Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you love classic Rice Krispie treats but are ready to fall head over heels for a seasonal twist, this Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is exactly what you need. I stumbled upon this variation one crisp fall afternoon, and it instantly became a hit at every gathering. The cozy pumpkin pie spice blends beautifully with the melty marshmallow and crispy cereal, creating a dessert that’s both nostalgic and delightfully new.

These treats are perfect when you want something quick to whip up but still crave those warm autumn flavors. Whether you’re bringing them to a holiday party or sneaking bites while watching your favorite fall movie, this Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe never disappoints. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to fall indulgence!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe plays a key role in getting the texture and flavor just right. I always recommend using mini marshmallows for better melting and evenly coating the cereal. Plus, picking the right butter and spice ensures that cozy autumn vibe shines through.

• Salted Butter: Browning the butter for the crust brings a depth of flavor—it’s buttery, nutty, and rich.
• Mini Marshmallows: They melt quickly and smoothly, ensuring your layers stick well together.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: The classic crunch that holds the treat’s shape and keeps it light.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star seasoning, a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that instantly screams fall.
• Orange Food Coloring (Optional): Just a few drops enhance the look without affecting the flavor.
• Whipped Cream: Adds creamy richness on top and balances the sweetness every time I serve these.

Tweak to Your Taste

I often experiment with the pumpkin pie spice amount, depending on how “spicy” I’m feeling. You could even swap it with a homemade spice blend or add in a pinch of ginger for a little zing. Feel free to customize to your craving!

• More Spice: I sometimes double the pumpkin pie spice for a bolder flavor and love how it perks up the treats.
• Dairy-Free Version: Using vegan butter and marshmallows works well if you want to keep it allergy-friendly without sacrificing texture.
• Added Texture: Mixing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and a hint of nuttiness I’ve grown fond of.
• Food Coloring-Free: If you prefer a more natural look, skipping the orange food coloring still shines through with that lovely spice aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter for the Crust

Start by melting the salted butter over medium heat in a sizeable pan. Keep an eye on it—once you see it foaming and turning golden brown with a nutty aroma, you’re there. This browning step is key to adding depth, so don’t rush it or set the heat too high. Then immediately add the mini marshmallows, stirring gently until melted, followed by folding in 2 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until the mixture is evenly coated.

Step 2: Press in the Crust Layer

Once the crust mixture is ready, pour it into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Press it down evenly with a spatula or buttered hands (damp hands help prevent sticking). This sets the sturdy bottom layer to hold your filling later. Let it start cooling while you make the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling Layer

In the same pan, melt the butter again for the filling. Right away, stir in the pumpkin pie spice and a few drops of orange food coloring if you’re using it. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until fully melted and glossy. Quickly fold in the remaining 4 cups of Rice Krispies cereal until coated with that spicy buttery goodness.

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Spread the pumpkin pie filling gently over the cooled crust, patting evenly with a spatula or lightly greased hands to compact the mixture without crushing the crispy texture. Let your treat cool completely, about an hour or so, so the layers firm up nicely before cutting.

Step 5: Cut and Serve with Flair

Cut your spectacular two-layered treats into 16 squares. Just before serving, top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. It’s a little finishing touch that elevates these from simple snacks to seasonal showstoppers.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping each square with a generous swirl of whipped cream—it adds that creamy contrast to the crispy treat. A light sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon gives a pop of aroma and looks just pretty enough to impress friends at a fall party.

Side Dishes

These treats are sweet and filling, so I usually pair them with a simple, warm beverage like spiced apple cider or a cup of chai tea. They also complement pumpkin-flavored coffee or a cozy hot chocolate perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a Halloween party, I cut the treats into mini bite-sized squares and stuck little festive toothpicks in them – instant crowd pleaser! Another idea is to serve them on a rustic wooden platter with cinnamon sticks and mini pumpkins scattered around for that autumn vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep the leftover Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature, making sure to layer the squares with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They stay chewy and fresh for about 3-4 days, perfect for having on hand as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Freezing

Freezing works great! I wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw them at room temp for about 30 minutes – still tastes like freshly made!

Reheating

If you prefer warm treats, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave revives the melty softness wonderfully, but be careful not to overheat or they’ll get tough. I usually warm just one or two squares at a time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to celebrate autumn in a bowl—well, more like a pan! It’s simple, comforting, and fun to share with friends and family. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for seconds, just as I do every fall. Happy baking and snacking!

Print