As autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape in hues of fiery orange and rustic red, there’s an undeniable magic that fills the air. It’s a season of cozy sweaters, crisp evenings, and the comforting aroma of spices wafting from the kitchen. For many, fall signifies the return of beloved traditions, from football games to sipping warm beverages like chai tea or a classic pumpkin spice latte. And when it comes to seasonal treats, nothing captures the essence of autumn quite like the iconic blend of pumpkin spice. This month, we’re diving headfirst into the delightful world of pumpkin spice recipes, crafting sweet treats and savory delights that celebrate this beloved flavor profile. Today, we’re thrilled to share an incredibly easy and utterly irresistible recipe for Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats – a perfect no-bake dessert that brings together the classic comfort of Rice Krispies with the warm, inviting flavors of fall.
Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats: A Fall Favorite
Why confine the enchanting flavor of pumpkin spice to lattes and pies when you can infuse it into one of America’s most cherished no-bake desserts? Our Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats recipe takes the simple joy of classic Rice Krispie treats and elevates it with the warm, aromatic embrace of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. It’s a delightful twist that feels incredibly natural, almost as if these treats were always meant to be autumnal.
For weeks now, our kitchen has been a fragrant haven, filled with the delightful scents of fall as we’ve experimented with a myriad of new pumpkin recipes. From comforting bakes to innovative desserts, pumpkin has been the star ingredient. If you’ve been following along, you’ve likely seen some of our other pumpkin creations. There’s something so inherently satisfying about working with pumpkin, and its versatility continually amazes us.
In creating this recipe, we were reminded just how many fantastic Rice Krispie treat variations we have on our site! They are truly a canvas for creativity, adaptable to almost any season or holiday. Their simplicity and speed of preparation make them a go-to for busy bakers and anyone craving a quick, satisfying sweet fix. These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are no exception, offering a burst of fall flavor in every chewy, crispy bite.
Gather Your Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Perfection
Crafting these delectable pumpkin spice marshmallow treats requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. The beauty of Rice Krispie treats lies in their straightforward ingredient list, and our fall-themed version is no different. Here’s what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients:
- Marshmallows: The sticky, sweet foundation of any good Rice Krispie treat. Fresh marshmallows melt best!
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The quintessential crispy component that gives these treats their name and signature texture.
- Butter: Essential for melting the marshmallows smoothly and adding a rich, buttery flavor.
- Pumpkin Puree: Not pumpkin pie filling! Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture. It provides that authentic pumpkin taste without making the treats overly wet.
- Pumpkin Spice: The magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice that defines fall. Adjust to your taste preference.
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
For an extra layer of indulgence and a beautiful finish, we highly recommend adding a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze. It complements the pumpkin spice wonderfully.
- Butter: Room temperature for a smooth blend.
- Cream Cheese: Also at room temperature, it adds a delightful tanginess to the sweet glaze.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners Sugar): For sweetness and a smooth, lump-free glaze.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
- Milk: Optional, to thin out the glaze to your desired drizzling consistency.
Optional: Sprinkle with a little extra pumpkin spice or cinnamon right before serving for an added aromatic touch.
Essential Equipment for Effortless Preparation
Making these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats is not just simple in terms of ingredients, but also in the equipment required. You likely have everything you need already in your kitchen!
- Saucepan or Large Pot: Choose one that is sufficiently large to accommodate all the melted marshmallow mixture and then the Rice Krispies cereal once they are added. This prevents messy spills and ensures easy mixing.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: A sturdy wooden spoon or a heat-resistant rubber spatula is ideal for stirring the sticky marshmallow mixture and gently folding in the cereal without crushing it.
- 9×13 Baking Dish: This size is perfect for creating treats of a classic thickness. If you prefer thicker, chewier bars, an 8×8 inch pan will also work, resulting in taller treats.
- Parchment Paper: A true kitchen hero for Rice Krispie treats! Lining your baking dish with parchment paper makes both cleanup and serving incredibly easy. You can simply lift the entire block of treats out of the pan before cutting.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
While Rice Krispie treats are famously easy, a few expert tips can elevate your pumpkin spice version from good to absolutely amazing:
- Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can result in tough treats. Always opt for fresh ones for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: Melt them just until they are smooth and combined. Overcooking can make the marshmallows harden once cooled, leading to hard, rather than chewy, treats. Low and slow heat is key on the stove, or short bursts in the microwave.
