Have you ever wondered how to transform the classic Rice Krispie treats into a festive fall dessert without turning on your oven? The answer might be simpler than you think!

These delightful Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts combine the nostalgic crunch of everyone’s favorite cereal treat with warm autumn spices and a vibrant pumpkin twist. Perfect for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or just a cozy fall afternoon treat.

As the leaves change and pumpkin-everything season arrives, these no-bake treats offer a quick and satisfying way to embrace autumn flavors without the fuss of traditional baking.

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to create your festive Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts. Most items are likely already in your pantry, making this an accessible treat for last-minute gatherings!

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or any puffed rice cereal)
• 3 tablespoons butter (unsalted preferred)
• 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
• 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Orange food coloring (optional for vibrant color)
• 2 cups white chocolate chips or candy melts (for glaze)
• Fall-themed sprinkles

Substitution ideas: For a pumpkin rice krispie donuts without marshmallows version, try 1/2 cup honey mixed with 1/4 cup nut butter instead. Vegan butter works perfectly in place of regular butter, and for a gluten-free version, ensure your cereal is certified gluten-free.

Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes

Setting time: 30 minutes

Decorating time: 15 minutes

Total time: 1 hour

This recipe comes together in just 60 minutes total, which is approximately 40% faster than traditional baked donuts. The active time is merely 30 minutes, making this an efficient choice for busy fall days when you need a quick treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create perfect pumpkin-flavored treats that look as good as they taste!

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Lightly grease a donut pan with cooking spray or butter. If you don’t have a donut pan, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You’ll shape your donuts by hand later. Also prepare a large bowl by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Mixture

In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the pumpkin puree and stir for 1-2 minutes until well combined and slightly warmed. This step helps remove excess moisture from the pumpkin, which ensures your treats won’t be soggy.

Step 3: Incorporate Marshmallows

Add the marshmallows to the saucepan and reduce heat to low. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. This typically takes 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to let the mixture burn!

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and a few drops of orange food coloring if using. Mix until the color is uniform and vibrant. The spices will become more aromatic as they blend with the warm mixture.

Step 5: Mix in Rice Krispies

Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the prepared large bowl. Pour the warm pumpkin-marshmallow mixture over the cereal and gently fold everything together using a greased spatula. Work quickly but carefully to coat all the cereal without crushing it.

Step 6: Shape Your Donuts

If using a donut pan: Press the warm mixture into the greased donut molds, being sure to create a hole in the center. If shaping by hand: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then use greased hands to form donut shapes with a center hole, placing them on the parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Allow the donuts to cool completely for about 30 minutes until firm. This patience ensures your donuts will hold their shape perfectly when dipped in chocolate glaze.

Step 8: Prepare the Glaze

Melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil and stir until reaching a good dipping consistency.

Step 9: Decorate

Dip the top of each Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts into the white chocolate glaze. Place them back on the parchment paper and immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets. For variety, you can mix food coloring into portions of the glaze to create different colored donuts.

Step 10: Set the Glaze

Allow the glaze to set completely for about 15 minutes. You can expedite this process by placing the donuts in the refrigerator for 5-7 minutes if you’re short on time.

Nutritional Information

Each Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts (based on a yield of 12 donuts) contains approximately:

Calories: 210 per donut
Fat: 7g (4g saturated)
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg

The addition of real pumpkin adds beneficial vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A and potassium, making these treats slightly more nutritious than standard Rice Krispie treats. They contain approximately 20% of your daily Vitamin A requirement per serving.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make these festive treats a bit more nutritious? Try these smart swaps:

Replace half the butter with coconut oil for healthier fats. Use brown rice cereal instead of regular Rice Krispies for added fiber and nutrients. Reduce sugar by using low-sugar marshmallows or the honey alternative mentioned earlier.

For a protein boost, add 2 tablespoons of unflavored collagen powder or plant protein to the marshmallow mixture. You can also incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped nuts or seeds for healthy fats and extra texture.

Dark chocolate can replace white chocolate for the glaze, offering antioxidant benefits and less sugar. Natural food colorings like beetroot powder can create festive colors without artificial dyes.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your pumpkin treats with these creative serving ideas:

Create a fall dessert board by arranging the donuts alongside apple slices, cheese cubes, and candied nuts. Serve with a side of warm caramel sauce for dipping or drizzling over the top.

For a delightful breakfast twist, cut the donuts in half and use them as “bread” for a cream cheese sandwich. They also pair wonderfully with hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for a complete autumn experience.

Stack them on a tiered cake stand for an impressive display at fall gatherings. Individual donuts can be wrapped in cellophane and tied with raffia for adorable party favors or classroom treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree – Pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe balance. Stick with pure pumpkin puree.
• Overheating the marshmallow mixture – This can cause the final treats to be tough rather than chewy. Always melt over low heat and remove from heat promptly.
• Not greasing your hands and tools – The mixture is sticky! Keep your hands and utensils lightly greased with butter or cooking spray.
• Compressing the cereal too much – Gentle folding preserves the airy texture. Press too hard and you’ll end up with dense, hard donuts.
• Rushing the setting time – Patience is key! Treats that haven’t set properly will fall apart when glazed.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Keep your rice krispie donuts fresh and delicious with these storage recommendations:

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, these treats freeze beautifully for up to 6 weeks when wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container.

If you notice your treats beginning to harden after a day, place a slice of bread in the storage container. The moisture from the bread will help keep the donuts soft and chewy without making them soggy.

For make-ahead preparation, you can create the base treats and freeze them undecorated, then thaw and add the glaze just before serving for that fresh-made taste and appearance.

Conclusion

These delightful Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts bring together the nostalgic crunch of a childhood favorite with warm fall flavors that everyone loves. Their no-bake convenience and festive appearance make them perfect for everything from after-school snacks to holiday gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – customize the colors, toppings, and even the base ingredients to suit your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these treats deliver impressive results with minimal effort.

Have you tried making these festive treats? Share your creations on social media and tag us, or leave a comment below with your favorite variations! For more seasonal no-bake treats, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for regular recipe inspiration.

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