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Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe embraces the cozy flavors of fall with that perfect pumpkin spice twist. It’s like your favorite childhood snack got a grown-up upgrade — warm spices, creamy pudding, and that nostalgic marshmallowy goodness all wrapped up in a crispy, chewy bar. Whenever autumn hits, this is the recipe I turn to for kid-friendly snacks and quick party treats alike.

What makes this recipe extra special is how effortlessly it comes together and how adaptable it is for the season or any occasion. You’ll find that the pumpkin pie spice blends so beautifully with the vanilla pudding and melted marshmallows, giving you a treat that’s both familiar and delightfully new. Trust me, once you make these, your friends and family will be asking for the recipe all year long.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: You can whip these treats up in just about 10 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or snack cravings.
  • Cozy Fall Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice adds just the right amount of warm spice to elevate classic Rice Krispie treats.
  • Kid-Friendly and Fun: The sprinkles and white chocolate drizzle make these treats extra festive and appealing to all ages.
  • Totally Customizable: You can easily swap spices, add nuts, or change toppings to suit your mood or occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s pretty foolproof, and the pumpkin pie spice really ties everything together for that seasonal vibe. When shopping, be sure to grab a good quality marshmallow and fresh pumpkin pie spice for the best flavor.

  • Unsalted butter: I like using unsalted so I control the saltiness just right, plus it’s great for greasing your pan without extra flavors.
  • Marshmallows: The classic, gooey base—you want fresh ones that melt smoothly without clumping.
  • Vanilla instant pudding mix: This adds a velvety texture and creaminess that really makes a difference over standard treats.
  • Pumpkin pie spice mix: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—don’t skip it, this is the magic!
  • Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy, airy crunch that makes these treats so addictive.
  • White chocolate chips: Melted on top for a smooth glaze that pairs so well with pumpkin spice.
  • Sprinkles: The fun finishing touch that’s optional but highly recommended for a little festive pop.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is, and once you make it a few times, you’ll want to start adding your own twists. Feel free to experiment with add-ins or toppings to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs.

  • Nutty Twist: I like tossing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch—my family goes crazy for it.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Try using vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows; the texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious!
  • Spice Level Up: For a slightly bolder flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the pumpkin pie spice mix; it deepens the taste wonderfully.
  • Chocolate Swap: Instead of white chocolate, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate if you prefer a richer topping.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

First things first, line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil or parchment paper—whichever you prefer. I love using the butter wrapper to grease the foil since it adds just the right amount of butter without making the treats greasy. Set this aside so it’s ready to catch all those sticky, marshmallowy bits.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Once it’s melted, add the marshmallows (about 10 ounces) and stir constantly. Keep the heat low so the marshmallows melt smoothly without scorching — patience here makes a big difference! This is where you’ll start to see that classic gooey texture develop.

Step 3: Stir in Pudding and Pumpkin Spice

Remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in a box of vanilla instant pudding mix and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice mix. This is the secret that gives these treats their creamy, warmly spiced kick — fold it in gently but thoroughly so everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Fold in the Cereal

Now, fold in 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal carefully to avoid crushing the cereal too much. You want to keep those crisp little puffs intact — this adds to the perfect texture that everyone loves.

Step 5: Press Into Pan and Add Toppings

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and use a light touch when pressing it down—if you press too hard, the treats get dry and too hard, and that’s no fun. A handy tip: dampen your fingers with water to keep the mixture from sticking to your hands. Then, spread melted white chocolate chips on top and sprinkle immediately with colorful sprinkles for that festive finish.

Step 6: Let Set and Enjoy

Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about an hour so the white chocolate can harden nicely. Then slice them into squares, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up because these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are just that good!

