Spook-tacular Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats: The Unusual Charm of Fall’s Edible Decorations

Halloween is the one time of year I allow my food to be a little wilder—literally. These pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispie Treats turn the kitchen into a playful workshop where marshmallow sweetness meets festive creativity. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, but look like you’ve spent hours sculpting.

I love how this recipe invites chaos and joy into my baking, with the bright orange marshmallow coating mimicking real pumpkins. Kids cheer when they see them, and adults can’t resist grabbing a handful. It’s a tiny, edible celebration of the fall season that sparks both nostalgia and excitement.

Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe uses melted marshmallows and butter to create a sticky, pliable mixture of Rice Krispies cereal that is shaped into small pumpkin forms. Once set, the treats have a crispy, chewy texture with a bright orange coating for a festive Halloween appearance. They are easy to assemble and visually resemble small pumpkins, making them a fun seasonal dessert.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal lightly packed
• 4 cups mini marshmallows or regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Orange food coloring as needed orange food coloring to achieve pumpkin-like color
• Optional chocolate chips or candy accents for decoration

Equipment

• Large pot
• Rubber spatula
• Assorted small silicone or cookie cutters shaped like pumpkins
• Baking sheet or tray
• Wax paper or parchment paper

Method

 

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat while stirring until it’s fully melted and begins to smell fragrant.
2. Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in a few drops of orange food coloring until you achieve a bright, pumpkin-orange hue.
4. Pour the rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture and gently fold to coat all the cereal evenly, creating a sticky, cohesive mass.
5. Allow the mixture to cool just enough to handle, then transfer it onto a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.
6. Grease your hands lightly with butter or cooking spray, and then shape portions of the mixture into small balls or ovals.
7. Using pumpkin-shaped cookie cutters or small silicone molds, gently press the mixture into the shapes, smoothing out details for a pumpkin look.
8. Place the shaped treats onto a clean baking sheet and let them set at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes until they firm up.
9. If desired, add small chocolate chips or candy accents to create pumpkin stems or decorations for extra detail.
10. Once fully set, carefully remove the pumpkin-shaped treats from molds or cutters and arrange them on a serving platter.
11. Serve these cheerful, pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispie Treats immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Notes

You can customize the decorations with chocolate chips or candy for added variety. For a more natural pumpkin appearance, consider using small stems made from pretzels or caramel.

As the seasons change and pumpkins take center stage, these treats remind us that simple ingredients can become magical under the right touch. Plus, they’re guaranteed to bring a smile—whether as a centerpiece or a sweet snack in a busy Halloween night.