Soft Crunchy Pumpkin Treats

This soft and crunchy pumpkin Rice Krispies treat recipe captures the essence of fall without any baking hassle. It’s perfect for when you want a quick, festive snack that blends the nostalgic texture of classic crispy treats with warm pumpkin spice flavors and a touch of seasonal color.

I made these treats on a crisp autumn afternoon and the house instantly smelled like a pumpkin patch. My kids loved how the pumpkin spice added a cozy twist to the usual Rice Krispies flavor and begged for seconds before they even cooled.

Ingredients

• Rice Krispies: Six cups of Rice Krispies or any crispy rice cereal – the base providing classic crunch choose fresh for best crispiness
• Unsalted butter: Half a cup of unsalted butter – helps melt the marshmallows smoothly opt for high-quality unsalted butter for a creamy taste
• Mini marshmallows: About thirteen ounces of mini marshmallows – the gooey binder that holds everything together look for fresh marshmallows that melt evenly
• Pumpkin pie spice: Two teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice – brings the signature fall flavor if unavailable use a fresh mix of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg
• Vanilla extract: Quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract – adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor
• Salt: A pinch of salt – balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors
• Orange food coloring: Orange food coloring – purely optional for a festive look gel coloring works best for vibrant hues without altering texture
• Sprinkles: Fall or Halloween sprinkles – optional decoration to make the treats extra seasonal

Instructions

Prep the cereal:

Place the Rice Krispies in a large bowl and set aside ready for mixing.

Melt the butter:

Melt the butter over low heat in a large saucepan ensuring it doesn’t brown to keep the flavor gentle.

Add marshmallows:

Once melted, add the mini marshmallows gradually, stirring constantly until they are completely melted and smooth creating that perfect sticky base.

Season and color:

Stir in pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, salt, and orange food coloring if you wish to give the treats a bright fall color.

Combine cereal and marshmallows:

Take the saucepan off the heat and fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture making sure all the cereal is well coated.

Prepare the pan:

Prepare a nineinch by thirteeninch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. Using a spatula lightly coated with spray, gently press the mixture evenly into the dish to the edges without compacting too hard or the treats will get dense.

Add sprinkles:

Sprinkle on your choice of fall or Halloween themed sprinkles for an extra festive touch right before the mixture sets.

Cool and slice:

Allow everything to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares or using cookie cutters to make fun seasonal shapes.

Store:

Store the treats in an airtight container to keep them soft and chewy for up to one week.

I always look forward to adding that pumpkin pie spice mix. It reminds me of baking with my grandmother when the house smelled like pumpkin and cinnamon in the air. These treats bring that cozy feeling with none of the fuss.

Storage Tips

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain that perfect chewy texture. Avoid refrigerating as it can make them hard and less enjoyable. For longer storage, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Defrost at room temperature before eating to bring back softness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find pumpkin pie spice, use a homemade blend of one and a half teaspoons ground cinnamon, half teaspoon ground ginger, and half teaspoon ground nutmeg to mimic the flavor perfectly. Jet-Puffed pumpkin spice marshmallows are a great shortcut in that case cut the store bought pumpkin pie spice in half and skip food coloring. Butter alternatives such as coconut oil can be used but will subtly change the flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These treats are perfect served alongside warm apple cider or a cup of hot chocolate to complete the fall vibe. For parties, cut them into festive shapes using cookie cutters and pair with other seasonal snacks like caramel apples or spiced nuts for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Enjoy these pumpkin Rice Krispies treats with a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. They’re quick to make and full of cozy fall flavor.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What cereal works best for these treats?

Crispy rice cereal like Rice Krispies offers the ideal light and crunchy texture that holds well when combined with melted marshmallows and spices.

→ Can I adjust the spicing for these treats?

Yes, you can reduce or substitute pumpkin pie spice with ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to tailor the warm seasonal flavors to your taste.

→ Is it necessary to use food coloring?

Food coloring is optional and mainly used to enhance the festive orange hue; the treats are flavorful without it.

→ How should these treats be stored?

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to one week.

→ Can I add toppings to these treats?

Yes, fall or Halloween-themed sprinkles can be added after pressing the mixture into the pan for decorative flair and texture contrast.