As Halloween approaches and the days grow shorter, the excitement in the air is palpable. This is the season of pumpkins, costumes, and, of course, festive treats! When my friends and I gather for our annual Halloween party, I always find myself searching for that show-stopping dessert that combines all the fun of Halloween with delicious flavors. That’s when I decided to create these Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats.
Imagine a moist, chewy brownie base layered with luscious marshmallow cream and crispy Rice Krispies, all draped in velvety chocolate. Each bite is a delightful crunch, a burst of sweetness, and a nostalgic nod to childhood. This layered dessert not only looks festive with its colorful toppings and sprinkles but also offers the perfect balance of textures that make it a crowd favorite.
Best of all? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, making them the ideal treat for parties or family gatherings. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress your guests with this Halloween-inspired delight!
Why are Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats a Must-Try?
Delightfully Fun: These treats are a perfect blend of crunchy and chewy, bringing a whole new level of enjoyment to your Halloween festivities.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up without breaking a sweat, even if you’re not an experienced chef.
Crowd-Pleaser: The festive colors and unique layers make them a hit, capturing the attention of both kids and adults alike!
Versatile Options: Customize the colors and mix-ins to suit your party theme or personal taste, keeping your creativity flowing.
Perfectly Indulgent: Rich chocolate and gooey marshmallows make every bite irresistible, promising a delightful balance of flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
• Brownie Mix – A family-sized box creates a thicker, fudgy layer that everyone will love.
For the Marshmallow Layer
• Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme – This gooey topping adds sweetness and helps bind the layers together.
• Mini Marshmallows – Melts into the Rice Krispie mix, enhancing the marshmallow flavor for your Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats.
For the Rice Krispie Layer
• Rice Krispies Cereal – Provides the signature crispness that balances the chewy and gooey textures.
• Butter (Sweet Cream, Salted) – Helps melt the marshmallows and binds the crispy mixture perfectly.
For the Chocolate Topping
• Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Melting Wafers – Offers a rich, decadent layer that elevates the indulgence factor.
• Ghirardelli White Chocolate Melting Wafers – Ideal for decorative piping, adding a sweet contrast to the dark chocolate.
• Wilton Candy Melts (Orange) – Brightens up the treats with a festive pop of color.
For Decorations
• Halloween Sprinkles – Finishing touches that add festive cheer and visual appeal to your treats.
How to Make Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats
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Prepare your brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour it into a lined 9×13″ pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
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Spread the Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme evenly across the cooled brownie base, creating a sweet, gooey layer that adds delightful texture.
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Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
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Mix in 5 cups of Rice Krispies, ensuring everything gets well combined. For a burst of Halloween color, fold in orange food coloring, then press this mixture over the marshmallow layer using your hands or a spatula.
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Melt the Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Place them in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring afterward, until smooth. Pour and spread this rich chocolate layer over the Rice Krispie mixture.
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Decorate by melting the white and orange chocolate wafers separately. Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle to drizzle these colors over the chocolate layer while it’s still warm to create a fun, festive design.
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Sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles across the top before the chocolate sets, allowing it to anchor the décor in place as it cools.
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Cut the treats into squares by lifting them from the pan using the parchment paper. Enjoy the sweet layers you’ve crafted!
Optional: Pair with pumpkin spice drinks for a perfect seasonal treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your Halloween festivities seamless and stress-free! You can prepare the brownie base and the marshmallow cream layer up to 24 hours in advance. Just let the brownie cool completely and spread the marshmallow cream on top, then refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble. The Rice Krispie layer can also be made in advance—simply mix, press, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, melt the chocolate topping and drizzle it on, add your festive decorations, and you’re all set! Preparing ahead ensures that your treats remain just as delightful and beautifully layered without any last-minute rush.
Storage Tips for Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps the textures intact and makes for a deliciously chewy treat.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats in the airtight container for up to 1 week. This can help maintain their delicious flavor.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months; just thaw before enjoying!
Reheating: If you prefer warm treats, microwave each square for about 10-15 seconds to gently melt the chocolate and soften the layers. Enjoy the comforting flavors anew!
What to Serve with Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats?
Imagine the delight of hearing laughter and the sound of bubbling cauldrons as you serve up sweets that bring everyone together!
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: This warm, spiced drink perfectly complements the chocolatey sweetness, enveloping your senses in the cozy flavors of fall.
- Spooky Fruit Kabobs: Light, refreshing fruit skewers add a vibrant pop of color and sweetness that balances the rich treats and keeps things interesting.
- Caramel Apple Dip: The gooey caramel dipped in crunchy apple slices offers a seasonal twist that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and marshmallow layers.
- Chilled Apple Cider: Enjoy the crisp taste of fall; it’s an incredibly refreshing contrast to the indulgent brownie treats while highlighting festive flavors.
- Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: These provide a salty crunch that pairs splendidly with the sweet layers of the Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats, creating an irresistible bite.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: With their spiced flavor and crunchy texture, these cookies evoke the essence of autumn, delighting your palette alongside the dessert.
- Halloween-themed Punch: A bubbly concoction with citrus and berries brings a festive flair to your gathering. It’s vibrant, fun, and a delightful pairing for any treat!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a cold contrast, consider making mini ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or pumpkin spice ice cream, offering a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
- Creamy Hot Chocolate: This rich, velvety drink makes every bite of the treats even sweeter, wrapping you in warmth while you enjoy the festive atmosphere.
You can’t go wrong with these delightful pairings that complement your spooky dessert in flavor and fun!
Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats Variations
Get creative and elevate your Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats with these fun twists!
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Colorful Crisps: Use different food coloring for the Rice Krispie layer, like vibrant green or spooky purple, to match your Halloween theme.
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Fluff it Up: Swap the Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme for homemade marshmallow fluff, giving your treats a richer, more authentic marshmallow flavor. This small change can bring a delightful nostalgia to your creation.
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Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter for a nutty crunch and extra flavor depth. The combination of nuttiness with sweetness is truly delightful!
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Spicy Surprise: Sprinkle some cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper into the marshmallow mixture for an unexpected warm kick, adding a delicious layer of flavor that keeps everyone guessing.
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Cereal Swap: Experiment with different cereals like Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles instead of Rice Krispies for a unique taste and added color. Kids will love the fruity version at Halloween parties!
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Vegan Friendly: Replace the marshmallows and butter with vegan alternatives, and use a plant-based brownie mix to create a vegan-friendly version without sacrificing flavor.
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Choco-Mint: Add peppermint extract to the melted dark chocolate layer for a refreshing mint twist, giving a nod to classic treats and creating a wonderful contrast to the sweetness.
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Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top before the chocolate sets for an extra indulgent treat. This adds a luscious sweetness that perfectly complements the chocolatey layers.
Embrace the holiday spirit and make these treats uniquely yours!
Expert Tips for Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats
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Use Family-Sized Mix: Opting for a family-sized brownie mix will give you a thicker, fudgier layer, enhancing your Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats’ texture.
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Cool Before Spreading: Allow the marshmallow mixture to cool slightly before layering it on the brownies to prevent melting the fudgy base.
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Even Spreading: Utilize a knife or an offset spatula for a smooth and even spread of marshmallow creme and melted chocolate for a professional finish.
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Customize Decorations: Feel free to experiment with different colored candy melts and sprinkles to create a unique festive design that suits your party theme.
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Storage Tips: Keep the finished treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, check your brownie mix before using it. Ensure the box is not expired or damaged. If you’re using fresh marshmallows or mini marshmallows, choose ones that are soft and have no dark spots. Fresh marshmallows will help create that gooey layer we love.
How should I store my Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats?
Keep your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This preserves their delightful chewiness. If you want them to last longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re well-sealed to avoid absorbing any unwanted odors.
Can I freeze Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds to regain that fresh, gooey goodness.
What should I do if my Rice Krispie layer is too sticky?
If you find your Rice Krispie mixture is too sticky to press into place, it might be due to excess marshmallows or not enough butter. Simply melt an additional tablespoon of butter and carefully fold it into the Rice Krispie mix before pressing it down. Make sure to coat your hands with cooking spray or butter to help with the sticking!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you are catering to dietary restrictions, check the ingredients in your brownie mix or choose gluten-free options available in stores. For those concerned about sugar, consider using sugar-free substitutes for the marshmallows and chocolate. Always ensure your decorations are safe for any allergies, especially if serving to kids.
Can I customize the colors in my Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats?
The more the merrier! You can definitely customize by using different food coloring for your Rice Krispie layer or chocolate drizzles. Think green for a witchy twist or purple for a ghostly vibe. Let your creativity shine; it’s all about making these treats uniquely yours!
Delicious Halloween Brownie Rice Krispie Treats You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your brownie mix according to the package instructions. Pour it into a lined 9x13" pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread the Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme evenly across the cooled brownie base, creating a sweet, gooey layer that adds delightful texture.
- Melt 5 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add 5 cups of mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in 5 cups of Rice Krispies, ensuring everything gets well combined. For a burst of Halloween color, fold in orange food coloring, then press this mixture over the marshmallow layer using your hands or a spatula.
- Melt the Ghirardelli dark chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Place them in the microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring afterward, until smooth. Pour and spread this rich chocolate layer over the Rice Krispie mixture.
- Decorate by melting the white and orange chocolate wafers separately. Use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle to drizzle these colors over the chocolate layer while it’s still warm to create a fun, festive design.
- Sprinkle with Halloween sprinkles across the top before the chocolate sets, allowing it to anchor the décor in place as it cools.
- Cut the treats into squares by lifting them from the pan using the parchment paper. Enjoy the sweet layers you've crafted!