As a mom, every Halloween, I find myself making a new batch not just because the kids love them, but because the whole neighborhood can’t seem to get enough!
So, let me take you on a little journey back to last Halloween. Picture it: kids running around in their costumes with laughter echoing through the house, and the kitchen filled with the sweet scent of melted marshmallows. It’s one of my most cherished memories. That night, I whipped up a batch of these Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats and before I knew it, they vanished like a ghost into the night! You can’t imagine how proud I felt seeing everyone—kids, moms, even some dads—deliciously satisfied. It’s moments like these where food becomes more than just something you eat; it brings us all together, especially during holiday festivities.
If you’re planning a Halloween bash, or just want to treat your family to something sweet, this recipe is a total game-changer. With Halloween just around the corner, it makes the perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. And trust me, this recipe’s straightforward enough that even the kids can help you out! Let’s dive into making a batch of these perfect, irresistibly crunchy, and sweetly festive treats that everyone will adore!
How to Make Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup candy corn
- 6 tbsp butter
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 4 ½ cups Rice Krispies
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Begin by coarsely chopping the candy corn, leaving them chunky enough to stand out in your treats.
- Place a large saucepan over low heat and melt the butter while stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Keep stirring until the marshmallows have melted smoothly into the butter.
- Remove your saucepan from the heat and fold in the chopped candy corn, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture.
- Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the pan. Fold the cereal into the mixture until it’s fully coated in the sticky, marshmallowy goodness.
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan with a coating of cooking spray or line with wax paper for easy removal later.
- Pour the treat mixture into the pan and spread it evenly with a greased spatula.
- Press a few extra pieces of candy corn into the top if you like, then allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice into 12 squares and serve.
No Candy Corn? Here’s What to Use Instead
If you’re out of candy corn or catering to different tastes, chocolate chips or dried cranberries make a delightful addition or substitution. Toss them in for a festive touch without sacrificing that sweet burst of flavor!
Best Ways to Store Leftover Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats
To keep your treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to three days. For longer storage, layer them with wax paper and keep them in the freezer for up to three months.
Perfect Pairings for Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats
Serve these treats alongside a warm mug of hot chocolate or cider for an autumnal delight. They’re perfect as a standalone sweet yet pair wonderfully with a hot cup for a cozy indulgence.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats
For an extra gooey texture, add a bit more marshmallow to the mix. And remember, remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the candy corn, to keep them intact and vibrantly colored. Finally, lightly grease your spatula to prevent sticking when pressing the treats into the pan.
Adapting Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats for Any Time of Year
Swap the candy corn with festive sprinkles for Christmas or pastel candies for Easter. Or, go red and pink for a Valentine’s theme to give these treats a holiday makeover perfect for any occasion!
FAQs:
Can I use large marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Absolutely! If you only have large marshmallows on hand, simply use about 40 large marshmallows as an equivalent to the mini marshmallows in this recipe. Make sure they are completely melted for that perfectly smooth coating on your Rice Krispies.
Is it necessary to line the baking pan?
Lining your baking pan with wax paper or using cooking spray isn’t mandatory, but it sure makes removing and slicing the treats a breeze. It helps prevent sticking and keeps your pan clean, making clean-up much easier.
Can I add food coloring to the marshmallow mixture?
Definitely! Adding a few drops of food coloring can turn the treats into different themed colors, which is especially fun for parties. Just stir it in after melting the marshmallows and before adding the cereal.
How do I keep my treats from getting too hard?
Ensure you’re melting the marshmallows on low heat. Cooking them too quickly can make the mixture stiff. Also, take care not to compress the mixture too much in the pan when spreading, as this can lead to harder treats.
Can these treats be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare them a day ahead. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them as fresh as possible until you’re ready to serve. If making them a few days ahead, freezing is a great option.
What can I use instead of a greased spatula?
If you don’t have a greased spatula, try using a sheet of wax paper to press down the mixture evenly into the pan. Lightly grease your hands or the paper to avoid the mixture sticking.
Candy Corn Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup candy corn
- 6 tbsp butter
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 4 ½ cups Rice Krispies
- Cooking spray for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Start by chopping the candy corn into larger pieces; you want them to maintain some shape for your treats.
- In a large saucepan set to low heat, melt the butter, stirring often. Once melted, add in the mini marshmallows and keep stirring until they are fully melted down.
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in the chopped candy corn. Stir well to combine.
- Now it’s time to add the Rice Krispies to the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Prepare a 9x13 inch pan by generously spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with wax paper. Pour the fluffy mixture into the pan and use a greased spatula to spread it evenly. Press a few extra candy corn pieces on top for decoration.
- Let the treats cool completely before cutting them into 12 squares. Enjoy these delightful bites!
