As autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, there’s an undeniable magic in the air. This season ushers in a comforting embrace of cozy sweaters, crisp walks, the inviting aroma of warm chai tea, and, of course, the beloved pumpkin spice latte. It’s a time for gathering, for celebrating the simple joys, and indulging in flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. Fall is truly my favorite time of year, from the excitement of football season to the sheer delight of crafting delicious, seasonal treats. And what could be more quintessentially autumn than infusing our favorite classic confections with that irresistible pumpkin spice flavor?
This month, our kitchen is practically a pumpkin spice wonderland, filled with the delightful scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. We’re diving headfirst into a bounty of pumpkin-inspired recipes, but today, we’re particularly thrilled to share a super simple, incredibly satisfying, and undeniably autumnal delight: Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats. Forget the oven; these no-bake wonders capture all the essence of fall in every chewy, crispy bite, making them the perfect snack for busy weeknights, festive gatherings, or just a sweet moment of self-care.
Embracing Autumn: The Delight of Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Why confine the marvelous taste of pumpkin spice to lattes and pies when it can perfectly transform a beloved childhood snack? The classic Rice Krispie Treat, with its delightful chewy-crispy texture, serves as the ideal canvas for the warm, aromatic notes of fall. This recipe takes a timeless favorite and elevates it, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who adores the flavors of autumn.
Our kitchen has been a hub of fall creativity for weeks, filled with the rich, earthy scent of pumpkin. From savory dishes to sweet indulgences, pumpkin is an incredibly versatile ingredient. If you’ve enjoyed our previous pumpkin recipes, you already know the magic that a simple can of pumpkin puree can bring. And when combined with the right blend of spices, it truly captures the heart of the season.
You might have noticed that we have quite a collection of Rice Krispie Treat recipes here, and there’s a good reason for that! They are incredibly fun to make, require minimal effort, and always bring smiles. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a kid-friendly activity, or a delightful treat for any occasion, Rice Krispie treats consistently deliver. The addition of pumpkin spice just makes them even more special, transforming them into a seasonal sensation.
Essential Ingredients for Your Fall Indulgence
Crafting these delectable pumpkin spice Rice Krispie treats requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each component contributes to a harmonious, comforting flavor profile.
- Marshmallows: The sticky, sweet foundation of any good Rice Krispie treat. Fresh marshmallows melt smoothly and provide the perfect binding for your cereal. You can use mini or large marshmallows; just ensure they are fresh for the best texture.
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The crisp star of the show! Make sure your cereal is fresh to guarantee that satisfying crunch in every bite. Stale cereal will result in a less enjoyable texture.
- Butter: Essential for both flavor and preventing sticking. Using good quality butter makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste and richness of the treats.
- Pumpkin Puree: This is what imparts the natural pumpkin flavor and a hint of beautiful orange hue. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that might alter the final taste.
- Pumpkin Spice: The magic blend that brings all the fall feels! If you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can easily create your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The fresher your spices, the more vibrant the flavor will be.
Elevate Your Treats with a Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)
While these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are utterly delightful on their own, a luscious cream cheese glaze can take them to an entirely new level of indulgence. This optional topping adds a creamy tang that perfectly complements the sweet, spiced treats.
- Butter: Softened to room temperature, it’s crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free glaze.
- Cream Cheese: Also softened to room temperature, it provides the signature rich and tangy flavor. Full-fat cream cheese works best for a decadent glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): For sweetness and a silky-smooth consistency. Sift it to avoid any lumps.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances all the other flavors in the glaze.
- Milk (optional): You may need a tiny splash of milk to thin out the glaze to your desired drizzling consistency. Add it sparingly, a teaspoon at a time, until it’s perfect.
