These fun Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are a sweet way to celebrate Halloween! They combine crispy rice cereal, gooey marshmallows, and a sprinkle of chocolate to make them extra special.
Making them is a breeze, and kids love to help shape them into little pumpkin faces! I usually add a bit of orange coloring to make them look extra festive. They disappear fast at my house! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crispy Rice Cereal: This is the base of your treats. If you can’t find this cereal, you can use any similar puffed cereal, like puffed corn or even oatmeal cereal for a twist.
Mini Marshmallows: They provide sweetness and bind everything together. If you’re looking for a vegan option, try using a plant-based marshmallow alternative or even marshmallow fluff.
Butter: I like using unsalted butter for more control over saltiness. You can substitute with margarine for a dairy-free option, or coconut oil for a different flavor.
Orange Food Coloring: This gives your pumpkins their bright orange hue. If you prefer natural options, use a teaspoon of turmeric or beet juice, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Black Fondant or Candy Melts: For eyes and mouth. If you’re short on time, black gel icing works well! Just pipe it right onto your treats.
How Do I Shape the Rice Krispie Treats Without Getting Stuck?
Shaping Rice Krispie Treats can be sticky, but here’s how to make it easier:
- Keep a bowl of warm water nearby. Dipping your hands in the water will help prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Press the mixture gently; don’t squeeze too hard or they may lose their shape.
- Work quickly after mixing; if it cools too much, it becomes harder to shape.
These tips will help you shape those cute pumpkin treats easily, ensuring you can enjoy this festive fun without the mess!
How to Make Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (about 1 package, 10 oz)
- 3 tablespoons of butter
For Decoration:
- Orange food coloring
- Black fondant or black candy melts (for jack o’ lantern faces)
- Green frosting or green candy melts (for pumpkin stems)
- White small candy pearls or white frosting (for decoration around stem)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and set, plus 10 minutes of additional shaping and decorating. So, set aside about 25-30 minutes in total to enjoy your festive treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. This should be done gently to avoid burning the butter.
2. Add the Marshmallows:
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This is where the magic begins!
3. Color the Mixture:
Add a few drops of orange food coloring into the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well until the color is evenly distributed, making your pumpkins bright and cheerful!
4. Combine with Cereal:
Remove the pot from heat and quickly add the crispy rice cereal. Stir until all the cereal is fully coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Shape the Treats:
Lightly grease a large baking sheet or pan. Pour the sticky mixture onto it and gently press down evenly with wet hands. Let it cool for about 5 minutes but not completely harden.
6. Form the Pumpkins:
Using your hands, quickly shape the mixture into small round pumpkin shapes, slightly flattened. It’s okay if they aren’t perfect; every pumpkin is unique!
7. Decorate the Faces:
Take your black fondant or melted black candy melts and cut out small triangles for the eyes, a triangle for the nose, and a crescent shape for the mouth. Attach them gently to each pumpkin face to bring them to life!
8. Add the Stems:
Using green frosting or melted green candy melts, pipe a small stem on top of each pumpkin. This gives it that classic pumpkin look!
9. Decorative Touch:
Dot some white candy pearls or small dots of white frosting around the green stem for decoration and an extra touch of cuteness!
10. Let It Set:
Allow the treats to set completely before serving—just a few minutes is usually enough since they will harden as they cool.
Now your delightful Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are ready to enchant and satisfy! Perfect for Halloween parties or a fun treat at home, these little pumpkins are sweet, crunchy, and absolutely adorable! Enjoy! 🎃
Can I Use Gluten-Free Cereal for These Treats?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose a gluten-free crispy rice cereal to keep your treats suitable for everyone. Many brands now offer gluten-free options that work perfectly.
How Should I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store any leftover treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If they become a bit stale, you can pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up!
What If I Don’t Have Orange Food Coloring?
No worries! If you don’t have orange food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like turmeric for a yellow-orange hue or a mix of red and yellow gel food coloring to achieve a similar effect.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the rice mixture a day in advance and shape them into pumpkins. Simply store them in an airtight container and decorate the next day for the freshest look!