Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

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Fall is my favorite season for one delicious reason—pumpkin spice everything. As soon as the air turns crisp, I crave those warm, cozy spices that remind me of leaves crunching underfoot and evenings wrapped in a blanket. That’s exactly why I whipped up these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats. They’re quick, no-bake, and the perfect twist on a classic that everyone already loves.

These treats are gooey, chewy, and loaded with fall flavor. I’ve made them multiple times now, and they’re always the first dessert to disappear at a party. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you get a rich marshmallow bar infused with pumpkin spice and finished with a drizzle of white chocolate. It’s basically autumn in dessert form.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

These aren’t your average Rice Krispie treats. The pumpkin spice takes them to a whole new level. They’re soft, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, they only take about 15 minutes to throw together—perfect for when you want a fast fall dessert that still feels festive.

Kids love them, adults devour them, and you don’t even need to turn on the oven. It’s a total win for busy fall days or last-minute get-togethers.

Can I Use Real Pumpkin in These Treats?

That’s a great question, and the answer is: I wouldn’t recommend it. Real pumpkin puree adds a lot of moisture, which can make the treats soggy and cause them not to set properly. Instead, this recipe leans on pumpkin pie spice to give you that rich, nostalgic flavor without changing the texture.

If you’re set on using real pumpkin, try mixing in no more than 1-2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree into the melted marshmallows—but know that the shelf life and texture might suffer a bit.

Options for Substitutions

No pumpkin pie spice? No problem! You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. A 2:1:1:0.5 ratio works great.

Don’t have white chocolate chips for the drizzle? Try melted butterscotch chips or even a cinnamon glaze. You can also use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

For those avoiding refined sugar, there are brown rice syrup marshmallows on the market that work well in place of the classic kind—just expect a slightly different taste and texture.

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Ingredients for This Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

• Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and depth to the base and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
• Mini Marshmallows: These are the heart of the gooey texture and sweetness. They also bind the cereal together perfectly.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: The magic blend that turns these treats from ordinary to autumn-inspired. It infuses every bite with warm fall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash enhances the overall flavor and complements the spice beautifully.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: The crispy texture you expect in every bite. Light and airy, yet sturdy enough to hold the gooey goodness.
• White Chocolate Chips: Optional but highly recommended for a drizzle on top—adds creamy sweetness and visual appeal.
• Salt (a pinch): Balances the sweetness and sharpens the spice flavors.

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Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set it aside.

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Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth and fully melted. Be patient here and avoid high heat to prevent burning.

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Step 3: Add Flavorings

Once the marshmallows are melted, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully incorporated.

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Step 4: Fold in the Cereal

Pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and quickly but gently fold everything together. Make sure the cereal is evenly coated with the spiced marshmallow mixture.

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Step 5: Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or wax paper to gently press it down into an even layer. Don’t press too hard—you want them to stay soft and chewy.

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Step 6: Add the White Chocolate Drizzle

While the treats cool, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring between each. Drizzle over the top using a spoon or piping bag for that professional finish.

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Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the pan cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, lift the treats out and slice them into squares or rectangles.

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How Long to Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

Prep Time: The total prep time is around 15 minutes. Melting the butter and marshmallows takes about 5–7 minutes, and folding in the cereal and pressing it into the pan takes another 5–8 minutes. It’s all very fast and manageable.

Cooling Time: These treats need at least 30 minutes to cool and firm up before slicing. You can pop them in the fridge for faster setting, but room temperature works just fine.

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats

• Use fresh marshmallows. Older marshmallows don’t melt as smoothly and can give your treats a dense, chewy texture.
• Low and slow is the way to go. Don’t rush melting the butter and marshmallows; high heat can make them rubbery.
• Add the cereal right after removing the marshmallow mixture from heat, and stir quickly before it starts setting.
• Use parchment paper or a buttered spatula to press down the mixture. Avoid compacting it too hard, or you’ll lose that soft, pillowy texture.
• Let the treats cool completely before cutting. This ensures clean slices and helps the drizzle set properly.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using too much cereal: Adding more than needed can make the treats dry and crumbly.
• Skipping the spice: Pumpkin spice is what gives this treat its seasonal charm—don’t skip or skimp!
• Overheating the marshmallow mix: It can cause the sugar to crystallize, resulting in a gritty texture.
• Under-mixing: Unevenly mixed cereal leads to clumps and dry patches.
• Cutting too soon: If you slice before they’re cooled, they won’t hold shape and the drizzle will smear.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats?

1. Hot Apple Cider

Warm, spiced apple cider pairs beautifully with the autumn flavors in these bars.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop on the side adds creamy contrast to the chewy bars.

3. Chai Latte

The spices in chai echo the pumpkin pie spice perfectly.

4. Caramel-Dipped Apples

Double down on fall vibes with this crunchy, sweet pairing.

5. Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew

Coffee and dessert together? Always a yes—this one brings out the pumpkin spice flavor even more.

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Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: Store the treats in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. They stay soft and chewy when stored properly.

In the Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer bite, or live in a warm climate, you can refrigerate them. Just be sure to bring them to room temp before serving so they’re not too hard.

Freezing: Yes, these freeze well! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 180
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fiber: 0g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats last?

They last up to 3 days at room temperature and 2 months in the freezer if stored properly.

Can I make these treats vegan?

Yes! Use plant-based butter, vegan marshmallows, and double-check your cereal and white chocolate for hidden dairy.

Can I use jumbo marshmallows instead of mini?

You can, but chop them up first so they melt more evenly. Use about 10 ounces total.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

Mix 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves to make a homemade blend.

Do I need to refrigerate these treats?

Nope! Room temp works best unless your home is really warm, then the fridge can help keep them firm.

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Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are the ultimate fall snack—fast, festive, and fabulously flavorful. Whether you’re prepping for a school bake sale, a Halloween party, or just want to treat yourself on a chilly evening, these bars deliver comfort in every bite. With cozy spices, a buttery marshmallow base, and a drizzle of white chocolate, they turn a childhood classic into an autumn masterpiece. Make a batch and see how quickly they disappear!

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