How to make pumpkin shaped rice krispie treats for a Halloween and Thanksgiving dessert is here. A cheap treat that is fun to make in the Fall for parties. Once you make these and love them you will want to make others like our Christmas Rice Krispie Treats too!
As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, we get ready for the spookiest time of the year. From haunted houses to pumpkin carving, the possibilities for seasonal fun are endless. At all the Halloween parties and gatherings everyone loves Rice Krispie Treats for Halloween. They not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a canvas for creativity that both children and adults can enjoy. (post may contain affiliate links present)
These orange or Rainbow Rice Krispie Treats are a beloved classic that have stood the test of time. The combination of crispy rice cereal, melted marshmallows, and a touch of butter results in a chewy and delightful treat that is loved by all ages. While the original version is a crowd-pleaser, this season provides the perfect time to add a dash of spookiness and burst of creativity.
How to Make Rice Krispie Treats into Pumpkins
One of the most fun things about these and our Halloween haystacks are their versatility. You can make them into any shape, color, and decoration. With a bit of imagination and some clever decorating techniques, you can transform these simple treats into whimsical monsters, ghosts, and pumpkins. Just use your hands to shape them!
Creating pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats is as easy as it is delightful. Simply mold the sticky mixture into ghostly forms and use a touch of white fondant or icing for the face. These are not only adorable but are also perfect for your dessert table. Fun when paired with our Halloween Color by Number at a party too.
What are pumpkin rice crispy treats made of?
Marshmallows, butter and cereal. Of course, no Halloween treat lineup is complete without the iconic pumpkin. Shape your treats into balls and use some orange color to achieve the perfect pumpkin hue. Green licorice or fondant stems add that finishing touch, creating a delicious ode to the season’s favorite gourd. You’ll need;
Ingredients
- 6 cups rice krispies cereal
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows 10 oz
- 6 pretzel rods or tootsie rolls work too
- 8 air heads, green ones
- could use candy eyes or green m&m candy for eyes too if you wanted
- A few drops of orange food coloring – or mix red and yellow food coloring
The magic behind these cereal treats lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Crispy rice cereal provides a satisfying crunch, while marshmallows create a delightful chewiness that’s hard to resist. A modest amount of butter adds a touch of richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
The result is a fun treat that’s greater than the sum of its parts an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that brings smiles to faces of all ages.
How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Rice Krispie Treats
- In a large non stick pan, melt the butter on low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir.
- Once slightly melted begin adding as much food coloring till you get the desired color you’d like.
- Make sure to keep stirring. Once completely melted turn off the heat and add in the Rice Krispie cereal one cup at a time and stir after every cup. Stir and fold until everything is well mixed and coated. Let cool slightly.
- Lay down a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Coat hands with cooking spray and grab chunks of the rice krispies mixture and form into balls
- (I made small, medium and large ones, large being slightly smaller than an apple.)
- Once the balls are formed, press down on the top and bottom of the ball to make a pumpkin shape. You can use a finger to make a dent where the pretzel rod goes or you can just push it in. Place them on the parchment paper.
- Break the pretzel ends to use as stems, place into the middle of the top of the pumpkin. Using scissors, cut little leaf shapes out of the airheads (the corners worked best.)
Cut along the long part of the airhead very thinly, roll out into a small rope. Wrap it around something thin like a skewer stick to make a twisty vine. Allow to cool to room temperature and then enjoy!! For another fun finger food you might love our Air Fryer Pumpkin Hand Pies too.
The base that you create provides an adaptable canvas for seasonal themes and celebrations. From pastel hues for Easter to spooky shapes for Halloween, these treats can be tailored to suit any occasion. You can use pretzels and a “bone” with this wrapped around to make Thanksgiving Turkey Leg Treats.
What Can You Add to Rice Krispie Treats?
- By incorporating chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate, these can take on a decadent cocoa-infused flavor that’s a dream for chocolate enthusiasts.
- OR use Cocoa Krispies instead of plain
- Adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots can lend a burst of fruity goodness to these treats, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy flavors.
- OR use Fruity Pebbles cereal instead of plain
- The marriage of peanut butter and Rice Krispie Treats is a match made in culinary heaven. A dollop of creamy or crunchy peanut butter can infuse the treats with a nutty depth that’s utterly satisfying.
- We do these with our scotcheroos Peanut Butter Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats recipe version
- Incorporating colorful candies, sprinkles, pumpkin pie spice or mini chocolate chips into the mix brings a playful twist to these treats. This is an excellent way to get creative with decorations and add visual appeal.
Whether it’s making a mess in the kitchen with kids, sharing treats at school events, or whipping up a batch during a lazy weekend, the process of creating and enjoying these treats becomes an experience that brings families and friends closer together. Jump to recipe and make a few fun ones of your own!
1. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Cut into pieces.
3. Wrap each individual treat in plastic wrap or wax paper.
4. Place the wrapped or unwrapped treats in an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents moisture from getting in.
5. Place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between the layers.
6. Store at room temperature unless it is hot, then put into the fridge (but they will harden)
7. Enjoy leftovers within the first few days when they are at their freshest and most delicious.
8. If your Rice Krispie Treats become slightly stale, you can give them a quick refresh by microwaving them for a few seconds to soften them up.
Now there is a trick to making sure they don’t dry out. You may not finish all of these in one sitting but they are so good that you don’t want them to get hard!! Wrapping each piece individually is your best bet ever, and is easier later to grab and go on your way out the door. 😉
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 pan
Ingredients
- 6 c rice krispies
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows, 10 oz
- 6 pretzel rods
- 8 air heads, green ones
- orange food coloring
Instructions
- In a large non stick pan, melt the butter on low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir. Once slightly melted begin adding as much food coloring till you get the desired color you’d like.
- Make sure to keep stirring. Once completely melted turn off the heat and add in the Rice Krispie cereal one cup at a time and stir after every cup. Stir and fold until everything is well mixed and coated. Let cool slightly.
- Lay down a sheet of parchment paper on a baking sheet. Coat hands with cooking spray and grab chunks of the rice krispie mix and form into balls ( I made small, medium and large ones, large being slightly smaller than an apple.)
- Once the balls are formed, press down on the top and bottom of the ball to make a pumpkin shape. You can use a finger to make a dent where the pretzel rod goes or you can just push it in. Place them on the parchment paper.
- Break the pretzel ends to use as stems, place into the middle of the top of the pumpkin. Using scissors, cut little leaf shapes out of the airheads (the corners worked best.)
- Cut along the long part of the airhead very thinly, roll out into a small rope. Wrap it around something thin like a skewer stick to make a twisty vine.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
