Fall is here, and that means one thing: pumpkin spice! I’ll show you how to make delicious Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats that are easy and fun. With just a few simple ingredients like mini marshmallows, pumpkin puree, and rice cereal, you can whip up a tasty treat. Let’s dive into this cozy recipe that will warm your heart and impress your friends!
Ingredients
To make Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
– 4 cups rice cereal
– 3 cups mini marshmallows
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating these tasty treats. The rice cereal forms the base, giving it a nice crunch. The mini marshmallows add sweetness and a chewy texture. Unsalted butter helps everything stick together without making it too salty. Pumpkin pie spice gives these treats that cozy, fall flavor.
The vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, while canned pumpkin puree adds moisture and a hint of pumpkin flavor. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. If you choose to add white chocolate chips, they bring a creamy element. Finally, crushed graham crackers on top give a crunchy finish.
For the complete recipe with instructions, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy making these delightful treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need:
– 4 cups rice cereal
– 3 cups mini marshmallows
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
– Pinch of salt
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (for topping)
Next, prep your workspace. Clear your counter and gather your tools. You will need a large saucepan, a spatula, and a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to melt the butter and marshmallows. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Stir gently to keep it from browning. Once the butter melts, add the mini marshmallows. Keep stirring until they melt completely into a smooth mixture.
After the marshmallows melt, it’s time to add the spices and pumpkin. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and canned pumpkin puree. Don’t forget the pinch of salt! Mix well until everything blends and smells amazing.
Combining and Setting
Now, let’s fold in the rice cereal. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully add the rice cereal to the marshmallow mixture. Mix gently, ensuring every piece gets coated in the marshmallow goodness.
If you want to add white chocolate chips, do it now. Gently fold them in, being careful not to let them melt too much.
Next, transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish. Use a spatula or your lightly greased hands to press it down evenly.
Finally, sprinkle the crushed graham crackers on top. This adds a nice crunch. Let the treats cool completely for about 30 minutes. After they cool, cut them into squares or bars. Enjoy your Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Melting Marshmallows
To melt marshmallows well, use low heat. This helps prevent burning. Stir often to keep them from sticking. The goal is a smooth, creamy mix. If you see any lumps, keep stirring. You want it silky, not clumpy.
Making the Perfect Treats
For even coating of cereal, mix gently. Fold the rice cereal into the marshmallow mix. This ensures every piece gets covered. When pressing into the dish, use a spatula or your hands. Grease them lightly to avoid sticking. Press firmly but don’t squash the treats.
Presentation and Serving Ideas
Make your treats pop with festive stacking. Stack them in a pyramid on a plate. This adds height and fun. For gifts, wrap each treat in clear cellophane. Tie with a colorful ribbon for a lovely touch. These ideas make your treats shine!
Variations
Alternative Flavor Combinations
You can change the flavor of your Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats by adding fun ingredients.
– Chocolate or Peanut Butter: Stir in some chocolate chips or creamy peanut butter. These add a rich taste and make the treats even more delicious. If you use peanut butter, it pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.
– Nuts or Dried Fruits: You can also mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries. Nuts add crunch, while fruits bring a sweet bite. This gives your treats a new twist and boosts their nutrition.
Different Forms of Treats
You can play with the shape of your treats too.
– Bars vs. Cookies: The classic version is bars. But you can make them into cookies for a fun twist. Use a cookie scoop, and shape the mixture into rounds.
– Treat Pops or Bites: If you want something cute, you can form small bites or pops. Just roll the mixture into small balls and place them on sticks. This makes them great for parties or school events.
Seasonal Adaptations
The best part? You can adapt these treats for any season!
– Halloween-themed Treats: For Halloween, add some orange and black sprinkles. You can also shape them into pumpkins or ghosts for a spooky look.
– Thanksgiving-inspired Variations: For Thanksgiving, add a drizzle of caramel on top. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg for extra fall flavor. These changes make your treats festive and fun for any gathering.
Try these variations to keep your Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats exciting and new!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Treats
To keep your pumpkin spice marshmallow treats fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and flavor. Use a container that fits the size of the treats. If you stack them, place parchment paper between layers. Your treats can stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some treats for later, freezing is a great option. First, cut the treats into squares. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped treats in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat them, take out your treats and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Signs of Spoilage
Check your treats before eating. If they feel hard or dry, they may not taste good. Also, look for any strange smells or mold. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss them out. Enjoy your sweet treats while they are fresh!
FAQs
What is pumpkin pie spice made of?
Pumpkin pie spice is a mix of warm spices. It usually includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. These spices bring out the cozy flavors of fall. You can find this spice blend in stores or make your own at home. Just mix equal parts of the spices mentioned above.
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Yes, you can use regular marshmallows! Just cut them into smaller pieces. This way, they will melt evenly. You might need to adjust the cooking time a bit. Keep stirring until they melt completely.
How can I make these gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats, use gluten-free rice cereal. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Always check labels to ensure safety. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
How to make vegan Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats?
To make vegan treats, use vegan marshmallows. They are available in many stores. Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These swaps will keep your treats dairy-free and still delicious. Enjoy every bite without worry!
Full Recipe
Overview of Full Recipe
This recipe for Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats is fun and easy. You’ll start by melting butter and mini marshmallows in a pan. Once they mix into a smooth blend, you add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. This gives the treats their warm, cozy flavor.
Next, you fold in the rice cereal until every piece gets coated in the sticky mixture. If you want, add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Then, press this mix into a greased baking dish and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top. After letting them cool, cut them into squares.
This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. It serves 12 to 16 people. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy making these tasty treats!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Treats. We covered key ingredients, from rice cereal to mini marshmallows. You learned the step-by-step cooking process and got tips for perfecting your treats. Different variations can add fun twists. Remember to store your treats properly to keep them fresh. With everything shared, you’re ready to create tasty, seasonal snacks. Enjoy sharing these simple and fun treats with family and friends!
