Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Posted on April 19, 2025

Fall is officially here, and what better way to celebrate than with a classic treat with a seasonal twist? These Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. But we’re not just throwing pumpkin spice into the mix; we’re sharing the secret to keeping these treats soft and chewy, avoiding that dreaded hard, crunchy texture. Get ready for a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats! Here’s why you’ll be making them all season long:

Perfectly Soft and Chewy: Thanks to our secret ingredient (shhh… it’s just a little water!), these treats stay soft even with the addition of pumpkin puree.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch in minutes.
Fall Flavors: The combination of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice creates a warm, comforting, and undeniably autumnal flavor.
Kid-Friendly: Both kids and adults love these treats! They’re perfect for school lunches, after-school snacks, or holiday gatherings.
Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences with different spices or toppings.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

The magic of these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why. The blend of warm spices with the familiar sweetness of marshmallows creates a delightful seasonal treat. Remember to gather everything before you begin – it makes the process even smoother!

Unsalted Butter: We start with 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the treats. It also contributes to a richer flavor and helps melt the marshmallows evenly.
Marshmallows: 10 ounces of marshmallows are the glue that holds everything together! Opt for fresh, soft marshmallows for the best results. They melt more smoothly and create a chewier texture. You can use regular or mini marshmallows – both work perfectly.
Pumpkin Puree: A 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree is what brings the taste of Fall in these rice krispie treats. Make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which already has added spices and sugar.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves, enhancing the pumpkin flavor. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can create your own blend using those individual spices.
Rice Krispies Cereal: 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal provide the signature crispy texture. You can use any brand of crispy rice cereal, but Rice Krispies are the classic choice.
Water: This is the magic ingredient – just 1 tablespoon of water! This seemingly insignificant addition is the key to preventing the treats from becoming too hard. It helps counteract the drying effect of the pumpkin puree and keeps everything soft and chewy.

Crafting Your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part: making the treats! These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are incredibly easy to put together, even for beginner bakers. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious, chewy treats in no time. The secret to perfectly soft treats lies in careful attention to the marshmallow mixture and a light touch when pressing the cereal into the pan.

Prepare Your Pan: First, grease a 9×13 inch pan with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the treats from sticking and make them easy to remove once they’ve cooled. Lining the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, is another great option for easy removal.
Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Low and slow is the key here to prevent the butter from burning. Melting the butter evenly creates a smooth base for the marshmallows.
Melt the Marshmallows: Add 10 ounces of marshmallows to the melted butter and stir continuously until completely melted. Keep the heat low to prevent the marshmallows from burning or becoming too stiff. Stirring constantly ensures even melting and a smooth, creamy texture.
Add Pumpkin Puree and Spice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin puree. Combining these ingredients off the heat helps prevent the pumpkin from cooking and changing the texture of the marshmallow mixture.
The Secret Step: Add 1 tablespoon of water to the marshmallow mixture and stir until fully incorporated. Don’t skip this step! This extra moisture is what keeps the treats soft and chewy, counteracting the drying effect of the pumpkin puree.
Incorporate the Cereal: Add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until evenly coated. Work quickly to ensure the cereal is evenly coated before the marshmallow mixture begins to set.
Press into the Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the treats dense and hard.
Cool and Cut: Let the treats cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will allow them to set properly and prevent them from being too sticky. Once cooled, cut into squares of your desired size and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Every Time

Want to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are a guaranteed success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you achieve perfection:

Use Fresh Marshmallows: Stale marshmallows won’t melt as smoothly and can result in tougher treats.
Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Melting the butter and marshmallows over low heat prevents burning and ensures a smooth, even texture.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the cereal, stir just until combined. Overmixing can cause the treats to become tough.
Lightly Grease Your Hands: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cool Completely: Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from being too sticky.
Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your liking. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled treats for an extra touch of indulgence. White chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate all work well. For another decadent addition, consider something like these chocolate covered apple dessert cups for a double dose of dessert delight.
Storage: Store leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

These Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other fall favorites. Serve them alongside a warm cup of apple cider or hot chocolate for a cozy treat. They’re also a great addition to a dessert platter for holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for a savory dish to balance the sweetness, consider serving them after a hearty meal like roasted sweet potato chicken power bowl recipe.

Your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of cereal?

While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with other crispy rice cereals or even a combination of cereals. Keep in mind that different cereals may affect the texture and flavor of the treats.

Can I make these treats vegan?

Yes, you can make these treats vegan by using vegan butter and vegan marshmallows. There are several brands of vegan marshmallows available at most health food stores or online. Check out also vegan pumpkin puree available on the market!

Why are my Rice Krispie treats so hard?

Rice Krispie treats become hard when the marshmallows are overcooked, or the mixture is pressed too firmly into the pan. Our recipe addresses this by adding water to the marshmallow mixture, and also recommending gently pressing the treats into the pan.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other mix-ins to customize your treats. Some popular options include chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or mini marshmallows. This is where you can really let your creativity shine!

How do I prevent the treats from sticking to the pan?

Greasing the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray is the best way to prevent the treats from sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal.

Enjoy Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats!

There you have it – perfectly soft and chewy Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats that are sure to become a fall favorite! With their warm, comforting flavors and easy preparation, these treats are perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, follow our simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let us know how your treats turned out! Share your creations on social media and tag us – we can’t wait to see them!