Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts

Make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts for an effortless Thanksgiving dessert that's bursting with fall flavors and ready in minutes.

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• Ingredients
• How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts Recipe
• Storage
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• Recipe

It's Thanksgiving Day. The roasting turkey filled the air, the stuffing simmered on the stove, and I had that small moment of pride that comes from believing you're ahead of schedule. Then Leo changed the entire mood in a heartbeat. My energetic, determined toddler marched through the kitchen chanting for dessert, hands in the air, certain that the holiday revolved entirely around when he would get something sweet. And not later, not after dinner. He wanted it now.

As I juggled my newborn daughter, who was peacefully asleep in her bassinet, and Leo's loud insistence for something sweet, I realized there was no time to bake a traditional pie or a fancy cake. It was a moment of panic, as I had underestimated the importance of a quick dessert on a busy day like this. Thus this gooey marshmallow treat was made.

I grabbed marshmallows, pumpkin, and spice, and the idea came together instantly. Pumpkin rice krispies donuts felt festive, quick, and perfect for keeping Leo calm. As the marshmallows melted and the pumpkin warmed through, the kitchen filled with a soft autumn scent that reminded me of quieter fall days.

Leo stood beside me, finally quiet, watching each donut cool with the kind of focus only a toddler with dessert in sight can have. By the time the first one was ready, he was already smiling again. I felt the tension of the morning lift in an instant.

For any busy moms, dads, or hosts who need a quick but festive dessert, this recipe helps take the pressure off. I made halloween candy rice krispies version during the spooky season, and it quickly became a favorite with the kids. And when you pair them with a little bit of creativity and easy recipes, like my protein waffles with chocolate sauce or pumpkin pecan pie, it's an easy way to make Thanksgiving feel just a little more special without the extra stress.

Ingredients

• Mini Marshmallows - I've made rice krispies treats countless times, and I can tell you that mini marshmallows are the best for an even, smooth mixture. If you only have regular marshmallows, you can cut them into smaller pieces, but they take longer to melt and can be a bit trickier to mix in evenly.
• Pure Canned Pumpkin Purée - I always use plain pumpkin purée over pie filling, as pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which could throw off the balance of the recipe. If you don't have canned pumpkin, you can substitute it with homemade purée or even butternut squash for a subtle variation. Just keep in mind that butternut squash is a bit sweeter, so you may need to adjust the spice ratio.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - I love using pumpkin pie spice because it gives the donuts the essence of autumn without having to measure each spice individually. If you don't have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily swap it for a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ginger. You'll miss that little kick from the cloves, but it still works beautifully.
• Milk - I usually use whole milk, but you can swap it with any plant-based milk, like almond or oat, if you prefer. If you want the glaze to be thicker, use less milk. If it's too thin, you can always add a bit more powdered sugar to balance it out. Keep in mind that the glaze should be thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to stay on the donuts without running off.

See the recipe card for full list and exact quantities.

How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts Recipe

These easy pumpkin rice krispie donuts are the perfect nostalgic, cozy fall treat. With just a few simple ingredients, they're easy to make and bursting with that warm and chewy pumpkin flavor. Here's how to make them:

Create the Pumpkin Base

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir until nearly fully melted.

Next, mix in the pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy, with the spices blending in easily. Make sure everything is well-combined before moving on. If it's too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of milk.

Fold in the Rice Krispies

Remove the mixture from the heat and fold in the Rice Krispies quickly while the mixture is still warm. Stir gently, ensuring that each piece of Rice Krispies is coated but without crushing them. The texture should be sticky but not overly gooey. Be sure to coat the rice evenly, forming a uniform mixture.

Form the Donuts

Coat your donut pan with nonstick spray or grease your hands if shaping manually. Firmly press the warm mixture into the molds, packing it in without over-packing to avoid density. Allow the donuts to cool for 10-15 minutes until they firm up. This cooling time is essential for shaping them properly when removing from the pan.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If it's too thick, add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This will give the donuts a nice, smooth finish with a slight cinnamon kick.

Dip or Drizzle the Glaze

Once the donuts are cooled and the glaze is ready, dip the tops of the donuts in the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for at least 15 minutes so it firms up. If served too soon, the glaze may run off, so let it harden slightly for the best result.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once the glaze has set, your donuts are ready! Serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to two days. These donuts are simple, quick, and perfect for a last-minute dessert that still feels festive.

Storage

Once your pumpkin rice krispies donuts are ready, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you're in a warmer climate, it's best to refrigerate them to keep the glaze from becoming too soft. However, let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the donuts, but the texture may change. The pumpkin rice krispie treats may lose some of their crunch once thawed. If freezing, place the donuts in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store for up to a month. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Recipe