A delightful twist on a summer favorite, these Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats are bursting with cozy autumn spices and irresistibly sweet flavors, perfect for the fall season.
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Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats: Your New Favorite Fall Indulgence
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s no denying that we are officially deep into the beloved holiday baking season. For many, myself included, this time of year brings an unparalleled joy, as kitchens fill with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and all things cozy. While I might be a little late to fully embrace the pumpkin spice craze this year, it’s never too late to make up for lost time. And what better way to do so than with a recipe that beautifully marries two beloved dessert traditions: the classic s’more and the quintessential flavors of autumn?
A Seasonal S’mores Sensation: From Campfire to Cozy Kitchen
Get ready to fall in love with these Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats, a brilliant transition from a summer campfire staple to a festive fall favorite. As an ardent admirer of anything s’mores-inspired, my excitement was immediate when I stumbled upon the Peanut Butter S’mores Treats recipe on the Karo® Syrup website. I instantly envisioned a delightful autumn transformation, infusing it with the warm, aromatic embrace of pumpkin spice. This recipe isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience, bringing the nostalgic joy of s’mores indoors with a seasonal twist that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
Crafting the Perfect Fall Flavor Profile
The first and most crucial step in adapting this recipe for the fall season was to introduce that unmistakable pumpkin spice warmth. My goal was to impart the rich, comforting flavors of autumn without altering the delectable texture of the bars. Therefore, instead of incorporating actual pumpkin puree, which can sometimes introduce unwanted moisture and affect the crispiness, I opted for a generous amount of high-quality pumpkin pie spice. This carefully selected blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves delivers all the signature aromas and tastes we associate with fall, ensuring a deeply satisfying flavor experience.
However, to truly let the pumpkin pie spice shine, a crucial ingredient swap was necessary. The original Peanut Butter S’mores Treats, while delicious, feature the bold and distinctive flavor of peanut butter. While fantastic in its own right, peanut butter tends to dominate, potentially overshadowing the delicate nuances of pumpkin spice. To create a harmonious balance and allow the autumnal spices to truly sing, I decided to substitute almond butter for peanut butter. Almond butter offers a milder, slightly sweeter, and nuttier profile that complements the pumpkin spice beautifully, creating a more balanced and sophisticated flavor that is undeniably fall.
The Irresistible Foundation: A Scotcheroo-Inspired Base
At the heart of these Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats lies a foundation reminiscent of a classic Scotcheroo, rather than a traditional Rice Krispie treat. For those unfamiliar, Scotcheroos are a beloved no-bake bar known for their incredibly chewy texture and rich flavor. They typically involve a simple yet magical combination of Karo® Syrup, sugar, and peanut butter, all mixed into crispy rice cereal. This unique base is what gives these bars their signature chewiness and ensures they hold together perfectly, making them a fantastic alternative to more crumbly desserts.
The secret to that wonderfully chewy consistency lies in the Karo® Syrup. It acts as the perfect binder, creating a pliable, sticky matrix that holds the crispy rice cereal and marshmallows together without becoming overly hard or brittle. Beyond its textural contribution, Karo® Syrup also provides just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the other flavors without being cloyingly sugary. An added benefit, and one I particularly appreciate, is that Karo® Syrup is free of high fructose corn syrup, making it a reliable and high-quality choice for all your baking and cooking needs.
By adapting this Scotcheroo-style base with almond butter and pumpkin spice, we create a rich, chewy, and aromatic layer that forms the perfect canvas for our s’mores inspired toppings. This foundation ensures that every bite is not only flavorful but also offers that satisfying chew that makes these bars so addictive.
Perfect for Sharing: A Thoughtful Holiday Treat
These Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats are more than just a dessert; they are the quintessential treat for baking and sharing with friends and family during the cooler months. Their bar format makes them incredibly easy to portion, package, and transport, transforming them into ideal gifts or contributions to any holiday potluck or gathering. They embody the spirit of “baking a little extra” – a philosophy that celebrates generosity and the joy of sharing homemade deliciousness during the most wonderful time of the year.
Imagine the smiles when you arrive at a loved one’s doorstep with a beautifully presented box filled with these autumn-spiced delights. Each bar is a testament to thoughtfulness, a warm embrace of flavor that speaks volumes. They’re perfect for school events, office parties, or simply as a sweet gesture to brighten someone’s day. The combination of chewy, spiced rice cereal, rich white chocolate, and perfectly toasted marshmallows creates a comforting, celebratory treat that everyone will adore. Trust me, no one will complain when these delicious bars make an appearance!
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Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats
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Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy rice cereal
- 4 cups miniature marshmallows (divided)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup Karo® Syrup
- 1 cup almond butter
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 12 oz white chocolate chips
- 5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Karo® Syrup
Instructions
- Spray a 13×9-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Combine the crispy rice cereal and 2 cups of the miniature marshmallows in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Combine the sugar and the 3/4 cup Karo® syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once at a boil, let it boil for one minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the almond butter and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Pour over the cereal mixture and quickly stir to coat*. Press evenly into the prepared pan.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate chips, cream, and 2 tablespoons Karo® syrup. Cook on high in 10-15 second increments, stirring often, until the chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Spread the mixture over the top of the cereal layer and top with the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows.
- Arrange a rack in the oven or broiler so the top of the pan is 4 inches from the source of heat. Preheat the broiler. Broil the bars just until the marshmallows are lightly browned, 10-30 seconds.
- Cool completely then cut into 2-inch squares.
Recipe Notes:
Adapted from karosyrup.com
Tips for Achieving Pumpkin Spice S’mores Perfection
While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few key tips can elevate your Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats from great to absolutely unforgettable. Firstly, precision in heating the sugar and Karo® Syrup mixture is essential. Boiling it for precisely one minute ensures the right consistency – too short, and your bars might be too soft; too long, and they could become brittle. Secondly, remember the note about working quickly: once the hot syrup mixture hits the cereal, it starts to set. Have your pan ready and be prepared to stir and press swiftly to ensure an even distribution.
For the marshmallow topping, watch your broiler closely! Broilers vary wildly in intensity, and marshmallows can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep the pan close to the heat source, but stay vigilant, pulling them out as soon as they achieve that coveted toasted look. This quick toasting adds another layer of s’mores authenticity, providing a slightly caramelized crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
Once assembled, allow your treats to cool completely. This is perhaps the hardest step, as the aroma is incredibly tempting! However, a full cool-down ensures clean cuts and prevents the bars from sticking. For a super neat presentation, you can lightly grease your knife with cooking spray before slicing, or run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts. These small details will make your Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Variations to Customize Your Fall Treats
While the classic Pumpkin Spice S’mores Treats are fantastic as is, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. If almond butter isn’t your preference, feel free to try cashew butter for another mild, creamy option that won’t overpower the spice blend. For a touch of extra texture and flavor, consider folding in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the cereal mixture, or sprinkling them on top of the white chocolate layer before adding the marshmallows. You could even drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the finished bars for an extra layer of autumnal indulgence.
Another idea is to play with the chocolate. While white chocolate offers a beautiful contrast to the pumpkin spice and marshmallows, a thin layer of milk chocolate or dark chocolate could also be used for the ganache topping, creating a different flavor dynamic. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the melted chocolate can enhance all the sweet and spiced notes. These treats are incredibly versatile, inviting you to put your own creative spin on them and make them truly yours.
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