If you’re looking for a fun and festive treat that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe. It’s a simple twist on a childhood favorite, turning classic Rice Krispies into soft, pumpkin-spiced donuts drizzled with a luscious maple cinnamon glaze. These treats come together quickly, making them a fantastic choice for a last-minute dessert, a kid-friendly snack, or a sweet addition to your seasonal celebrations.
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In the Kitchen
What I love about this Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is how effortlessly it combines nostalgic flavors with a seasonal twist. You’ll find that the warm pumpkin and pumpkin spice add a gentle autumnal depth to the toasty, crispy base, while the glaze ties it all together with a sweet and slightly spicy finish.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The addition of pumpkin purée keeps the donuts soft and moist instead of brittle like traditional Rice Krispie treats.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The maple cinnamon glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and spice, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You’ll only need pantry staples plus canned pumpkin – no fancy extracts or unusual spices required.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: This recipe is quick to whip up but impressive enough to bring along to parties or holiday brunches.
Ingredients at a Glance
Choosing quality ingredients is an easy way to make your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe shine. Using fresh spices and pure maple syrup in the glaze really elevates the final flavor.
- Butter: Use unsalted to control saltiness, and real butter for that rich, creamy flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt faster and more evenly than large ones, making the texture perfect.
- Canned pumpkin purée: Not pumpkin pie filling; pure pumpkin adds natural moisture and earthiness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: Fresh or homemade spice blend gives the best aromatic punch—avoid old, stale spices.
- Rice Krispies cereal: Classic crisp rice cereal provides light, airy crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft pumpkin mix.
- Powdered sugar: For a smooth, tacky glaze that sticks well to the donuts.
- Milk: Use whole or 2% milk to thin the glaze — almond or oat milk works, too, if you prefer dairy-free.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the glaze, pairing perfectly with the pumpkin blend.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements and detailed instructions are all in the printable recipe card at the bottom — so you can get these donuts on your table with zero guesswork.
How to Make Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
Step 1 — Melt Butter and Marshmallows, Then Stir in Pumpkin Mixture
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. You want to keep the temperature gentle so the marshmallows melt evenly without burning. Once the butter is melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir frequently until they’re mostly melted and luscious. Then, stir in the pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until everything is smooth and well incorporated. This step is where the magic happens: the sweet, creamy marshmallow blends into the earthy pumpkin, filling the kitchen with cozy aroma you’ll love.
Step 2 — Fold in Rice Krispies and Press into Donut Pan
Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and turning glossy. Work swiftly — you want to move before it sets. Lightly spray your donut pan with nonstick spray or butter your hands well if shaping by hand. Then, press the mixture firmly into each donut mold. Don’t be shy about packing it in; this helps the donuts hold their shape once cooled. Let them cool completely in the pan—about 30 minutes—and then gently pop them out. You’ll be rewarded with perfectly formed pumpkin treats with a delightful chewy texture.
Step 3 — Whisk Maple Cinnamon Glaze and Glaze the Donuts
While the donuts cool, mix together the maple cinnamon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy. The glaze should be thick but pourable—if it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Now, you have options: dip the tops of each donut into the glaze or simply drizzle it over with a spoon for a more rustic look. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes to form that perfect shiny coat before digging in.
Things to Remember
Making this Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe is straightforward, but a few key points will make your experience smooth and the results perfect. I’ve learned to watch the marshmallows carefully so they melt gently without scorching, and to pack the mixture firmly into the molds for nice donut shapes.
- Doneness Cue: The mixture should feel warm and pliable when pressing into the donut pan—not hot or sticky enough to burn your fingers.
- Temperature Trick: Turn off the heat before folding in Rice Krispies — too hot and your cereal might sodden or lose crunch.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prepare the glazed donuts the day before; just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for best freshness.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid rushing to unmold the donuts while they’re still warm — they need to cool fully to hold their shape.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
The maple cinnamon glaze is the star finish on these pumpkin Rice Krispie donuts. Not only does it add sweetness, but that little touch of cinnamon lifts the flavor beautifully. You might also sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped toasted pecans for crunch or dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice for an extra cozy look. I love that these toppings not only enhance flavor but add some texture contrast to the soft, chewy donuts.
Plays Well With
For a balanced snack or brunch spread, serve your Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with fresh fruit like apple slices or spiced pears. A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai tea is also the perfect pairing—the warm spices in the drinks complement the glaze and pumpkin perfectly. If you want a little protein on the side, cottage cheese or Greek yogurt balances the sweetness nicely.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For a quick weeknight treat, stack donuts on a cute plate with a drizzle of extra glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon. For parties or seasonal gatherings, arrange them on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, mini pumpkins, or autumn leaves for that cozy vibe. A few edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar also brings a festive, bakery-style touch without any fuss.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy, though the glaze might become slightly less glossy as time goes on. If your kitchen is warm or humid, storing in the fridge is fine—just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Freezing Tips
These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe can be frozen but freezing may slightly change their chewy texture. Wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight at room temperature and refresh the glaze with a quick drizzle before serving.
Reheating Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe Without Drying Out
If you want to warm these up, the microwave is your friend—just zap for 10 to 15 seconds to soften without drying out. Alternatively, a low 300°F oven for 5 minutes wrapped loosely in foil brings them back gently. Avoid high heat or long reheats, or you risk making the texture tough. A quick air fryer blast at 320°F for 3 minutes also works nicely, especially if you like the glaze slightly warm and melty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin pie spice blends add freshness and let you customize the spice level. Just make sure the ratio includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that classic fall flavor.
Yes! Butter your hands well and shape the mixture into rings on a parchment-lined sheet pan. They won’t be perfectly uniform, but they taste just as fantastic.
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows and a plant milk (like almond or oat). Keep in mind the texture and flavor may be slightly different but still delicious.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’re best enjoyed within 2 days for peak texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Making these Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe reminds me why simple ingredients and a little seasonal inspiration can create something truly special. They’re a perfect way to bring a touch of autumn into your kitchen with minimal hassle and maximum joy. Whether for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, these donuts deliver warm, comforting flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy fall magic can be!
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Recipe
These Pumpkin Rice Krispie Donuts combine the classic crispy texture of Rice Krispies treats with the seasonal flavor of pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Finished with a sweet maple cinnamon glaze, they make a delightful and festive no-bake treat perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic dessert with a pumpkin twist.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- ½ cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Pinch of salt
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Nonstick spray or butter (for hands and donut pan)
For the Maple Cinnamon Glaze:
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Mixture: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the mini marshmallows and cook, stirring frequently, until they are mostly melted and smooth. Then add the canned pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Remove the pot from heat quickly before the mixture hardens.
- Mix in Rice Krispies: Immediately fold the Rice Krispies cereal into the warm pumpkin marshmallow mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly so that all cereal pieces are evenly coated.
- Shape the Donuts: Lightly coat a donut pan with nonstick spray or grease your hands with butter if shaping by hand. Press the warm pumpkin Rice Krispies mixture firmly and evenly into each mold cavity. Allow the donuts to cool completely in the pan; this will help them set properly and maintain their shape when removed.
- Make the Maple Cinnamon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk a teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Glaze the Donuts: Once the donuts have cooled and set, dip the tops of each donut into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over them with a spoon. Place the glazed donuts on a flat surface and let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up slightly.
Notes
- Make sure to use canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sweeteners that will affect flavor and texture.
- If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if too thick, thin with extra milk gradually.
- You can use food coloring if you want a more vibrant orange color, but it's optional.
- If you don't have a donut pan, shape the mixture by hand into donut shapes and let them set on parchment paper.
- Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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