Make fall a little sweeter with these easy pumpkin Rice Krispies donuts! Soft, chewy, and perfectly pumpkin-spiced, they’re topped with a quick maple-cinnamon glaze that makes every bite feel like fall in a treat.
Designed for busy moms who want festive desserts for kids without the fuss, these pumpkin rice krispie treats come together in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Perfect for the Thanksgiving table, lunchboxes, or an afternoon snack, they’re a crowd-pleasing pumpkin dessert that’s as effortless as it is delicious.
Whip up these no-bake pumpkin donuts in minutes and impress everyone at the table this Thanksgiving!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts
For the Donuts:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- pinch of salt
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- nonstick spray or butter (for hands + donut pan)
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed to thin)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures
For the Donuts:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
Add the mini marshmallows to the pot.
Stir in the marshmallows until mostly melted.
Add pumpkin purée to the pot.
Then add the pumpkin pie spice and the salt.
Then, stir in orange food dye, if using.
Stir until fully smooth and melted.
Remove from the heat and quickly stir in the Rice Krispies.
Mix until well incorporated.
Spray a donut pan with a nonstick spray (or grease your hands and shape them by hand).
Press the mixture firmly into the molds. Let cool completely in the pan, then gently pop out.
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
In a medium bowl, prepare the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Then add the milk.
Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
Dip the tops of each donut or drizzle over with a spoon.
Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes, then serve.
Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts
- Work Quickly: The mixture sets fast, so press it firmly into molds before it cools.
- Even Donuts: Use a donut pan for uniform size, but you can shape by hand if needed.
- Flavor Boost: Add a little vanilla extract or extra cinnamon to the glaze for more warmth.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Ideas
- Party Favorite: Cute, hand-held, and colorful for fall gatherings.
- Thanksgiving Dessert: Perfect addition to your holiday dessert table.
- Fall Treat: Pair with warm apple cider for a cozy afternoon treat.
Recipe Variations to Try
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the maple-cinnamon glaze for melted chocolate for a richer treat.
- Extra Pumpkin Spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the mixture for deeper fall flavors.
- Mini Donuts: Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized Rice Krispies pumpkin treats.
- Sprinkle Fun: Top glazed donuts with festive fall sprinkles for a fun touch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store: Keep your pumpkin Rice Krispies donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In case of hot weather, refrigerate them and let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Make Ahead: You can make these a day early—just add the glaze right before serving.
- Not for Freezing: Skip the freezer; the cereal turns soft once thawed.
One Last Thing
If you’ve never made pumpkin Rice Krispies treats into donuts before, this recipe is the perfect start. It’s quick, playful, and delivers that nostalgic crunch with a cozy fall twist.
Give it a try! These pumpkin rice krispie donuts might just become your new favorite Thanksgiving dessert!
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
Easy Pumpkin Rice Krispies Donuts for the Sweetest Fall Treat
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- pinch of salt
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- nonstick spray or butter (for hands + donut pan)
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (more if needed to thin)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- pinch of salt
Instructions
For the Donuts:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat.3 tbsp butter
- Add the mini marshmallows to the pot.1 bag mini marshmallows
- Stir in marshmallows until mostly melted.
- Add pumpkin purée to the pot.1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- Then add the pumpkin pie spice and the salt.1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, pinch of salt
- Then stir in orange food dye, if using.
- Stir until fully smooth and melted.
- Remove from the heat and quickly stir in Rice Krispies.6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Mix until well incorporated.
- Spray a donut pan with nonstick spray (or grease your hands and shape them by hand).nonstick spray or butter (for hands + donut pan)
- Press the mixture firmly into the molds. Let cool completely in the pan, then gently pop out.
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, prepare the powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.3/4 cup powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt
- Then add the milk.2 tbsp milk
- Whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth.
- Dip the tops of each donut or drizzle over with a spoon.
- Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes, then serve.
Notes
-
- Work Quickly: The mixture sets fast, so press it firmly into molds before it cools.
-
- Even Donuts: Use a donut pan for uniform size, but you can shape by hand if needed.
-
- Flavor Boost: Add a little vanilla extract or extra cinnamon to the glaze for more warmth.
-
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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