As October’s chill fills the air, I love transforming everyday treats into something festive and fun with just a dash of seasonal imagination. Today, I’m diving into a playful twist on classic Rice Krispie treats by shaping them into tiny, pumpkin-like creatures that scream Halloween spirit. The smell of toasted marshmallows and melting butter mingles with the soft scent of vanilla, creating a cozy kitchen ballet.
This recipe isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about capturing the chaos and joy of a haunted house kitchen. Kids and adults alike can join in the fun—adding faces, eyes, or little hats to each pumpkin for extra mischief. It’s a sweet project that turns caramelized sugar and crispy rice into tiny, orange-colored jewels.
Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Grease a mini muffin tin or line a tray with parchment paper to shape the treats.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it begins to foam and smells sweet.
- Add the marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. This will create a glossy, sticky mixture that smells sweet and toasty.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Drop in the orange food coloring and stir well until the mixture is evenly tinted with a vibrant orange hue.
- Quickly pour in the crispy rice cereal, folding gently with a spatula to coat all the cereal evenly with the orange marshmallow mixture. Be careful, as it will be hot and sticky.
- Using a spoon or a buttered spatula, spoon the mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin or onto the parchment-lined tray, shaping each mound into a small pumpkin shape.
- Press slightly to ensure the treats hold their shape. Allow them to cool and set for about 20 minutes at room temperature until firm.
- Once cooled, gently remove the treats from the molds or lift them from the tray. You can decorate each pumpkin with faces, eyes, or little decorations as desired to enhance the Halloween theme.
- Arrange the finished pumpkins on a serving platter for display. These treats are best enjoyed within a day for maximum freshness and chewiness.
Notes
Enjoy crafting these little pumpkin creatures and sharing them with loved ones. Sometimes, the simplest ingredients can transform into the most memorable holiday moments, full of giggles and sticky fingers.
Hi, I’m Jessica Miller, the voice (and taste buds) behind Taste Budty Rant.
I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where my love for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her turn the simplest ingredients into magic.
