Spooky Sweetness: Halloween Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats

Every October, I find myself craving that perfect blend of childhood nostalgia and seasonal spice. But this year, I decided to shake things up with a twist on the classic Rice Krispie treats—transforming them into a haunted, pumpkin-shaped delight that doubles as decor and dessert.

The secret? Pumpkin puree and a pinch of cinnamon turn gooey marshmallow goodness into a vibrant, fall-inspired masterpiece. These treats are not only fun to make but also become the centerpiece of any Halloween gathering, glowing with orange hues and dotted with creepy candy eyes.

As I pressed them into pumpkin molds, the kitchen filled with warm cinnamon and sweet marshmallow aroma that immediately transported me back to autumns spent carving pumpkins and chasing the smell of pumpkin pie. They’re simple enough for a quick project, but impressive enough to wow both kids and adults alike.

Pumpkin-Themed Rice Krispie Treats

This treat involves melting marshmallows with pumpkin puree and cinnamon, then mixing in crispy rice cereal to create a sticky, gooey mixture. Once combined, the mixture is pressed into pumpkin-shaped molds to set, resulting in vibrant orange, textured treats that resemble mini pumpkins with a soft interior and slightly crispy exterior.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 120

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 cups marshmallows large size
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree unsweetened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra for garnish
• 6 cups rice cereal
• optional candy eyes or small candies for decoration

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Silicone pumpkin molds or other pumpkin-shaped molds
• Spatula
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Grease your pumpkin molds lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Pour marshmallows into a large saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring constantly until melted and smooth, filling your kitchen with a sweet, marshmallow aroma.
3. Add pumpkin puree and cinnamon to the melted marshmallows, stirring until well combined and the mixture is uniformly orange.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly fold in the rice cereal until evenly coated with the gooey pumpkin mixture.
5. Using a spoon or spatula, scoop the mixture into your prepared pumpkin molds, pressing firmly to pack it in and shape the treats like pumpkins.
6. Let the treats set at room temperature for about 15 minutes, allowing them to firm up and hold their pumpkin shape.
7. Carefully remove the shaped treats from the molds, then decorate with candy eyes or small candies to give them creepy, pumpkin-like faces.
8. Place the finished pumpkin treats on a serving plate, and enjoy their vibrant appearance and soft, marshmallow-y texture.

Notes

For best results, work quickly after melting marshmallows to ensure the mixture doesn’t set too soon. Optional decorations add a fun, spooky touch.

Creating these Halloween Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats is more than just a baking project—it’s a way to celebrate the season with a burst of creativity. The vibrant orange color adds a festive touch to your table, and the playful shapes invite giggles and delight at any party.

Enjoy the process as much as the treats themselves, savoring the crunch and gooey sweetness with each bite. Perfect for an easy holiday snack or party favor, these treats bring a little spooky spirit into your kitchen this fall.