Hey y'all! If you're looking for a treat that's equal parts playful and delicious, look no further than these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts. They're chewy, marshmallowy, warmly spiced with pumpkin pie flavor, and come together without ever turning on your oven. Perfect for fall celebrations, Halloween parties, or just as a delightful weekend project with the kids. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts Recipe
- Super simple, no-bake recipe ready in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with cozy pumpkin and spice flavor – totally crave-worthy!
- Fun, donut-shaped twist on a classic Rice Krispie treat.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and decorations.
- Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or holiday dessert tables.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 6 cups)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- ¾ cup white chocolate chips, optional (for glaze)
- Orange food coloring, optional (for glaze and extra color)
- Festive sprinkles or chopped nuts, optional (for topping)
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts – Step by Step Directions
Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
- Lightly coat a standard donut pan (or muffin tin) with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Measure out all your ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
Make the Pumpkin Marshmallow Mixture
- In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely.
- Add pumpkin puree, stirring for 2-3 minutes to cook off excess moisture.
- Add mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and quickly mix in pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract.
Combine with Cereal
- Immediately add Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until the mixture is well combined and evenly coated.
Shape Into Donuts
- Allow the mixture to cool for 2-3 minutes (so it's comfortable to touch but still moldable).
- With greased hands, scoop a small mound into each donut cavity and press firmly to shape, creating a hole in the middle. Repeat until done.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then gently remove and transfer to a rack.
Decorate Your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Optional glaze: Melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Tint the melted chocolate with orange food coloring if desired. Drizzle or spread over the cooled donuts and finish with sprinkles or nuts.
Notes for Perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- To avoid soggy treats, cook the pumpkin puree for a couple of minutes before adding marshmallows to remove extra moisture. Learn more about using canned pumpkin.
- Spray your hands with nonstick spray before shaping the donuts to prevent sticking.
- If you don’t have a donut pan, mold donuts by hand or use a round cookie cutter for a DIY version.
Fun Variations for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate or candy melts over the top for a decadent finish.
- Maple Pecan: Add ½ teaspoon maple extract to the mixture, and top with chopped pecans.
- Spooky Halloween: Use colored candy eyes and black icing for a festive look.
Equipment Needed for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Large pot
- Rubber spatula
- Standard donut pan (or muffin tin + spoon for shaping)
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl (for glaze)
- Nonstick spray
How to Store Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
Store your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, separate layers with parchment paper. Freezing is not recommended as it can change the texture. Rice Krispies offers more storage tips.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Enjoy with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or pumpkin spice latte.
- Serve alongside other no-bake treats at a fall dessert buffet.
- Pair with fresh fruit for an after-school snack.
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Stir the marshmallow mixture gently with a rubber spatula to keep the treats light and airy. Here's a helpful Rice Krispie treat guide.
- Shape the donuts quickly before the mixture sets; if needed, re-warm it for a few seconds to maintain pliability.
- For picture-perfect donuts, press the mixture in firmly and even out the tops before cooling.
FAQ: Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
- Yes, but be sure to cook it down well to remove excess moisture, as fresh pumpkin is typically wetter than canned.
- Why did my donuts turn out soggy?
- If the pumpkin puree isn't cooked down enough, it can make the treats soggy. Always sauté the puree before adding marshmallows.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts are great a day ahead and perfect for parties or gifting.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 3 cups crispy rice cereal
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cups mini marshmallows
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Assorted colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
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1Grease a donut pan or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
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3Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
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4Remove from heat and quickly fold in the crispy rice cereal until fully coated.
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5Working quickly with lightly greased hands, press the mixture into the donut pan or shape into donut rings on the baking sheet.
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6Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and decorate with sprinkles as desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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