These fun Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for Halloween! Made with gooey marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, they are shaped like cute pumpkins.
Kids and adults alike will love these sweet treats. I like to make them with my little helpers, and trust me, no one can resist that sticky goodness! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This cereal gives the treats their signature crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using rice puffs or even a whole grain cereal. Just make sure it has similar texture!
Mini Marshmallows: These melt easily and keep the treats gooey. If you have regular marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces. For a vegan option, look for plant-based marshmallows available in stores.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds a great flavor. If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute works well without affecting the taste much.
Food Coloring: Orange food coloring is key for the pumpkin look. If you prefer natural options, try using carrot juice or beet juice, but keep in mind it might alter the taste slightly.
How Do I Make the Rice Krispie Treats Hold Their Shape?
Getting these treats to hold their shape is essential for that perfect pumpkin look. Here’s how to ensure your mixture stays together:
- Melt the butter on low heat to prevent it from burning, which can make the treats dry.
- Stir the marshmallows until they’re very smooth before adding Rice Krispies. This ensures every piece gets coated nicely.
- After combining the cereal, press the mixture firmly into your pan. This helps it stick together when cooled.
Let them cool just enough to handle, but don’t let them set completely before cutting. This will help maintain a soft texture while still holding their shape!
Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (or about 40 regular-sized marshmallows)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Orange food coloring
- Black icing or black decorating gel (for the jack o’ lantern face)
- Green icing or green decorating gel (for the pumpkin stem)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe will take you about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus around 30 minutes to cool and set. So, in a little under an hour, you’ll have delicious, festive treats ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan, place the butter and turn the heat to low. Allow the butter to melt gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
2. Add the Marshmallows:
Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows to the pan. Stir them in continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. This is the gooey base for your treats!
3. Color the Marshmallow Mixture:
Add a few drops of orange food coloring into the melted marshmallow mix. Stir until the color is evenly distributed, and you get a nice bright orange. This is what will make your treats look like pumpkins!
4. Combine with Rice Krispies:
Next, take the Rice Krispies cereal and gradually add it to the marshmallow mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the cereal into the melted marshmallows until all the cereal is coated.
5. Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 9×13 inch pan with a little butter or cooking spray so your treats don’t stick. This will help make cutting them easier later!
6. Press into the Pan:
Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, firmly press the mixture evenly into the greased pan. Make sure it’s packed in tightly to help the treats hold their shape.
7. Allow to Cool:
Let the mixture cool for about 20-30 minutes. It should be set enough that you can cut it, but not too hard!
8. Cut the Treats:
Using a sharp knife, cut the treats into squares or use your hands to shape them into rounded pumpkin shapes. If you prefer, you can also trim the corners to create a more rounded look!
9. Decorate the Pumpkins:
Now comes the fun part! Use black icing or decorating gel to create jack o’ lantern faces on each treat. Make triangular eyes and noses and add smiling or jagged mouths!
10. Add the Stem:
Finally, take green icing or decorating gel to pipe a little stem on top of each pumpkin treat. This will give them that cute finishing touch.
11. Let the Icing Set:
Allow the icing to set before serving to ensure it holds well. You can place the treats in the fridge for a faster set.
Now, enjoy your fun and festive Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats at Halloween parties or fall festivities! They’re sure to delight everyone. Happy Halloween!
Can I Use Regular Marshmallows Instead of Mini Marshmallows?
Absolutely! If you have regular-sized marshmallows, about 40 marshmallows will work just fine. Just cut them into smaller pieces for easier melting.
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresher for longer, you can refrigerate them, but be aware that they may become a bit firmer.
Can I Make These Treats Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh, and decorate them closer to the time you plan to serve them for the best appearance.
What Can I Use Instead of Food Coloring?
If you prefer a natural option, consider using beet juice or carrots for a light color. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste of your treats.
