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To make these fun treats, you will need: - 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal - 4 cups mini marshmallows - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup orange candy melts - 12 green gummy worms (for stems) - Cooking spray (for greasing) These ingredients are easy to find. The Rice Krispies and marshmallows create that classic chewy texture. The orange candy melts give your pumpkins their bright color. You can add these fun extras to make your pumpkins pop: - Edible glitter - Chocolate drizzle - Sprinkles These decorations add flair. They make your treats look festive and fun for gatherings or parties. To create your Rice Krispie treat pumpkins, gather these tools: - Large mixing bowl - 9x13 inch baking dish - Large saucepan - Spatula or wooden spoon - Parchment paper - Microwave-safe bowl Using the right tools makes your job easier. Make sure everything is ready before you start. Having clean equipment helps you enjoy the process more. If you want the full recipe, check the details above! Start by gathering your tools. You need a large mixing bowl and a 9x13 inch baking dish. Coat both with cooking spray. This step is key. It stops the Rice Krispie mix from sticking. Use a light layer, just enough to cover the surfaces. Next, grab a large saucepan. Set it over low heat. Add the unsalted butter first. Watch it melt completely. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir them often as they melt. You want a smooth mixture. When it’s all melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for some extra flavor. Now, it’s time to combine. Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mix. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Make sure every Rice Krispie is well-coated. Once mixed, pour it into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. After it cools, grab large handfuls and shape them into small pumpkins. Aim for about 2 inches in diameter. Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet. To get the best Rice Krispie treats, follow these tips. First, use fresh marshmallows. Old marshmallows can harden and lose their stickiness. Second, melt the butter and marshmallows slowly over low heat. This helps keep the texture soft and creamy. Stir constantly to avoid burning. Lastly, mix the cereal in quickly. The marshmallow mix cools fast, so work fast to coat every piece. This ensures a chewy bite. Many people make simple mistakes when making these treats. One common error is not greasing the bowl and pan. This leads to a sticky mess that’s hard to clean. Another mistake is not allowing the mixture to cool enough before shaping. If it’s too hot, the treats won’t hold their shape. Lastly, don’t skip the vanilla extract. It adds a lovely flavor that makes your treats stand out. Get creative with your Rice Krispie pumpkins! Try using different candies for fun designs. You can use chocolate chips for eyes or pretzel sticks for a unique texture. You can even sprinkle colored sugar on the pumpkins for a festive look. For a spooky twist, use black candy melts instead of orange. This gives your treats a fun Halloween vibe. Let your imagination run wild! {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavor and color of your Rice Krispie Treat pumpkins. Try using different candy melts. For example, green candy melts give a fun twist for monster pumpkins. You can also add flavored extracts like almond or lemon to the marshmallow mix for a unique taste. Want a chocolate version? Substitute some of the cereal with Cocoa Krispies. This makes a tasty chocolate pumpkin treat. If you seek a healthier option, you can use brown rice cereal or puffed quinoa instead of Rice Krispies. This adds more fiber. You can also swap mini marshmallows for a healthier marshmallow brand, or make homemade marshmallows. Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of butter and sugar. This lowers the calorie count while still keeping the treat delicious. You can adapt Rice Krispie Treat pumpkins for other holidays. For Halloween, use black candy melts and add spooky decorations like candy eyes. For Thanksgiving, shape them into turkeys with brown candy melts and candy corn feathers. During Christmas, make them into Christmas trees using green candy melts and sprinkle edible glitter for a festive touch. Each holiday gives you a chance to get creative! You can find the full recipe to get started on these fun variations. To keep your Rice Krispie pumpkins fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method prevents them from getting hard or stale. You can also place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Make sure to keep them at room temperature. If you put them in the fridge, they may become too hard to enjoy. Rice Krispie pumpkins stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. After that, they may lose some of their chewiness. If you have leftovers, check them for any signs of spoilage before eating. If they appear dry or hard, it’s time to toss them. You can freeze Rice Krispie pumpkins if you want to store them longer. Wrap each pumpkin in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can change their texture. For the best taste, eat them fresh! Yes, you can make Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time. I often prepare them a day before a party. They stay fresh and tasty when stored properly. Just keep them in an airtight container. This way, they won’t dry out. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them soft. If you don't have candy melts, you can use chocolate chips. They melt well and coat nicely. White chocolate is another option. Just keep in mind that they may not give you the bright orange color. You can also tint white chocolate with food coloring for fun shades. Yes, Rice Krispie Treats can be made gluten-free! Use gluten-free Rice Krispies. They taste just as good as the regular kind. All other ingredients listed are gluten-free, too. Always check the labels to be sure, just in case. You learned how to make fun Rice Krispie treat pumpkins. We covered the key ingredients, useful tools, and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips to perfect your treats and creative decoration ideas. You also discovered variations and storage tips for keeping them fresh. Try making these for a fun treat or party. Enjoy the smiles they bring!

Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins

Get ready to impress this Halloween with Rice Krispie Treat Pumpkins! These adorable and delicious treats are easy to make and perfect for any festive gathering. With just a few ingredients like Rice Krispies cereal, mini marshmallows, and orange candy melts, you can create tasty pumpkin-shaped snacks that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your Halloween sweeter!
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Ingredients
  

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal

4 cups mini marshmallows

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup orange candy melts

12 green gummy worms (for stems)

Cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Prepare the pan: Lightly coat a large mixing bowl and a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the Rice Krispie mixture from sticking to the surfaces as you work.

    Melt the marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely. Once melted, pour in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.

      Combine with cereal: Quickly add the Rice Krispies cereal to the warm marshmallow mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to thoroughly combine, ensuring each Rice Krispie is evenly coated with the sticky marshmallow mixture.

        Shape the pumpkins: Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly into a layer. Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes until it is safe to touch. Then, using your hands, grab large handfuls of the mixture and shape them into clusters resembling small pumpkins, about 2 inches in diameter. Position these pumpkin-shaped treats on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

          Melt the candy melts: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the orange candy melts. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the candy is completely smooth and melted.

            Coat the pumpkins: Dip each shaped Rice Krispie pumpkin into the melted orange candy, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, carefully place them back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet to allow the coating to set properly.

              Add stems: Once the orange candy coating has hardened, take a green gummy worm and gently insert one into the top of each Rice Krispie pumpkin to act as the stem.

                Final touch: For an extra decorative touch, consider drizzling any leftover melted orange candy over the pumpkins or sprinkling edible glitter on top for an enchanting finish.

                  Prep Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 12-15 pumpkins

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the finished Rice Krispie Pumpkins on a festive platter, or place them in a small pumpkin-themed basket for a seasonal display.