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

  • Use Fresh Marshmallows: I found that fresher marshmallows melt smoother and make the treats pliable, so don’t use old, stale bags.
  • Don’t Over-Press: Press the mixture lightly when packing into the pan to keep the treats soft and chewy — this is a game changer!
  • Quick Stirring: Once you remove the marshmallow mixture from the heat, add your spices and pudding quickly to avoid lumps and ensure even flavor distribution.
  • Grease the Pan Well: I swear by using the butter wrapper to grease the foil—it prevents sticking without making the bottom oily like some sprays do.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The image shows three square-shaped treats made of light beige puffed rice cereal tightly packed together in one thick bottom layer. On top of each treat is a smooth, white icing layer decorated with small orange and black sprinkles scattered evenly across the surface. The treats sit on a piece of white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. In the background, there is a stack of plain white plates with one treat on top, and an orange cloth is draped softly behind them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually stick with festive fall-themed sprinkles or a dusting of cinnamon on top for that extra pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the melted white chocolate for a little decadence.

Side Dishes

These treats go perfectly with a warm cup of chai latte or a pumpkin spice coffee for a full autumn vibe. If you’re serving at a party, I love pairing them with spiced nuts or a simple fruit platter to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that cutting the treats into fun shapes using cookie cutters (like leaves or pumpkins) really ups the festive factor for fall gatherings or kids’ parties. Wrapping individual squares in cellophane with a little ribbon also makes a cute gift or party favor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them from getting sticky, I like adding a piece of parchment paper between layers.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze these! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. From my experience, they hold up well for up to a month — just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

I usually don’t reheat these since they’re perfect at room temp, but if you want to soften them up, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave works wonders. Just be careful not to melt the chocolate topping!

FAQs

  1. Can I use other cereals besides Rice Krispies?

    Absolutely! While Rice Krispies give you that classic crunch and light texture, you can experiment with similar cereals like Cocoa Krispies for a chocolate twist or puffed millet for a gluten-free option. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture might change slightly.

  2. What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?

    If you don’t have instant pudding mix on hand, you can still make the treats without it, but the texture won’t be as creamy or soft. Alternatively, you can substitute with a small amount of cream cheese or pumpkin puree to add moisture and flavor, though this shifts the recipe a bit.

  3. How do I avoid the treats from becoming too hard?

    Pressing the cereal mixture too firmly into the pan is the main culprit for hard treats. Use a gentle touch, and dampen your fingers when pressing to keep the treats soft and chewy. Also, avoid overcooking the marshmallows, which can dry them out.

  4. Can I omit the white chocolate topping?

    Definitely! The white chocolate adds a nice flavor and visual appeal, but the treats are delicious on their own without it. You can also substitute with a drizzle of caramel or no topping at all if you prefer a simpler snack.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. I love sharing it because it brings people together around a favorite flavor in such a nostalgic, fun way. If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself with something sweet and cozy, give this recipe a try—you’ll smile with every bite!

Print
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Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 139 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 squares
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic gooey marshmallow and crispy cereal base with warm pumpkin spice flavors and a creamy vanilla pudding twist. Topped with melted white chocolate and festive sprinkles, they make a perfect seasonal dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and delightfully delicious.


Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 10 ounce bag marshmallows
  • 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 ounce)
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice mix
  • 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal

Topping

  • 1 cup white chocolate chips, melted
  • Sprinkles, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a 9-inch square baking pan with foil and grease the foil with butter, preferably using the butter wrapper. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper. Set the prepared pan aside.
  2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted. Reduce heat to low to prevent burning.
  3. Add Flavorings: Remove the pot from heat. Quickly stir in the vanilla instant pudding mix and the pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
  4. Incorporate Cereal: Fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture gently until all cereal is coated.
  5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a LIGHT touch, press the treats firmly but not too hard to avoid them drying out.
  6. Add Toppings: Spread the melted white chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed treats. Immediately sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
  7. Set and Serve: Allow the treats to set at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once firm, cut into 9 squares and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use a light touch when pressing the treats into the pan to avoid drying them out and becoming hard.
  • Dampen your fingers with water when pressing the treats to prevent sticking.
  • Greasing the pan with the butter wrapper adds just the right amount of butter to prevent sticking without making treats oily.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 60g)
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 115 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

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