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- 4 cups Rice Krispies cereal - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional) - A pinch of salt You need these basic ingredients to make your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars. Rice Krispies cereal gives them that classic crunch. Canned pumpkin puree adds a rich, earthy taste. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. Mini marshmallows create that gooey texture we all love. Next, we have our flavor enhancers. Pumpkin pie spice gives the bars a warm, cozy flavor. Pure vanilla extract adds depth and sweetness. Chocolate chips are a must for that delicious chocolatey bite. If you like, add chopped pecans for a nice crunch. Finally, don’t forget the pinch of salt. It helps balance all the sweet flavors. Each ingredient plays a key role in making these bars tasty and fun! Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. Use butter or non-stick spray. Make sure to coat the base and sides well. This helps the bars come out easily. Set the dish aside for later use. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add a package of 10 oz mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. This is the base of your bars. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Quickly stir in 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt too. Mix everything well until you have a smooth and creamy mixture. Gradually add 4 cups of Rice Krispies cereal to the pumpkin-marshmallow mix. Stir gently to coat every piece of cereal. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans if you like. Mix until just combined to keep the cereal clusters intact. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or your hands to press it down evenly. Make sure it is compact to help the bars hold together. Let the mixture cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once set, cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Enjoy the delicious treat! Using fresh pumpkin can boost the taste of your bars. Fresh pumpkin gives a richer flavor, but canned pumpkin is easy and quick. If you use canned, make sure it is pure pumpkin puree. This will help keep flavors bold without added sugars. To melt chocolate perfectly, use low heat. You can use a double boiler or microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often. This keeps the chocolate smooth and shiny. To ensure your bars hold together, press the mixture firmly into the pan. A buttered spatula works best for this. Make sure to pack it tightly; this helps avoid crumbly bars later. If you live at a high altitude, your bars may need some tweaks. Add a bit more marshmallow or butter to keep them sticky. Also, cook them a little longer to set properly. For a lovely display, stack your bars on a colorful plate. Drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top for flair. You can also sprinkle more pumpkin pie spice or add whole pecans on top. These touches make your bars look and taste great! {{image_4}} If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free Rice Krispies. These work just as well. Check the label to ensure they fit your needs. For nut-free alternatives, simply skip the chopped pecans. You can also use sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch without the allergens. You can easily change the spices for a new twist. Adding nutmeg or extra cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor. Just a pinch can make a big difference. If you want to switch up the chocolate, try using white chocolate chips. They add a sweet creaminess that pairs well with pumpkin spice. You can also toss in different nuts like walnuts or almonds for extra texture. These bars taste amazing with ice cream or whipped cream on top. Just scoop a bit on each piece before serving. Another fun idea is to turn them into a dessert platter. Cut the bars into different shapes, add fruit, and serve with dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate. This makes for a fun treat at parties! To keep your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper for easy removal. Keep them at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight. This method helps maintain their chewy texture and flavor. You can freeze these bars for later enjoyment. Cut the bars into squares before freezing. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply take them out and leave them at room temperature for about an hour. When stored properly, these bars last up to a week at room temperature. If frozen, they can maintain quality for up to three months. Over time, the texture may change, and they may become less chewy. Enjoy them while they are fresh for the best taste! To make these tasty bars, follow these steps: 1. Prep the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Set it aside. 2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth. 3. Incorporate Pumpkin and Spices: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. 4. Combine with Rice Krispies: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently to coat the cereal evenly. 5. Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and optional pecans until just combined. 6. Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture to the greased dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press it evenly. 7. Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool for about 30 minutes. Cut into squares once set. Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. You will need to cook and puree it first. Make sure to drain excess water. This helps your bars hold together better. Fresh pumpkin may have a lighter flavor than canned. Adjust your spices if needed. Make sure you have a smooth texture for the best results. These bars can fit many diets. To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free Rice Krispies. For nut-free, skip the pecans or use seeds instead. If you want a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil and use vegan marshmallows. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats! You learned how to make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars, from ingredients to storage. These bars are tasty, easy to customize, and great for sharing. You can enhance flavors and modify for dietary needs. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these treats and experimenting with different flavors. Have fun in the kitchen and share these delicious bars with friends and family! They will love your tasty creation.

Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars with Chocolate

Indulge in the fall flavors with these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Bars with Chocolate! This simple recipe combines crispy Rice Krispies, creamy pumpkin puree, and rich chocolate for a delightful treat. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these bars are easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Click through to discover the recipe and bring a touch of autumn sweetness to your kitchen today!
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Ingredients
  

4 cups Rice Krispies cereal

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips

1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

A pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Prep the Baking Dish: Start by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with either butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring the entire base and sides are covered. Set this dish aside for later use.

    Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously with a spatula or wooden spoon until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

      Incorporate Pumpkin and Spices: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately stir in the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined to create a smooth and creamy mixture.

        Combine with Rice Krispies: Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the warm pumpkin-marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that all the cereal pieces are evenly coated with the sticky mixture.

          Add Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans (if using), mixing until just combined to avoid breaking the cereal clusters.

            Press into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a buttered spatula or your clean hands, gently but firmly press the mixture evenly into the dish. Compact it well to help the bars hold together once cooled.

              Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, or until the mixture is set and firm to the touch. After cooling, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles, ensuring each piece is evenly sized for serving.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: For an attractive display, stack the bars on a decorative plate and drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top. Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or a few whole pecans for added texture and elegance.