For an extra touch of autumn flair, sprinkle your glazed treats with a dusting of additional pumpkin spice or a dash of cinnamon just before serving. This not only adds more flavor but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
Tools for Sweet Success: Recommended Equipment
Making Rice Krispie treats is wonderfully straightforward, but having the right tools on hand can make the process even smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what we recommend:
- Saucepan: You’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or pot to melt the marshmallows and butter. Ensure it’s big enough to comfortably hold all the Rice Krispies cereal once mixed in, preventing spills and making stirring much easier. A non-stick pan is a bonus for easy cleanup.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These are ideal for stirring the sticky marshmallow mixture. A sturdy wooden spoon can handle the thick consistency, while a silicone spatula is excellent for scraping the sides of the pan and easily mixing without crushing the delicate cereal.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This is the standard and perfect size for this recipe, yielding treats that are not too thin and not too thick. If you prefer thicker treats, an 8×8 pan can be used, but note that the treats will be much denser.
- Parchment Paper: A true game-changer for no-bake treats! Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes cleanup incredibly easy and allows for effortless lifting and cutting of the treats. It also prevents sticking, ensuring every piece comes out perfectly.
Discover More Delightful Rice Krispie Treat Creations
The versatility of Rice Krispie Treats truly is amazing. From seasonal shapes to unique flavor combinations, these crispy marshmallow squares can be customized for any occasion or craving. If you’ve enjoyed these Pumpkin Spice treats, you’ll love exploring some of our other creative variations:
- Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: A sophisticated twist with a balance of sweet and salty.
- Rice Krispie Footballs: Perfect for game day parties, especially during fall when football season is in full swing!
- Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Shaped Rice Krispie Treats: Another fantastic pumpkin-themed treat, great for Halloween festivities.
- Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats: Spooky and fun, these are a hit with kids and adults alike for Halloween.
- Minion Rice Krispie Treats: A playful, colorful option inspired by popular characters.
Our friend Keri Lyn over at She Saved even crafted unique Neapolitan Rice Krispie Treats, proving just how far you can stretch the boundaries of this simple base recipe. The possibilities are truly endless!
These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are also an excellent addition to any travel snack repertoire. They are easy to transport, not too messy, and provide a delightful pick-me-up on the go. You can find more ideas in our Road Trip Snacks Collection.
Beyond Rice Krispies: More Irresistible Pumpkin Recipes to Try
If your love for pumpkin extends beyond these crispy treats, we have a bounty of other recipes that celebrate this versatile squash. From quick desserts to comforting slow-cooker meals, pumpkin can star in so many delicious ways:
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie: All the classic pie flavor without turning on the oven.
- Pumpkin Butter: A delectable spread perfect for toast, muffins, or as a gift.
- Pumpkin Nutella Brownies: A rich and indulgent combination of fall flavors and chocolate hazelnut goodness.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip: A creamy, sweet dip that’s perfect for entertaining.
- Crockpot Pumpkin Dump Cake: An incredibly easy and comforting dessert made in your slow cooker.
- Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy, spiced snack, perfect for using up those leftover pumpkin seeds.
We are passionate about creating delicious and accessible recipes for every occasion. If you love to cook and discover new culinary delights, be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, satisfying dessert recipes, and convenient Crock Pot Recipes.
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Print Recipe
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
16
117kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 4 Cups marshmallows
- 6 Cups Rice krispies
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Pumpkin Puree/Canned Pumpkin
- 2 teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 Tablespoons Butter room temperature
- 1 Tablespoon Cream Cheese room temperature
- ¼ Cup Confectioners Powdered Sugar
- ½ Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Milk optionally, to thin out
Instructions
- Melt the marshmallows and butter over the stove on low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir well after each interval to ensure even melting and prevent scorching.
- Once the marshmallows are fully melted and smoothly combined with the butter, stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until well incorporated. Next, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring every piece is coated but being careful not to crush the cereal, which can lead to dense treats.
- Spoon the warm mixture into your lined or lightly buttered baking pan. Press it down evenly and firmly using a piece of parchment paper or buttered hands. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the treats to set completely.
- Just before serving, prepare your cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until you reach a drizzly consistency. Drizzle this delightful glaze over your chilled pumpkin spice Rice Krispie treats using a spoon or a piping bag for more decorative precision. Cut into squares and serve!
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 18
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We hope you enjoy these incredibly easy and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats as much as we do. They are truly a highlight of the fall season and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media for more delicious recipes and tips!
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Recipe originally shared on August 31, 2015. Updated October 2020.