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Halloween Pumpkin-Shaped Rice Krispie Treats

This recipe involves melting orange-colored marshmallows and mixing them with crispy rice cereal to create a sweet, crunchy treat that can be shaped into pumpkins. The treats have a soft, chewy interior with a lightly crispy exterior, and their playful pumpkin shapes add to the festive Halloween presentation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups plain rice cereal (like Rice Krispies)
  • 10 cups orange-colored marshmallows or white marshmallows with orange food coloring
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or cooking spray for greasing
  • 1-2 drops orange gel food coloring add gradually for desired color

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Butter or non-stick spray
  • Pumpkin-shaped molds or hands for shaping
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Grease your pumpkin-shaped mold or your hands for shaping with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until just melted and smelling buttery.
  3. Add the orange marshmallows to the melted butter and stir constantly with a spatula until completely melted and smooth. The mixture will bubble gently and become glossy.
  4. Stir in a few drops of orange gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant pumpkin hue, mixing until evenly colored.
  5. Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and immediately pour it over the cereal in a large mixing bowl.
  6. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture using a spatula, ensuring each piece is coated equally and the mixture is sticky and glossy.
  7. While the mixture is still warm and pliable, scoop and press it into pumpkin-shaped molds or shape by hand into pumpkin forms. Gently press down to create a rounded pumpkin shape.
  8. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until firm and holds its shape well.
  9. Carefully remove the treats from the molds or gently peel from your hands. Use a clean spatula to help lift and shape any uneven edges or cracks.
  10. Decorate or add small candy accents if desired, to enhance pumpkin appearance, or serve as is for a fun, messy look.
  11. Enjoy these playful, pumpkin-shaped Rice Krispie treats with their crunchy exterior and chewy, marshmallow-filled interior—perfect for Halloween celebrations!

Notes

Work quickly while the marshmallow mixture is warm to shape the treats before they set. Adding extra food coloring can enhance visual appeal, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid overly neon shades. Use a gentle touch when shaping to maintain their playful and rustic look.