These fun Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are not just tasty, but they also look adorable! Made with marshmallows and crispy rice cereal, they’re perfect for Halloween.
Kids love helping to shape them into little pumpkins, and I can’t resist the sweet treat myself! 🎃 You can even add a chocolate face for extra fun. They’re super easy to make, too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies Cereal: This is the base for your treats. You can substitute with any puffed rice cereal if you prefer a different flavor or texture.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative works well too.
Marshmallows: Regular marshmallows are needed for that classic sticky texture. For a vegan option, look for marshmallows made without gelatin, which are increasingly available.
Orange Food Coloring: Gel food coloring gives a rich color without changing the texture. For a natural option, you can use carrot juice, though it may be less vibrant.
Black Decorating Gel: If you prefer a healthier option, use dark chocolate chips or melted chocolate to create the jack-o-lantern faces. It adds a nice flavor too!
How Can I Shape the Rice Krispie Treats Like Pumpkins?
Shaping the treats can be tricky but fun! Here’s how to do it:
- After you mix the cereal and marshmallow, let it cool slightly but not harden.
- Grease your hands with butter to prevent sticking.
- Take a portion of the mixture and gently form it into a round shape, then slightly flatten it to resemble a pumpkin.
- Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; a little unevenness adds character!
Enjoy making these cute and delicious treats! They’re a great project for getting kids involved in the kitchen, and they love adding their own facial designs!
Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz, about 40) regular marshmallows
- Orange food coloring
- Black decorating gel or black icing gel (for jack-o-lantern faces)
- Green candy melts or green icing for pumpkin stems (or small green candy pumpkins as decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to set. You’ll spend just a bit of time melting and mixing, but the real fun comes when you shape and decorate your adorable little pumpkins!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
2. Add the Marshmallows:
Once the butter is melted, add in the marshmallows. Stir constantly until every marshmallow is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This can take a few minutes, so be patient!
3. Color the Mixture:
Remove the saucepan from heat and add a few drops of orange food coloring. Stir well so that the color distributes evenly throughout the marshmallow mix. You want it to look like a bright pumpkin!
4. Mix in the Rice Krispies:
Now, slowly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently until all the cereal is coated with the gooey marshmallows. Make sure you don’t crush the cereal—just fold it in gently!
5. Prepare Your Work Area:
Lightly grease a large baking pan or your work surface with butter or non-stick spray. This will help prevent sticking when you shape the treats.
6. Shape the Treats:
Pour the mixture out onto your prepared surface and let it cool just enough to handle. Grease your hands with butter, then scoop portions of the mixture and shape them into small pumpkins. Aim for a round, slightly flattened sphere!
7. Decorate Your Pumpkins:
Place the shaped pumpkins on a parchment-lined tray or plate. Use the black decorating gel to create fun jack-o-lantern faces by piping eyes, noses, and mouths. Get creative!
8. Add Pumpkin Stems:
Finally, attach green candy melts, icing, or small green candy pumpkins on top as the stems. This little detail makes them look extra cute!
9. Let Them Set:
Allow the treats to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving them. This is an important step to ensure they hold their shape!
Enjoy your festive and delicious Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats! They’re perfect for Halloween parties or just for fun! 🎃
Can I Use Different Cereal for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute Rice Krispies with any puffed cereal, like Cheerios or Cocoa Krispies. Keep in mind that using chocolate-flavored cereal will alter the taste slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover Jack o’ Lantern Treats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you refrigerate them, they may become hard, so it’s best to keep them in a cool, dry place.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Rice Krispie mixture and shape the pumpkins a day in advance. Just wait to add the faces and stems until the day you plan to serve them, so they stay fresh and cute!
What Can I Use Instead of Black Decorating Gel?
If you don’t have black decorating gel, you can melt dark chocolate chips and use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to create the jack-o-lantern faces. It adds a delicious flavor too!