Are you looking to make a fun and delicious treat for Halloween? Look no further than these delightful Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats! These cute and spooky snacks are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces at your Halloween party or gathering.
To make these yummy treats, simply gather the following ingredients: Rice Krispie cereal, mini marshmallows, butter, orange food coloring, and black licorice strings. Melt the butter in a large pot over low heat, then add the mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. Add the orange food coloring to the marshmallow mixture and stir until well combined. Next, add the Rice Krispie cereal and gently mix until fully coated. Once the mixture is cooled enough to handle, shape it into small pumpkin shapes by pressing it into your hands. Finally, use the black licorice strings to create the jack-o-lantern faces on each treat. These adorable Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy and have a spooky and delicious Halloween!
Ingredients
To make Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats, you will need the following ingredients:
- 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 cups of mini marshmallows
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- Orange food coloring
- Black icing or melted chocolate
- Green licorice or gummy worms (optional)
Instructions
Here is how you can make delicious Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan and stir until they are completely melted.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add a few drops of orange food coloring. Stir until the color is even.
- Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the saucepan and mix until all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into it.
- Using a spatula, press the mixture down evenly into the dish.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set for about 30 minutes.
- Once the Rice Krispie treats are set, use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut them into jack o lantern shapes.
- Place the jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Melt the black icing or chocolate and use it to draw faces, eyes, and mouths on the Rice Krispie treats to create the jack o lantern look.
- If desired, cut green licorice or gummy worms into small pieces and insert them into the tops of the treats to resemble pumpkin stems.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This will prevent the butter from burning and ensure a smooth marshmallow mixture.
- Once the butter has melted, add the mini marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and well combined with the butter.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add a few drops of orange food coloring. Stir until the color is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the saucepan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the cereal with the marshmallow mixture until all the cereal is coated.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the Rice Krispie treats from sticking to the dish.
- Transfer the Rice Krispie mixture into the greased baking dish. Use the spatula or back of a spoon to press the mixture down evenly, ensuring it fills the corners of the dish.
- Allow the mixture to cool and set for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to cut into jack o lantern shapes without it crumbling.
- Once the Rice Krispie treats have set, use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut them into jack o lantern shapes. Press down firmly to ensure clean edges.
- Place the jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove them after decorating and prevent any toppings from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Melt the black icing or chocolate according to the package instructions. If using icing, transfer it to a small piping bag or ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off for easy decorating.
- Use the melted black icing or chocolate to draw faces, eyes, and mouths on the Rice Krispie treats to give them their jack o lantern appearance. Get creative and have fun with the designs!
- If desired, cut green licorice or gummy worms into small pieces and insert them into the tops of the treats to resemble pumpkin stems. This adds a fun and realistic touch to your jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to stir constantly while melting the marshmallows to prevent them from burning.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the Rice Krispies cereal with the marshmallow mixture. Avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the treats dense and hard.
- Grease your baking dish well to ensure easy removal of the treats.
- Allow the Rice Krispie mixture to cool and set before cutting into shapes. This will prevent them from crumbling and maintain their shape.
- Get creative with your jack o lantern faces! Use different shapes and sizes to give each one a unique personality.
- If you don’t have black icing or melted chocolate, you can also use black food coloring gel mixed with white icing for your decoration.
- To keep your jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats fresh, store them in an airtight container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap.
- Enjoy these treats within a week for the best taste and texture.
Variations
- Chocolate Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the melted marshmallow mixture for a chocolate twist on this classic treat.
- Pumpkin Spice Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats: Mix 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice into the melted marshmallow mixture for a festive autumn flavor.
- White Chocolate Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats: Melt white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the decorated Rice Krispie treats for an extra sweet touch.
- Peanut Butter Jack O Lantern Rice Krispie Treats: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the melted marshmallow mixture for a deliciously nutty flavor.
Storage and Shelf Life
Jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure to separate each treat with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. For longer storage, you can also freeze the treats by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?
A: Absolutely! You can experiment with different cereals like Fruity Pebbles or Cocoa Pebbles for added flavor and color.
Q: Can I make these treats in advance?
A: Yes, you can make these treats a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store them properly in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I use store-bought pre-made Rice Krispie treats?
A: While using pre-made Rice Krispie treats can save time, making them from scratch gives you more control over the flavors and textures. However, if you’re short on time, store-bought treats can be used as a convenient alternative.
Conclusion
Jack o lantern Rice Krispie treats are a fun and delicious treat to make during Halloween or any fall celebration. With their cute pumpkin shapes and creative faces, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Get creative with your designs and enjoy these tasty treats as a festive addition to your Halloween party or as a homemade gift for friends and family. Happy baking!
