Marry Thompson This Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats Recipe is a chewy and gooey recipe, which is made with melted marshmallows and pumpkin pie spice. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 15 minutes plus cooling time.
Jump to RecipePumpkin Spice Cereal Treats Recipe Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, plus more for the pan
- 3 (10-ounce) bags marshmallows
- 18 cups crispy rice cereal
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 tsp. yellow food coloring
- 1/4 tsp. red food coloring
How To Make Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats
- Prepare the pan and first layer: Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the sides. In a large pot, melt 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) of butter over medium heat. Add 1 bag of marshmallows and cook, stirring, until completely melted.
- Press the base layer: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 6 cups of the crispy rice cereal until well combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Make the pumpkin spice layer: In a clean large pot, melt the remaining 1 stick (8 tablespoons) of butter over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 bags of marshmallows and cook, stirring, until melted.
- Combine and press the top layer: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and the red and yellow food coloring until the color is uniform. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 12 cups of cereal. Firmly press this orange mixture on top of the plain layer in the pan.
- Cool and cut: Let the treats cool completely at room temperature. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire block out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve.
Recipe Tips
- How to get clean, neat squares? For the cleanest cuts, use a large, sharp knife lightly greased with butter or cooking spray. Press straight down firmly rather than using a sawing motion.
- How to prevent sticky hands? When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray, or use a piece of greased parchment paper to press down. This will prevent the sticky marshmallow from clinging to your fingers.
- Can I use a different kind of cereal? Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You could try using a corn flake-style cereal or a Chex-style cereal for a different texture.
- Is the food coloring necessary? No, the food coloring is purely for aesthetics to give the top layer a festive orange color. You can omit it entirely, and the treats will still have the same delicious pumpkin spice flavor.
How To Store Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats
Room Temperature: Store the cut treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within 3 days for the chewiest texture. Placing a piece of wax paper between layers can prevent them from sticking together.
Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: <1g
- Sugar: 20g
Nutrition information is estimated per square and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.
FAQs
This usually happens for two reasons: either the marshmallows were cooked at too high a heat, or the mixture was pressed too firmly into the pan. Melt the marshmallows over low to medium heat, and press the cereal mixture into the pan just until it’s firm and holds together.
It’s not recommended for this recipe. Marshmallow fluff has a different consistency and won’t set up in the same firm, yet chewy, way that melted marshmallows do.
Absolutely! You could stir in a handful of white chocolate chips, candy corn, or festive sprinkles into the pumpkin spice layer along with the cereal for extra fun and flavor.
Try More Recipes:
Pumpkin Spice Cereal Treats Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy24
servings15
minutes10
minutes180
kcalA fun and festive layered cereal treat with a classic chewy base and a warmly spiced, colorful pumpkin spice top layer.
Ingredients
1 1/2 sticks salted butter
3 (10-oz.) bags marshmallows
18 cups crispy rice cereal
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp. yellow food coloring
1/4 tsp. red food coloring
Directions
- Butter and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Melt 1/2 stick of butter and 1 bag of marshmallows. Stir in 6 cups of cereal and press into the pan for the base layer.
- In a clean pot, melt the remaining 1 stick of butter and 2 bags of marshmallows.
- Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and food coloring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 12 cups of cereal.
- Press the orange mixture evenly on top of the base layer.
- Let cool completely before lifting out of the pan and cutting into squares.
Notes
- Using fresh, soft marshmallows is key to a perfectly chewy texture.
- Press the cereal mixture into the pan gently but firmly for treats that hold together without being hard.
- These treats are perfect for Halloween parties or fall bake sales.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them from becoming stale.