- Gentle Mixing: When adding the Rice Krispies cereal, fold it in gently. Over-mixing or aggressive stirring can crush the cereal, taking away from the crispy texture. You want to coat the cereal, not pulverize it.
- Don’t Pack Too Tightly: When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a buttered spatula or your buttered hands to gently press it down. Over-compacting the treats will make them dense and hard. A light, even press is all that’s needed for that perfect chewy-crispy balance.
- Allow Adequate Setting Time: Chilling the treats for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, allows them to firm up perfectly. This makes them much easier to cut into clean squares and ensures they hold their shape.
- Room Temperature Glaze Ingredients: If making the cream cheese glaze, ensure both butter and cream cheese are at room temperature. This will result in a much smoother, lump-free glaze that drizzles beautifully.
Beyond Basic: Exploring Rice Krispie Treat Variations
The versatility of Rice Krispie Treats is truly remarkable. Once you master the basic technique, the possibilities for customization are endless. We’ve had so much fun creating different versions for various occasions. Here are a few popular Rice Krispie treat recipes to inspire your next creation:
- Classic Best Rice Krispie Treats Recipe: A timeless favorite, perfect every time.
- Salted Caramel Rice Krispie Treats: An elevated, gourmet twist with a touch of sweet and salty.
- Rice Krispie Footballs: Shaped for game day, a perfect snack for sports enthusiasts.
- Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin Shaped Rice Krispie Treats: Fun and festive for Halloween.
- Frankenstein Rice Krispie Treats: Another creative and spooky Halloween treat.
- Minion Rice Krispie Treats: A playful treat that kids adore.
Even our friend Keri Lyn over at She Saved created amazing Neapolitan Rice Krispie Treats, proving just how creative you can get! These treats are also fantastic for on-the-go snacking and are featured in our Road Trip Snacks Collection.
More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Embrace the Season
If you’re as enamored with pumpkin as we are, then you’ll love exploring these other delightful pumpkin-infused recipes. From no-bake desserts to slow cooker delights, there’s a pumpkin recipe for every craving:
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie: All the flavor of pumpkin pie without turning on the oven.
- Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter: A rich, spreadable fall condiment perfect for toast or pancakes.
- Pumpkin Nutella Brownies: An indulgent combination of pumpkin and chocolate-hazelnut goodness.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip: A creamy, dreamy dip ideal for fall gatherings.
- Crockpot Pumpkin Dump Cake: An incredibly easy, comforting dessert made in your slow cooker.
- Pumpkin Spice Pumpkin Seeds: A crunchy, spicy snack perfect for using up those leftover pumpkin seeds.
Do you love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our extensive collection of copycat recipes, irresistible dessert recipes, and our convenient Crock Pot Recipes for more culinary inspiration.
For all our latest recipe posts and delicious ideas, remember to follow Tammilee Tips on MSN, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
16
117
kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Marshmallows
- 6 Cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 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
- In a large saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the marshmallows and butter over low heat on the stove, or in 30-second bursts in the microwave. Stir well in between heating to prevent scorching and ensure a smooth, even consistency.
- Once the marshmallows are fully melted and thoroughly combined with the butter, remove from heat. Stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until well incorporated. Then, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, ensuring every piece is coated but being careful not to crush the cereal.
- Spoon the warm mixture into a 9×13 inch baking pan that has been lined with parchment paper or greased with butter/cooking spray. Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the treats to firm up completely.
- Just before serving, prepare your optional cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the room temperature butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk a teaspoon at a time if you desire a thinner, drizzling consistency. Drizzle this delicious glaze over your chilled Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats with a spoon or use a piping bag for a more decorative finish. Cut into squares and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 18
Love this recipe? Follow @TammileeTips on Pinterest for more delightful treats!
Tried this recipe? Mention @TammileeTipsLife on Instagram when you share a photo!
Recipe originally shared on August 31, 2015. Updated October 2020.