Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are absolutely adorable and incredibly simple to create! Perfect for Halloween parties, school events, or just a fun family activity, these treats combine the classic flavors of a beloved dessert with a festive twist. With their vibrant colors and delightful presentation, they’re sure to impress kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Make: This recipe takes only 20 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal last-minute treat.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling the pumpkins is a fun activity for kids, allowing them to get creative with their decorations.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the food coloring or toppings to suit your theme or personal taste.
• No Baking Required: Skip the oven! These no-bake treats are perfect for hot days when you want something sweet without heating up the kitchen.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package them in clear bags tied with ribbons for a charming edible gift.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins, gather your tools. Having everything on hand will streamline the process and make it even more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for melting butter and marshmallows together evenly without scorching.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon helps combine the ingredients effectively, ensuring a consistent mixture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making cleanup easy when placing your pumpkin shapes.

Ingredients

These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are so cute and they’re really easy to make!

For the Pumpkin Mixture

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 bag large vegan marshmallows (approximately 40 vegan marshmallows)
• 6 cups Rice Krispies
• Red & Yellow Liquid Food Coloring

For Decoration

• Mini Rolos
• Green M&M’s
• 1/4 cup cooking oil or melted butter in a small bowl (to keep it from sticking to your hands)

How to Make Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted.

Step 2: Add Vegan Marshmallows

Add the vegan marshmallows to the pot. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and well combined with the butter.

Step 3: Color Your Mixture

Remove the pot from heat. Add several drops of yellow food coloring and mix well. Gradually add red food coloring one drop at a time until you achieve your desired pumpkin color. Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine with Rice Krispies

Add the Rice Krispies to the melted mixture. Stir until all cereal is evenly coated.

Step 5: Form Pumpkin Shapes

Coat your hands generously with cooking oil or melted butter. Roll small portions of the Rice Krispie mixture into balls and place them on parchment paper. Reapply oil/butter as needed after each ball.

Step 6: Decorate Your Pumpkins

While still warm, gently press a Mini Rolo into the top of each pumpkin as its stem. Place a green M&M next to it as a leaf. If they cool too much before decorating, use an apple corer or thick marker end to create an indent for easier placement.

Step 7: Cool Until Firm

Allow your pumpkins to cool completely until firm before serving.

Enjoy these delightful Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins at your next gathering!

How to Serve Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Serving Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins is a delightful way to impress your guests during gatherings or festive occasions. These cute little treats can be enjoyed in various ways to enhance their appeal.

Fun Halloween Party Favors

• Create individual bags of Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins tied with colorful ribbons for a fun party favor.

Seasonal Dessert Table

• Arrange the pumpkins on a vibrant dessert table alongside other fall-themed desserts for a stunning visual display.

Kids’ Snack Time

• Serve these treats as a fun after-school snack. Kids will love their playful shape and sweet taste!

Festive Potluck Contribution

• Bring these adorable treats to your next potluck. They are easy to transport and always a hit among both kids and adults.

How to Perfect Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Perfecting your Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins takes just a few extra steps, ensuring they come out perfectly every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vegan marshmallows for the best flavor and texture in your treats.

• Control Heat Carefully: Melt the butter and marshmallows over low heat to prevent burning, which can affect taste.

• Customize Colors: Experiment with different ratios of red and yellow food coloring until you achieve your desired pumpkin hue.

• Oil Your Hands Generously: Prevent sticking by using cooking oil or melted butter generously on your hands while shaping the pumpkins.

• Work Quickly: Shape the pumpkins while the mixture is warm; they mold better when warm and pliable.

Best Side Dishes for Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Pairing side dishes with Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins can create a well-rounded meal or snack time experience. Here are some suggestions:

1. Veggie Platter: Fresh vegetables with hummus offer a crisp contrast to the sweetness of the treats.

2. Fruit Salad: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the flavors of the sweet treats.

3. Mini Sandwiches: Cute mini sandwiches filled with turkey or chicken provide savory bites that complement the sweet dessert.

4. Cheese Cubes: A platter of assorted cheese cubes offers a rich flavor that contrasts nicely with the sugary pumpkins.

5. Popcorn Mix: A bowl of popcorn mixed with nuts gives a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft Rice Krispie Treats.

6. Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Fresh apple slices dipped in nut butter make for a nutritious side that enhances any sweet treat spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins is fun, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.

• Not using enough butter: Insufficient butter can make the mixture too dry and hard to mold. Ensure you’re using the right amount to keep it sticky and manageable.
• Overheating the marshmallows: Heating marshmallows too quickly can cause them to burn. Always melt them over low heat for a smooth texture.
• Skipping the oil on your hands: If you don’t coat your hands, the mixture will stick and be difficult to shape. Use cooking oil or melted butter generously before rolling.
• Ignoring food coloring ratios: Adding too much red or yellow food coloring at once can lead to an undesired shade. Add color gradually until you get your perfect pumpkin hue.
• Not pressing in the Rolo firmly: If the Mini Rolo isn’t pressed in enough, it may fall out once cooled. Make sure to create a slight indent for better adherence.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

• Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This helps retain their texture.
• Microwave: Heat for about 10-15 seconds on low power until slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins that may help you during your preparation.

Can I customize my Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins?

Absolutely! You can add sprinkles or use different candies for decoration based on your preference.

How long does it take to make Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins?

The entire process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick treat!

Are Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins suitable for kids?

Yes! These treats are simple and fun for kids to help make with adult supervision, especially when shaping them into pumpkins.

What if my Rice Krispie Treat mixture is too sticky?

If the mixture is overly sticky, try adding a bit more Rice Krispies or coating your hands more thoroughly with oil before shaping.

Final Thoughts

These Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins are not only adorable but also delicious and easy to make. Perfect for festive occasions, you can customize them with various colors and candies. Try this recipe today and enjoy crafting these delightful treats!