- Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
- Recipe Tips
- More No-Bake Desserts
- Common Questions
- Ready for the Coziest Treats?
Pumpkin pie spice rice krispie treats. Maybe you’ve seen them all over Pinterest, maybe you’re just tired of plain ol’ marshmallow squares (no shade, love a classic), but you’re craving something warm and fall-ish to snack on. I get it! I ended up here myself after a sad attempt at making pie for Thanksgiving. So if you want a treat that’s so easy but still feels special, you’re in the right spot. Time to grab your favorite hoodie and let’s get into the details, because you will want these in your snack stash.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Folks, these are not the boring treats from bake sales of yesteryear. The aroma alone is like walking into your grandma’s kitchen right when she’s pulling a pumpkin pie outta the oven. I actually brought a pan to a casual game night and people inhaled them… they were too busy eating to compliment, but I saw the joy on their faces.
What I seriously love? They set up fast and don’t use the oven, so when you get that pumpkin spice craving in July (don’t judge me), you can hastily whip these up. Plus, kids love ‘em and – confession – so do adults. One friend legit said,
“I’m usually a chocolate gal, but these are freakin’ epic. Please never stop making them.”
If you’re tired of complicated desserts, these are a game-changer. Bonus, they’re super portable. Picnic in the park, after-school snack, weird midnight craving — all covered.
Key Ingredients
Okay, let’s talk about what you actually need. Most are probably in your kitchen already. And honestly, if you go shopping, you’ll zip in and out in under ten minutes.
So. You want the classic Rice Krispies cereal (I’ve tried this with store brands – works fine too). Grab a bag of those magical mini marshmallows. Unsalted butter makes things rich and gooey. The absolute must-have? Pumpkin pie spice. Trust me, don’t try to hack this with just cinnamon – it’s the magic that transforms everything. If you want real autumn points, add a spoonful of canned pumpkin puree. Optional, but hey, why not live a little? A pinch of salt ties everything together, but don’t sweat if you forget it.
Don’t you dare skip good butter or the marshmallows – using the cheap stuff = sadness, in my opinion. Use fresh spice too, it really shows. Pretend you’re a five-star restaurant chef and splurge a bit.
How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Ready for the easiest dessert ever? Seriously, it’s “done in fifteen minutes” easy. First, melt that butter in a big ol’ pot over low heat. Don’t scorch it or your kitchen will smell weird. As soon as it’s melted, toss in those mini marshmallows. Keep stirring so nothing sticks or burns. When it’s all smooth, stir in the pumpkin pie spice (smells amazing right?). If you’re feeling bold, pop in a spoonful of pumpkin puree for extra oomph.
Now, dump in the cereal and gently fold it in. It’ll look messy. That’s fine. Scrap those neat TikToks – this is real life. Coat every piece in gooey marshmallow mix. Press that sticky mess into a lined pan (seriously, use wax or parchment or you’ll regret it). Press firmly, but don’t smash it to a pancake.
Leave it to cool for a bit. Resist the urge to cut early (it falls apart). Once set, slice into squares. Grab one, try not to eat three immediately. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
Recipe Tips
If you want perfect pumpkin pie spice rice krispie treats, here’s a scattershot of things I learned:
- Grease your hands with butter or spray so you’re not fighting sticky mess.
- Use a really fresh bag of marshmallows — stale = hard, sad treats.
- Want extra flair? Drizzle with melted white chocolate or add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
- Don’t press them too hard in the pan or they’ll be tough, not chewy.
Feel free to improvise! Sometimes I add chopped pecans or a handful of mini chocolate chips for giggles. These treats are forgiving and honestly, I’m not aiming for perfection here.
More No-Bake Desserts
You got through these, and now you’re hooked on anything that doesn’t touch the oven, right? I hear you. Lazy summer days, busy December evenings — no-bake is king. Try classic chocolate peanut butter bars for a peanutty dream, or a batch of no-bake cheesecake cups if you want to look like you tried harder than you did.
No-bake is all about that instant reward, minimum cleanup. I mean, who wants to overheat the kitchen every time a sweet craving hits? There’s a reason cereal bar desserts show up at every potluck around here.
Common Questions
How long do these keep?
If you somehow don’t eat them all in two days, just cover and leave on the counter. Good as new for about three days.
Can I use pumpkin puree in the treats?
Totally! Just stick to a spoonful or two, or they’ll get soggy. Learned that the messy way. Trust me.
Is there a substitution for pumpkin pie spice?
Sorta. Mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, maybe a dash of allspice. But the pre-mixed kind is easier and more reliable.
Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
For sure. Vegan butter and marshmallows exist (look at health stores), and the cereal is usually vegan, check the label.
What if I don’t have Rice Krispies?
Other crispy cereals work. Even cornflakes or Chex in a pinch, though the vibe changes. Still tasty though.
Ready for the Coziest Treats?
So there you have it, my favorite way to get a cozy, pumpkin-spice dessert fix without waiting for pies or fancy bakery lines. Simple stuff can be knock-your-socks-off good. Don’t overthink it — if you’ve got cereal and marshmallows, you’re halfway to the best pumpkin pie spice rice krispie treats ever. If you want more easy dessert ideas, check out this ultimate list of no-bake treats for even more sweet fun. Clear off some counter space, call your favorite humans, and make a batch. Bet you’ll want a second pan for yourself.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat.
- Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth.
- Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and optional pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal gently to coat every piece with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press the mixture into a lined pan using wax or parchment paper. Press firmly but do not compact too much.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.