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- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal - 1 cup pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - Pinch of salt Gather these ingredients before you start. The Rice Krispies cereal gives a nice crunch. The pumpkin puree adds a rich flavor. The butter and marshmallows create a gooey base. Pumpkin pie spice brings warmth and a hint of fall. Don’t forget the vanilla extract for extra depth! The chocolate chips add sweetness. I recommend semisweet or dark for balance. If you love nuts, the chopped pecans add a nice texture. Just a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Make sure your butter is unsalted. It keeps the bars from tasting too salty. Keep everything handy, so you can work fast. This recipe comes together quickly, so prep is key. Enjoy the process! First, you need to grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use butter or non-stick spray to coat the bottom and sides. This step helps the bars come out easily later. Next, take a large saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Once it’s melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows turn completely smooth. This mixture will be the base for your bars. After melting, remove the saucepan from heat. Now, stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until everything is blended nicely. This combination brings that warm, cozy flavor. Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted pumpkin mixture. Stir gently to coat each piece of cereal. Make sure all the Rice Krispies are covered. This will help create that classic Rice Krispie texture. Now it’s time to add the fun part! Fold in the chocolate chips and optional chopped pecans. Mix just until combined. The chocolate adds sweetness, while the nuts give a nice crunch. Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or your hands to pack it tightly into the pan. Press down firmly so it holds together when cut. Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows them to set properly. Once they are cool, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or rectangles. Enjoy your delicious treats! To get the best texture for your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars, mix gently. When you add the Rice Krispies, fold them in slowly. This keeps the bars from getting too hard. Press them down lightly in the pan. A buttered spatula works great for this. If you pack them too tightly, they can turn out tough. Aim for a nice, chewy texture. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding a bit of nutmeg or ginger. These spices pair well with pumpkin spice. You can also mix in some mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness. If you love nuts, chopped walnuts or almonds can add a nice crunch. Don't forget to taste as you go to find your favorite mix! Make your bars look great for guests! Stack them on a colorful plate. Drizzle melted chocolate on top for a fancy touch. You can add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for color. Whole pecans on top also add a nice visual element. This small effort makes your bars feel special for any gathering! {{image_2}} You can make your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars even better with fun add-ins. Try using different nuts like walnuts or almonds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins also work well. They give a sweet and chewy surprise in every bite. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, don't worry. You can easily adjust this recipe. Use gluten-free Rice Krispies for a safe choice. Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bars. You can switch up the spices for a new twist. Try using cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin pie spice. These spices also bring great fall flavors to your bars. You can even mix in some ginger for a spicy kick. Each change can give your bars a fresh taste every season! To keep your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting stale. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This keeps them from sticking together. Store them at room temperature for the best texture. Avoid the fridge, as cold can make them hard. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. Cut them into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. When you're ready to enjoy, take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. This keeps their shape and taste intact. These delightful bars last about a week at room temperature. If stored properly in the freezer, they can last up to three months. Just remember to check for any signs of freezer burn when you pull them out. Enjoying them fresh is best, but freezing gives you options for later! Yes, you can make these bars up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and tasty. If you want to make them even earlier, you can freeze them. Just wrap them well and store them in the freezer. When you want to eat them, let them thaw overnight in the fridge. To slice these treats easily, use a sharp knife. First, make sure the bars are cool and set. Lightly grease the knife with butter or cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. If they are too sticky, let them cool a bit longer before slicing. Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great! Just make sure it is thick and not watery. You can make it by roasting a pumpkin and blending it until smooth. Store-bought puree is also fine. It saves time and is often thicker. Both options will give you a tasty treat. If you want nut-free bars, simply leave out the pecans. You can also use seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. They add a nice crunch without the nuts. Just make sure to check labels if you use store-bought products to avoid cross-contamination. These Rice Krispie pumpkin bars combine simple ingredients for a tasty treat. We discussed how to prepare the mixture, cool it, and store the bars. You can adjust flavors and enhance crunch with tips provided. Remember, you can tweak ingredients for dietary needs or seasonal flavors. So, get creative in your kitchen! Enjoy making these bars with friends and family. They'll surely impress everyone at your next gathering.

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars with Chocolate

Create a festive treat this fall with Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars with Chocolate! These deliciously chewy bars blend pumpkin puree, marshmallows, and chocolate chips for a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying at home, this easy recipe takes just 40 minutes to make. Click through for the full recipe and get ready to indulge in this seasonal favorite!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or dark)

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prep the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, then set it aside.

    Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.

      Incorporate Pumpkin and Spices: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

        Combine with Rice Krispies: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the melted mixture, stirring gently until all the rice cereal is evenly coated with the pumpkin marshmallow mixture.

          Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using) until just combined.

            Press into the Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. With a buttered spatula or your hands, gently press the mixture evenly into the pan, making sure it’s packed tightly.

              Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until set. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or rectangles.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12-16 bars

                  - Presentation Tips: Stack the bars on a decorative plate and drizzle additional melted chocolate on top for a visually appealing touch. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or some whole pecans for added texture.