Description
These adorable Rice Krispie treat pumpkins are a festive, kid-friendly, and crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for Halloween parties. With a vibrant orange color and cute edible stems, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to spark joy at any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or store-brand crisped rice cereal)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 ½ cups)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Orange gel food coloring (or red and yellow food coloring)
- Tootsie Rolls or mini pretzel sticks (for pumpkin stems)
- Green M&Ms, green jelly beans, or leaf-shaped candies (for pumpkin leaves)
Instructions
- In a large nonstick pot, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Add vanilla extract and 2-3 drops of orange gel food coloring (or enough to reach desired shade). Stir until color is evenly distributed.
- Pour in 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal. Fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until all cereal is coated.
- While the mixture is still warm, scoop out portions (about ⅓ cup per pumpkin) using lightly greased hands or a cookie scoop. Roll into balls and flatten slightly to resemble pumpkins. Place on wax or parchment paper to cool.
- Gently press a Tootsie Roll or pretzel stick into the top center of each pumpkin for the stem.
- Press a green M&M, jelly bean, or candy leaf next to the stem. Use a dab of melted chocolate or frosting to secure if needed.
- Let the Rice Krispie treat pumpkins set at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh marshmallows for best texture. Grease hands or use gloves for easier shaping. Shape pumpkins while mixture is warm. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, use certified gluten-free cereal and swap butter for coconut oil and vegan marshmallows. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pumpkin (about ⅓ cup or 40g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 65
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 1
Keywords: Rice Krispie treats, Halloween dessert, pumpkin treats, kid-friendly, party recipe, no bake, marshmallow, easy Halloween snack