If you’re looking for a no-bake treat that’s as fun as it is delicious, these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts are the perfect recipe. Chewy, marshmallow-filled Rice Krispie treats get a fall makeover by being shaped into donuts and flavored or decorated with pumpkin spice flair. They’re quick, easy, and festive enough for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving tables, or simple after-school snacks.
What are Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts?
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts are a creative twist on classic Rice Krispie treats. Instead of squares, the marshmallow-cereal mixture is shaped in donut pans (or by hand) and decorated to resemble pumpkins. You can flavor them with pumpkin spice, add orange food coloring, or drizzle with chocolate and glaze to make them look like baked donuts.
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts
Equipment
- donut pan or shape by hand
- large pot
- mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- decorating tools optional for glaze or chocolate
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- orange food coloring (optional)
- melted white or dark chocolate (for decorating)
- orange candy melts (optional, for decorating)
- green sprinkles, candy, or mini pretzel sticks (for stems)
- powdered sugar glaze (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. If you don’t have one, you can shape donuts by hand.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and food coloring if using.
- Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until evenly coated.
- Working quickly, press mixture into donut pan wells. Greased hands help. Or shape by hand and create a center hole.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate, candy melts, or glaze. Add sprinkles or pretzel sticks for stems.
- Let cool until firm, then carefully remove from pan.
Notes
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes about 12 donuts.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Orange food coloring (optional, for pumpkin color)
For decorating
- Melted white or dark chocolate
- Orange candy melts (optional)
- Green sprinkles, candy, or mini pretzel sticks (for “stems”)
- Powdered sugar glaze (optional)
Substitutions
- Gluten-free: use certified GF crispy rice cereal.
- Dairy-free: swap butter for vegan margarine and marshmallows for vegan variety.
- Lower sugar: reduce marshmallows and drizzle lightly with glaze instead.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep pan
Grease a donut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. (If you don’t have one, you can shape donuts by hand.)
Step 2: Melt marshmallows
In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
Step 3: Flavor mixture
Stir in vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and food coloring if using.
Step 4: Mix cereal
Add Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until evenly coated.
Step 5: Shape donuts
Working quickly, press mixture into donut pan wells (greased hands help). If shaping by hand, roll into balls and poke a hole in the center with your finger.
Step 6: Decorate
Drizzle with melted chocolate, candy melts, or glaze. Add sprinkles or pretzel sticks for stems.
Step 7: Set and serve
Let cool until firm, then carefully remove from pan.
Tips for Perfect Rice Krispie Donuts
- Work quickly—marshmallow mixture firms fast.
- Grease hands or use wax paper to press into pan.
- Don’t pack mixture too tightly or donuts will be hard.
- Let donuts cool completely before decorating.
Variations
- Pumpkin spice latte donuts: Drizzle with coffee glaze.
- Chocolate-dipped donuts: Dip tops in melted dark chocolate.
- Candy-filled donuts: Hide mini M&Ms inside.
- Mini donuts: Use a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead
- Room temperature: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Not recommended—makes them too hard.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts up to 1 month. Thaw before decorating.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts are perfect for:
- Halloween party dessert tables
- Kids’ classroom treats
- Thanksgiving snack platters
- Festive fall brunch spreads
Pair with hot cocoa, cider, or coffee for a cozy treat.
Nutrition Breakdown
One donut has about 140–160 calories, 2 grams protein, 28 grams carbs, and 4 grams fat. Chocolate or glaze toppings will add more calories.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts are a no-bake, family-friendly recipe that combines the chewy sweetness of Rice Krispie treats with fun fall styling. Easy to make, customizable, and festive, they’re perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or anytime you want a quick seasonal snack.
FAQs
Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes, shape by hand into rings or circles.
Can I add real pumpkin purée?
Not recommended—it makes treats soggy. Stick to pumpkin pie spice for flavor.
Can kids help?
Absolutely—kids love pressing and decorating.
How do I keep them soft?
Don’t overpack the mixture and store in airtight containers.
Do they travel well?
Yes, they’re great for parties, lunchboxes, or gifting.