These fun Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for Halloween! With soft marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, they look like cute pumpkins!
Making these treats is a blast, especially when I decorate them with little faces. Plus, who can resist a sweet snack that brings some spooky cheer? 🎃
They’re so easy to whip up! I just melt the marshmallows, mix in the cereal, and shape them. Perfect for parties or as a fun treat at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crispy Rice Cereal: This is the base of our treats. If you’re looking for a twist, you can use puffed corn or another puffed cereal. It’s all about that crispy texture!
Mini Marshmallows: These give the treats their sticky and sweet character. You can substitute with regular marshmallows—just use about 10-12 for the same effect. It’ll add a bit more airiness too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for a balanced flavor. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap in margarine or coconut oil. Just make sure it melts well for mixing!
Orange Food Coloring: This gives our pumpkins their bright color. If you prefer natural options, use a bit of carrot juice or beet powder—though it may change the flavor slightly!
Green Candy Melts or Icing: These are for the pumpkin stems. If you can’t find them, use green frosting from a tube or even make your own with powdered sugar and a bit of green food color.
Black Decorating Gel: This is key for those adorable jack o’ lantern faces! If you don’t have any, melted dark chocolate will work well too, or even chocolate chips!
How Do I Shape the Rice Krispie Treats into Pumpkins?
Shaping these treats into adorable pumpkins can be a little tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Here’s how to get that perfect pumpkin shape:
- Always grease your hands with butter or cooking spray to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Take a handful of the cereal mixture and gently roll it into a ball, then press it into a slightly flat, rounded top to mimic a pumpkin.
- If you want larger pumpkins, keep adding more mixture until you reach your desired size.
- Place the finished shapes on a parchment-lined tray to cool completely, allowing them to firm up.
With practice, you’ll master the pumpkin shape in no time!
Jack o Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows (about 4 cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Orange food coloring
- Green candy melts or green icing for pumpkin stems
- Black decorating gel or black icing for jack o’ lantern faces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This fun recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus some time for the treats to cool and set. Perfect for a quick Halloween snack or party treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn! Once it’s melted, move on to the next step.
2. Add the Marshmallows:
Add the mini marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. This will create a gooey, sweet mixture that brings our treats together.
3. Color the Marshmallow Mixture:
Remove the pot from the heat. Quickly stir in the orange food coloring until the mixture turns a bright pumpkin-orange color. You can add more coloring if you want a deeper shade!
4. Combine with Cereal:
Immediately add the crispy rice cereal to the orange marshmallow mix. Stir it all together until every piece of cereal is covered in that delicious orange goo. This is where the treat magic happens!
5. Shape the Pumpkins:
Now it’s time to shape those pumpkins! Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Take a handful of the mixture and roll it into a ball (about the size of your fist) and then gently flatten the top slightly to create a pumpkin shape. Don’t worry about making them perfect—each pumpkin is unique!
6. Cool and Set:
Place the shaped pumpkins onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool for a few minutes until they are set and firm to the touch. This will help them hold their shape.
7. Add the Stems:
Melt the green candy melts according to the package instructions. Using a piping bag or a small spoon, slightly drizzle or place small green “stems” on top of each pumpkin. If you’re using icing, pipe on the stems instead!
8. Decorate Faces:
Using black decorating gel or icing, create adorable jack o’ lantern faces on your pumpkins. Add triangle eyes and noses, and don’t forget the smiles!
9. Let Set and Enjoy:
Let the faces set for a bit before serving. These festive treats are now ready for your Halloween celebrations! Enjoy your Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats!
Can I Use Different Colors for the Marshmallow Mixture?
Absolutely! While orange is traditional for pumpkins, you could use any color food coloring to create fun variations. Consider green for monster treats or purple for spooky witch concoctions! Just remember to mix until you achieve your desired hue.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Treats?
Store any leftover Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a very humid area, it’s best to keep them in the fridge to maintain their texture, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make These Treats in Advance?
Sure! You can make these treats a day or two ahead of your Halloween festivities. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you choose to decorate them in advance, they might slightly lose their shape or crispiness, so consider decorating them the day you plan to serve!
What If My Treats Are Too Sticky to Shape?
If your mixture is too sticky to shape, it might be because it’s very warm. Try letting the mixture cool slightly before attempting to shape your pumpkins. If it’s still too difficult, you can lightly grease your hands again to help with the sticking!
