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These have been all over Pinterest, Twitter, blogs, and I still can’t get enough of them! I am a self-diagnosed pumpkin junkie and I am not ashamed. Here’s a recipe for a pumpkin treat that just so happens to be delicious, fun, and gluten free.

These treats can be made gluten free OR NOT, it's super-versatile. As always, when baking gluten free, check your ingredients for the gluten free symbol. You can find GF crispy rice cereal, marshmallows, and spices in your grocery store. If you're baking for someone with celiac, give your cutting boards and baking surfaces a good wipe down, to avoid cross-contamination.

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp salted butter

1 tbsp brown sugar

1/3 cup of canned pumpkin puree (or fresh, if you have it!)

14 ounces of mini marshmallows OR marshmallow fluff

¼ tsp of vanilla extract

¼ tsp of cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

Dash of salt

7 cups of crispy rice cereal

1 jar cream cheese frosting

Candy pumpkins

DIRECTIONS:

Prep your favorite 9” x 13” baking dish by giving it a spray of oil or butter. In a heavy pan, melt the butter and sugar on the stove top over low heat. Once the butter is completely melted, add in your pumpkin and mix thoroughly. Immediately add 12 ounces of your marshmallows/or fluff until the marshmallows have all melted through. Now stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly mix all ingredients together and remove the pan from heat.

Allow the mixture to cool (about 8 minutes ought to do it). Now add the remaining 2 ounces of marshmallows. Once fully mixed, let it cool for another 20 minutes (or until it’s room temperature). Now add your crispy cereal into the mix. Now press the mixture into your baking dish. Use a silicone spatula for this part of the process to make it easier. Let it “set up” for about 30 minutes before you try to cut it. Top it with a little dollop of cream cheese, and a candy pumpkin, and you’re all set! Let the goodness begin...

I have seen folks that shape each individual treat into the shape of a pumpkin – SO cool. I have also seen different variations of candy toppers – YUM. What creative spin would you put on this recipe? I would LOVE to hear about it! Talk soon ~ Mary DeAngelis