Fall arrives with its cozy sweaters, colorful leaves, and an undeniable craving for all things pumpkin spice. While traditional pumpkin pie holds its rightful place on autumn tables, sometimes you need a dessert that’s easier to make, more portable, and just as satisfying. Enter pumpkin pie Rice Krispy treats! A brilliant mashup that combines the nostalgic charm of childhood’s favorite cereal bar with the warm, spiced flavors we can’t get enough of during fall.

This creative twist transforms the classic three-ingredient treat into something extraordinary. You get all the comforting flavors of pumpkin pie – that perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger – wrapped up in a chewy, crispy package that’s ready in under 30 minutes. No rolling dough, no blind-baking crusts, and no waiting hours for your dessert to set. Just pure autumn bliss in every bite.

Why Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispy Treats Work So Well

The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way pumpkin puree naturally enhances the marshmallow base. Unlike traditional Rice Krispy treats that can sometimes turn out too sweet or one-dimensional, the pumpkin adds moisture, richness, and a subtle earthy flavor that balances beautifully with the marshmallows’ sweetness.

The pumpkin pie spice blend – typically featuring cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice – brings warmth and complexity that transforms these treats from a simple snack into a legitimate fall dessert. Plus, the natural color from the pumpkin puree gives these bars a gorgeous golden-orange hue that screams autumn.

Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispy Treats

6 cups miniature marshmallows, divided
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
6 1/2 cups rice Krispies cereal
3 tbsp. pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Orange gel food coloring
Whipped cream for topping, optional

Step-by-Step Recipe

Start by preparing your workspace. Lightly spray your cake pan with cooking spray. Measure out the Rice Krispy’s cereal into a large mixing bowl.

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once it’s melted and starting to foam slightly, add your marshmallows. Medium-low ensures even melting without burning.

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in 2 1/2 cups of rice krispies cereal until well combined. Press this mixture evenly around the outer edge of a round cake pan, creating a border.

For the next layer, melt 2 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same saucepan. Add 4 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted.

Mix in pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice, stirring until smooth and well blended.

Remove from heat and fold in 4 cups of rice krispies cereal until evenly coated. Pour this pumpkin-flavored mixture into the center of the cake pan, smoothing it out evenly. Using wax paper or parchment paper can make this step easier.

Let the rice krispy treats set for about 1 hour. Once firm, slice into portions and serve. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra touch, if desired.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store these treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They actually improve slightly after a day, as the flavors meld and the texture settles.

For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. They thaw quickly at room temperature and taste just as good as fresh.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your treats turn out too soft, you likely added too much pumpkin puree or didn’t let the marshmallows cook long enough. Next time, make sure your marshmallows are completely smooth before adding the pumpkin, and consider draining your puree if it seems watery.

If they’re too hard, you probably overcooked the marshmallows or pressed too firmly when shaping.

Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispy Treats

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 5

Time to Set 1

Total Time 1 25

Equipment

1 cake pan

Ingredients

6 cups miniature marshmallows divided
4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
6.5 cups Rice Krispy's Cereal
4 tbsp pumpkin puree
orange gel food coloring
whipped cream for topping

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter.
Add in 2 cups of the mini marshmallows, and stir until melted.
Remove from the heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups rice krispies cereal.
Press this mixture around the outside edge of a round cake pan.
Next, to the pot, add 2 1/2 tbsp. unsalted butter, and heat until melted.
Add 4 cups mini marshmallows and stir, until melted.
Add in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, stirring to combine.
Remove from the heat and stir in 4 cups rice krispies cereal.
Add this mixture to the middle of the cake pan and smooth out evenly. I like to use wax paper or parchment for this.
Allow the rice Krispie treats 1 hour to set, then cut into slices.
Add whipped cream, if desired.

The Perfect Fall Dessert

Pumpkin pie Rice Krispy treats represent everything wonderful about fall baking – they’re approachable, delicious, and capture the season’s best flavors without requiring advanced techniques or special equipment. Whether you’re looking for a fun project to do with kids, a contribution to the office potluck, or just want to satisfy that autumn sweet tooth, these treats deliver every single time.

The best part? Once you master this basic recipe, you can experiment with additions like mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of Nutella. Fall baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be absolutely delicious, and these treats prove it beautifully.