These Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and festive twist on the classic snack! Made with marshmallows and colorful orange candies, they look just like little pumpkins.
Making these treats is as easy as pie—or should I say, pumpkin pie? 🎃 I love how they bring a smile to everyone’s face, especially when I shape them into cute pumpkin forms!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the star of the treat! You can use any puffed cereal if Rice Krispies aren’t available, like Crisped Rice or Corn Puffs, but the texture might be slightly different.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for its flavor, but margarine or coconut oil can be used as substitutes if you need a dairy-free option.
Marshmallows: Standard marshmallows are a must for binding. Mini marshmallows also work, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity slightly for the right texture.
Food Coloring: Liquid food coloring gives great results, but gel food coloring is more concentrated. If you don’t have orange, you can mix red and yellow to get close!
Decorating Gel: If you can’t find black or green decorating gel, you can use chocolate chips for the faces and small green candies like M&Ms for stems instead.
How Do I Shape and Decorate the Treats Like Pumpkins?
Shaping your treats into pumpkin forms is really fun! Here’s how to do it right:
- After mixing the Rice Krispies and marshmallows, let the mixture sit for a few minutes so it’s easier to handle.
- Grease your hands to prevent sticking. Grab a handful of the mixture and gently roll it into a round shape.
- Make sure not to compress too hard—keeping it light will make for fluffier pumpkins!
- Use your decorating tools once they’ve set but are still soft enough to hold their shape without falling apart.
- Your creativity can shine here! Draw funny or spooky faces to make each pumpkin unique!
Be sure to let them cool completely before serving or storing. Enjoy decorating these delightful little treats!
Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 10 oz (about 40) marshmallows (regular size)
- Orange food coloring
- Black decorating gel or black icing (for jack o’ lantern faces)
- Green decorating gel or green icing (for pumpkin stems)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Making these treats will take about 15 minutes for preparation. After shaping, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes for them to cool and set fully. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying your Jack o’ Lantern treats in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Make sure to keep the heat low to avoid burning the butter.
2. Add the Marshmallows:
Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows into the pan. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This should only take a few minutes!
3. Color the Mixture:
Remove the pan from heat. Now, quickly add several drops of orange food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well until the color is evenly distributed, and you see a bright pumpkin-orange color.
4. Combine with Rice Krispies:
Next, pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula or spoon, making sure all the cereal is coated with the orange marshmallow mix.
5. Shape the Pumpkins:
Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small rounded pumpkin shapes, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Don’t worry about perfection—each pumpkin is special!
6. Cool and Set:
Place your shaped pumpkins on a sheet of wax paper or a greased baking sheet. Let them cool and set for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their pumpkin shape.
7. Decorate with Faces:
Once the pumpkins have set but are still a little soft, take your black decorating gel or icing and pipe on fun jack o’ lantern faces with eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Be creative—make some spooky or silly faces!
8. Add the Stems:
Now, use green decorating gel or icing to pipe a small stem on top of each pumpkin. This will give your treats that classic pumpkin look!
9. Final Touches:
Let the faces and stems set for a few minutes before serving to ensure everything stays in place. Now your delicious Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are ready to enjoy!
Enjoy these festive treats at your Halloween parties, or simply snack on them while enjoying the spooky season!
Can I Use Other Types of Cereal?
Yes! If you don’t have Rice Krispies on hand, you can substitute with any other puffed cereal, like Crisped Rice or Corn Puffs. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Orange Food Coloring?
If orange food coloring isn’t available, you can mix red and yellow food coloring to achieve a similar shade. Start with a few drops of each and adjust to get the perfect pumpkin color!
Can I Store Leftovers?
Absolutely! Store any leftover Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but can still be tasty for a few days!
How Do I Make These Treats Vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter and ensure the marshmallows are vegan-friendly (many brands offer egg-free options). You can also make your own marshmallow substitue if needed!
