Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and of course, delicious treats. Now, I know what you might be thinking—Rice Krispie treats? Really? But trust me, these *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* are about to become your new holiday favorite! With a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, a handful of candy corn, and a dash of chocolate chips, they’re a festive twist on the classic that everyone will love.
These treats are super easy to whip up and make for a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving spread. Plus, they’re the kind of dessert that kids can help with, so it’s a win-win! Just imagine the smiles when everyone sees these colorful, crunchy delights on the table. Let’s dive into the recipe and get you started on these scrumptious, no-bake goodies!
Ingredients List
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is the base for our gooey goodness, adding richness and flavor.
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows – These are the stars of the show, melting down to create that classic sticky sweet treat.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The crunchy texture that makes these treats so delightful and fun to eat!
- 1/2 cup candy corn – A festive addition that brings sweetness and a pop of color to your treats.
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips – Because who doesn’t love a little chocolate? It adds a melty richness that pairs perfectly with the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup pumpkin spice – This is what gives our treats that warm, cozy autumn flavor that screams Thanksgiving!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by melting 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. This is where the magic begins! Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add in 1 package (10 oz) of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The aroma is just heavenly!
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in 1/4 cup of pumpkin spice. This is the secret ingredient that gives our treats that cozy, autumn flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to inhale that scent!
- Now, it’s time to add 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly until every crispy piece is coated in that gooey marshmallow mixture. Don’t rush this part; you want them evenly mixed!
- Next, fold in 1/2 cup of candy corn and 1/2 cup of chocolate chips. Be gentle here—just mix until they’re nicely distributed throughout the mixture. The colors will brighten your day!
- Grab a greased 9×13 inch pan and press the mixture into the bottom. Use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to help you press down firmly. This step is super important for getting those treats to hold together!
- Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re feeling impatient, you can pop it in the fridge for quicker results. Once cool, cut into squares and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While these *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* are all about fun and flavor, it’s good to know what you’re working with nutritionally. Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 square):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, who’s counting when you’re indulging in these festive treats? Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in just 15 minutes! Perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert.
- Festive Flavors: The addition of pumpkin spice and candy corn gives these treats a delightful seasonal twist that screams Thanksgiving!
- Kid-Friendly: This is a fantastic recipe for kids to help with. They’ll love mixing and pressing the treats into the pan!
- No-Bake: No need to turn on the oven, making this a great option for warm kitchens during the holidays.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins or toppings—there are endless possibilities!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves Rice Krispie treats, and these festive ones will have your guests coming back for seconds!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* turn out perfectly every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your marshmallows are fresh! Stale marshmallows can lead to less gooey treats. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, maybe grab a fresh bag.
- Don’t Overheat the Butter: When melting the butter, keep the heat low and stir constantly. You want it melted, not browned! This will keep your treats from having a burnt taste.
- Mix Gently: When adding the Rice Krispies and other mix-ins, stir gently to avoid crushing the cereal. You want those crispy bits to stay nice and crunchy!
- Press Firmly: It’s tempting to just spread the mixture in the pan, but pressing it down firmly is crucial. Use a spatula or even your hands (wet them first!) to ensure everything sticks together.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let your treats cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set up nicely and makes it easier to get clean squares.
- Decorate for Festivity: Want to elevate your presentation? Drizzle some melted chocolate or white chocolate on top, or sprinkle extra candy corn for a pop of color. A little icing can add a festive touch too!
- Try Different Mix-Ins: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Swap out the candy corn for seasonal M&Ms or use nuts for a little crunch. The possibilities are endless!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making the best Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats that everyone will be talking about!
Variations
One of the best things about these *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* is how customizable they are! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out half of the Rice Krispies for cocoa Krispies for a chocolatey twist! You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for some crunch and a delightful nutty flavor. Just make sure no one has a nut allergy before serving!
- Fruit Fiesta: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. They add a chewy texture and a burst of flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Spiced Up: For an extra kick, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the pumpkin spice—perfect for those who love a little more spice in their life!
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of the cooled treats for a rich, sweet finish that takes them to the next level.
- Seasonal Sprinkles: Top your treats with seasonal sprinkles or candies, like pumpkin-shaped candies or Halloween-themed sprinkles, to keep them festive and fun!
- Minty Fresh: Add a hint of peppermint extract to the marshmallow mixture and mix in some crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for the holidays.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique combinations. Each variation adds its own charm and makes these treats even more special for your Thanksgiving celebration!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to keep those scrumptious *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* fresh and delicious! After you’ve whipped up a batch (and maybe indulged in a square or two), you’ll want to store the leftovers properly so you can enjoy them for days to come.
First off, make sure your treats are completely cool before storing them. This helps prevent any stickiness or sogginess—nobody wants that! Once they’re cool, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between each square to keep them from sticking together. This little trick works wonders!
You can store them at room temperature for about 3-5 days. Just keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep them for a bit longer, you can also pop them in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to a week in there, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with leftovers after your Thanksgiving feast (which, let’s be honest, is a total win), you can freeze them too! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a little while. No need to reheat—these treats are just as tasty when enjoyed at room temperature!
With these storage tips, you can savor the joy of your *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* long after the holiday is over. Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?
Absolutely! You can use regular marshmallows if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember that they’ll take a bit longer to melt, so keep stirring until they’re completely smooth!
What can I substitute for pumpkin spice?
If you don’t have pumpkin spice, you can make your own by mixing equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Just a dash of allspice works well too! It’ll still give your treats that cozy fall flavor.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Yes! These *Thanksgiving Rice Krispie treats* are perfect for making in advance. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for a few days. You can even freeze them for later enjoyment!
What’s the best way to cut the treats into squares?
To get nice, clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. If you wet the blade a little, it helps prevent sticking. Just make sure they’re completely cool before cutting!
Are these treats gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free Rice Krispies, these treats can be enjoyed by everyone! Always check the label to make sure they meet your dietary needs.
Thanksgiving Rice Krispie Treats: 7 Delicious Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive twist on classic Rice Krispie treats for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/2 cup candy corn
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and add pumpkin spice.
- Stir in Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
- Add candy corn and chocolate chips, mixing gently.
- Press mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be decorated with icing for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: thanksgiving rice krispie treats
