Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Pumpkins

Introduction

There’s something magical about autumn—the crisp air, golden leaves, cozy sweaters, and of course, the irresistible flavors of the season. Nothing captures that festive feeling quite like Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Pumpkins. These delightful little treats take the nostalgic, gooey goodness of classic Rice Krispie squares and give them a playful fall makeover. Shaped into adorable pumpkins, infused with warm pumpkin spice, and decorated with candy stems and leaves, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat.

What makes them so special is that they’re more than just a dessert—they’re a seasonal activity. Kids love rolling and shaping the pumpkins, while adults appreciate the balance of sweet marshmallow and cozy spice. They’re no-bake, quick to prepare, and perfect for parties, gifts, or even as edible decorations on your holiday table.

Why I Love This Recipe

It really is one of those treats that combines fun, flavor, and festivity all in one. The chewy, gooey Rice Krispies coated with warm pumpkin spice just taste like fall, and shaping them into pumpkins makes them so charming. What I especially love is how interactive the recipe is—kids and adults can all get involved, whether it’s rolling the pumpkins, adding stems, or decorating them with vines.

It’s not just a dessert—it’s also a seasonal activity, almost like edible arts and crafts. And the best part? They look impressive on a party table but are incredibly easy to make.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Festive & Fun – They instantly bring fall and Halloween vibes to your table.
Easy & Quick – No baking, just simple stovetop steps, done in under 30 minutes.
Kid-Friendly – Perfect project to make with kids; they’ll love shaping and decorating.
Deliciously Seasonal – The pumpkin spice makes them cozy and flavorful, a true autumn treat.
Crowd-Pleaser – Great for parties, gifting, or even as edible décor for a holiday spread.

If you’re looking for something playful, creative, and irresistibly tasty, these little pumpkin treats are the one.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 12 pumpkins
• Calories per serving: ~160 calories (approximate, may vary with decorations)
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 ½ cups)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Orange gel food coloring (or a mix of red and yellow)
• Mini Tootsie Rolls (for stems) or pretzel sticks
• Green icing, green M&M’s, or candy melts (for leaves/vines)
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for shaping hands)

Cooking Directions

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the marshmallows and continue mixing until melted and smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice. Stir to combine.
4. Remove from heat and mix in food coloring until you achieve a vibrant pumpkin-orange color.
5. Quickly stir in Rice Krispies until evenly coated.
6. Allow mixture to cool slightly (enough to handle). Spray hands with nonstick spray and shape into small pumpkin-sized balls.
7. Insert a mini Tootsie Roll or pretzel stick into the top as the pumpkin stem.
8. Decorate with green icing or candies to resemble leaves or vines.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Melt the Base: In a large pot, melt butter. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
2. Flavor It: Stir in vanilla and pumpkin spice for that seasonal warmth.
3. Add Color: Mix in orange food coloring for pumpkin-like appearance.
4. Mix Cereal: Gently fold Rice Krispies into marshmallow mixture until fully coated.
5. Shape Pumpkins: Coat hands with butter or spray, scoop mixture, and form into round pumpkin shapes.
6. Decorate: Insert stems (Tootsie Rolls or pretzels). Pipe or attach green candy for leaves.
7. Cool & Set: Let them cool on a parchment-lined tray before serving.

How to Serve

• Arrange them on a festive fall platter.
• Use them as edible table decorations at Halloween or Thanksgiving.
• Wrap individually in cellophane for gifting or party favors.
• Serve alongside warm apple cider, hot cocoa, or pumpkin spice lattes.

Recipe Tips

• Work quickly—the mixture hardens fast.
• Grease your hands well to prevent sticking.
• If mixture becomes too firm, briefly reheat to soften.
• Use gel food coloring (not liquid) for vibrant color without changing consistency.

Variations

1. Chocolate Pumpkins: Add ½ cup melted white chocolate tinted orange for richer flavor.
2. Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over finished pumpkins.
3. Spooky Faces: Use black gel icing or candy eyes to make jack-o’-lanterns.
4. Healthier Version: Use brown rice cereal and marshmallow alternatives.
5. Extra Flavor: Mix in crushed ginger snaps for crunch and spice.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as freezing changes the texture of the marshmallow mixture.
• Make Ahead: Best made the day of serving for freshness.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Nonstick cooking spray or butter for hands
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Pumpkins are more than just a dessert—they’re a festive experience. With their chewy texture, warm pumpkin spice flavor, and playful pumpkin shape, they bring smiles to kids and adults alike. Perfect for fall parties, Halloween treats, or Thanksgiving fun, these no-bake delights are easy to make, delicious to eat, and guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday table.