Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats are a delightful and festive twist on a classic favorite. As fall ushers in its cooler temperatures and vibrant colors, this treat brings a warm, seasonal taste into your kitchen. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and a hint of pumpkin flavor makes these treats not only fun to make but also incredibly enjoyable to eat.
Why We Love This Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
There’s something magical about the combination of textures and flavors in Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats. The buttery, crispy cereal contrasts beautifully with the soft and gooey marshmallows. The addition of orange jello not only enhances the flavor, but it also gives the treats a bright and inviting pumpkin hue.
These treats are not only simple to make but are also visually appealing. The pretzel sticks add an element of whimsy, mimicking the stem of a pumpkin, while the icing allows you or your children to get creative by adding Jack-O-Lantern faces. They are perfect for gatherings or as a fun activity to do with kids, making memories together as you shape and decorate each treat. Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both cute and delicious?
Ingredients about Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
To create your very own Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1 box (3 ounces) orange jello
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 18 pretzel sticks
- Green cookie icing
- Chocolate cookie icing or black decorator icing
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the treat’s signature flavor and festive appearance. The butter and marshmallows form the sticky base, while the orange jello brings that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats Directions
Making Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. Start by gathering all your ingredients and preparing your workspace. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting these sweet treats:
Melt the Butter: In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. It’s essential to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t brown.
Add the Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add in the mini marshmallows. Continuously stir with a wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
Mix in the Jello: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the dry orange jello powder. Mix well until the jello is fully incorporated, which will give your treats that lovely orange color and a delightful pumpkin flavor.
Combine with the Cereal: Next, add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Using the wooden spoon, carefully fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Cool Slightly: Set the mixture aside for a few minutes to cool. This will make it easier to handle when shaping the treats.
Shape the Treats: Once the mixture has cooled slightly, butter your hands to prevent sticking. Scoop out portions of the mixture, approximately 1 ½ to 2 inches in size, and roll them between your hands to form balls.
Add Pretzel Stems: Gently press a pretzel stick into the top of each ball to mimic a pumpkin’s stem.
Decorate: Use the green icing to coat the pretzel sticks, giving the appearance of a fresh pumpkin stem. If you want to add character to your treats, use the chocolate or black icing to create Jack-O-Lantern faces on the orange treats.
Cool Completely: Transfer the treats to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely before serving.
These treats are not only visually delightful but also packed with flavors that embody the spirit of fall.
How to Serve Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
Serving Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats is all about presentation and creativity. Once your treats have fully cooled, arrange them on a festive platter or tiered stand. You can place a few leaves, miniature pumpkins, or other autumn decorations around the plate to enhance the autumn vibe.
These treats are perfect for parties, especially Halloween gatherings or fall celebrations. You can also serve them as afternoon snacks for the kids, as they are perfectly sized for little hands to grab. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider packaging a few in small cellophane bags tied with ribbons as party favors.
A hot cup of cocoa or cider pairs beautifully with these treats, creating a comforting autumn snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Expert Tips: Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
Creating the perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats can be made even easier with a few expert tips:
Prepare Your Workspace: Before you start, ensure your tools and workspace are ready. This includes having your skillet, wooden spoon, and decorations at hand.
Butter Your Hands Well: Having buttery hands while shaping the treats will prevent the mixture from sticking to you and make the process much easier.
Customization: Feel free to get creative with your decorations. Use different colored icing or even edible glitter to add a fun touch.
Serving Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve your treats within a day or two after making them.
Kid-Friendly Activity: Involve your kids in decorating the treats to make it a fun, interactive experience. They’ll enjoy getting creative!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll create treats that not only taste great but also impress everyone.
How to Store Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
To ensure your Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats stay fresh, it’s essential to store them properly. Place your treats in an airtight container to protect them from the air and retaining their chewier texture. You can keep them on the countertop for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator if you want to extend their freshness. However, note that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly.
Avoid stacking the treats directly on top of each other to prevent them from sticking together. Instead, you can layer them with parchment paper in between for added protection.
If you want to store them for an extended period, consider freezing them. Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours.
Variations of Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
While the classic recipe for Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats is delightful on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try:
Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the marshmallow mixture for an extra flavor boost.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the treats cool, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a sweet contrast.
Nutty Additions: Incorporate some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the cereal mixture for added crunch.
Dried Fruits: Add in some dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a bit of sweetness and a chewy texture.
Alternative Cereals: Instead of Rice Krispies, experiment with another cereal, such as Corn Pops or Fruity Pebbles, for a different texture and flavor.
These variations allow you to customize the treats to match your taste or occasions, adding a unique twist to this seasonal favorite.
FAQ: Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
What are Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats?
Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats are a delicious and festive dessert made by combining melted marshmallows, butter, Rice Krispies cereal, and a burst of pumpkin flavor from orange jello. They’re shaped into balls, decorated, and resemble mini pumpkins.
How long can I store Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats?
You can store your Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or for longer in the freezer, wrapped individually.
Can I make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare these treats a day or two before your event. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
What alternatives can I use instead of pretzel sticks?
If you prefer, you can use candy corn or gummy candies as alternatives for decorating these treats, adding different flavors and textures.
Are Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats a good choice for parties?
Yes, they are perfect for parties! Not only are they visually charming, but children and adults alike will enjoy the sweet and festive taste.
Pumpkin Rice Krispies Treats
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- 1 box orange jello 3 ounces
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 18 pretzel sticks
- as needed green cookie icing
- as needed chocolate cookie icing or black decorator icing
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the dry orange jello powder until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until thoroughly coated.
- Let the mixture cool slightly, then butter your hands and scoop out portions about 1 ½ to 2 inches in size, rolling them into balls.
- Press a pretzel stick into the top of each ball to create a pumpkin stem.
- Decorate the pretzel stems with green icing and use the chocolate icing to create Jack-O-Lantern faces if desired.
- Transfer the treats to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let cool completely before serving.
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