a luxurious cinnamon glaze, they are the ultimate easy treat for autumn cravings.

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
5 minutes

Additional Time
10 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie seasoning blend
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows, reserve a handful
• 6 cups Rice Krispie cereal
• 1/4 cup cinnamon chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, stir in the pure pumpkin puree and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pumpkin mixture is heated through and slightly aromatic.
2. Add the majority of the mini marshmallows (reserving a handful for later) to the saucepan. Continuously stir the marshmallows with a spatula until they are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the treats too hard.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Stir in the Rice Krispie cereal until it is thoroughly coated with the pumpkin marshmallow mixture. Let it sit for just a couple of minutes to cool slightly, then gently fold in the reserved handful of mini marshmallows. These will create pockets of gooey deliciousness.
4. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Transfer the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down evenly using a buttered spatula or a piece of parchment paper. Avoid pressing too hard, which can result in dense treats.
5. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the cinnamon chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chips are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and pourable. Drizzle this warm cinnamon chip melt generously over the pressed Rice Krispie treats in the pan.
6. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 10-15 minutes, allowing the treats to set and the cinnamon glaze to firm up. Once chilled, lift the treats out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang, cut them into squares, and enjoy your delicious fall creation!