These fun Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are sweet, crunchy, and perfect for Halloween! With a crispy cereal base molded into pumpkin shapes, they are sure to bring smiles!
Making these is a blast! I love letting the kids help shape them and add silly faces. Plus, they’re quick to make—just mix, mold, and enjoy! 🎃✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Krispies cereal: This is the main base for your treats. If you can’t find Rice Krispies, you can use any crispy rice cereal or even puffed corn cereals. They all will work similarly!
Marshmallows: The gooey heaven in this recipe! Regular marshmallows or mini ones work great. For a twist, you can try flavored marshmallows, like orange or vanilla for added flavor.
Orange food coloring: This gives your treats that cheerful pumpkin color. If you want a natural alternative, consider using beet juice or turmeric powder, but note they may alter the taste slightly.
Black decorating gel: This is used for drawing spooky faces. If you’re feeling creative, you can use melted dark chocolate or black fondant as alternatives!
Green candy pumpkins: These add a cute touch! You can substitute them with green gummy candies or use small blobs of green icing if you’re crafting faces with icing anyway.
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Mold the Treats?
Shaping the Rice Krispie treats into pumpkins can be tricky, but here’s how to get it just right:
- After mixing the cereal and melted marshmallows, let the mix cool slightly—this makes it easier to handle.
- Use a buttered spatula or your hands (but spray them with a bit of cooking spray) to press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Once cooled, work quickly to shape the pieces into rounded edges. Gently squeeze and shape as needed! Don’t squish too hard; you want them fluffy!
Remember, the more playful and lumpy they look, the more character your Jack o’ Lanterns will have! Enjoy the process!
Jack o’ Lantern Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) package of marshmallows (or about 4 cups mini marshmallows)
- Orange food coloring
- Black decorating gel or black icing for faces
- Green candy pumpkins or green fondant shaped into pumpkin stems
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful treat will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes to cool and set. So, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to finish before they’re ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pan:
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the treats come out easily once they’re set.
2. Melt the Butter:
In a large pot, melt the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t burn.
3. Add the Marshmallows:
Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously until they are completely melted and smooth. This will create a gooey mixture!
4. Color it Orange:
Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in orange food coloring a few drops at a time until you get a bright, pumpkin-like color. Mix it well!
5. Combine with Cereal:
Next, add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the mixture together until all the cereal is evenly coated with the orange goo.
6. Press it into the Pan:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, press it down firmly and evenly. Be careful not to press too hard; you want to keep the treats fluffy!
7. Let it Cool:
Allow the mixture to cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes. This is an essential step for perfect candy texture.
8. Shape the Treats:
Once cooled, cut the Rice Krispie treats into pumpkin shapes—feel free to make squares or small rectangles with rounded edges for a more pumpkin-like look!
9. Decorate with Faces:
Use black decorating gel or icing to draw Jack o’ Lantern faces on each treat. Think spooky fun: triangular eyes, a nose, and zigzag mouths!
10. Add the Stems:
Finally, top each pumpkin treat with a green candy pumpkin or place a small green fondant stem on top to finish the look.
11. Set and Serve:
Allow the icing or gel to set before serving. Then, enjoy your festive and adorable Jack o’ Lantern treats at your Halloween festivities!
These treats are a hit for Halloween parties and make perfect sweet snacks! Happy Halloween! 🎃
Can I Use a Different Cereal Instead of Rice Krispies?
Absolutely! You can substitute Rice Krispies with any crispy rice cereal or even puffed corn cereals. Just ensure they have a similar texture for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Rice Krispie Treats?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and put them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.
Can I Make These Treats Vegan?
Yes! To make the treats vegan, use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter. Be sure to check the ingredient list on both products for any hidden animal products.
What If I Don’t Have Black Decorating Gel?
If you don’t have black decorating gel, you can use melted dark chocolate or black frosting as alternatives. Just pipe or spread them on to create fun pumpkin faces!
