Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats add a bright, citrus twist to a classic favorite. With zesty lemon flavor and a drizzle of white chocolate, these treats are both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for a quick sweet snack or a sunny dessert.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows (half yellow lemon-flavored, half classic white)
• Zest of 1 lemon (plus more for garnish if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional but adds a citrus boost)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
• Lemon peel or zest, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract if using.
3. Step 3: Remove from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until well coated.
4. Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Don’t press too hard—you want them to stay soft and chewy.
5. Step 5: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the top of the bars. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or fine curls of lemon peel.
6. Step 6: Allow the treats to cool and set for at least 30 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use lemon-flavored marshmallows for a stronger citrus taste, or substitute with all classic marshmallows if preferred.
• For an extra pop of color and flavor, add a handful of finely chopped candied lemon peel to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
• Try using dark or milk chocolate drizzle instead of white chocolate for a different twist.
• If you want chewier treats, press the mixture lightly and don’t overhandle.

Storage

Store the lemon Rice Krispy treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of lemon-flavored ones?

Yes, you can use all classic white marshmallows if you don’t have lemon-flavored ones. You might want to add a little extra lemon zest or lemon extract to maintain the citrus flavor.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard?

Press the mixture gently into the pan without compacting it too much, and avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture. This will help keep the treats soft and chewy rather than hard and brittle.

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

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4.7 from 778 reviews

These Lemon Rice Krispy Treats are a zesty twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars, combining citrusy lemon zest and extract with gooey marshmallows and crunchy Rice Krispies for a bright, chewy, and sweet snack. Finished with a drizzle of white chocolate and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, they are perfect for a refreshing dessert or an energizing treat.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings (1.5 inch squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows (half yellow lemon-flavored, half classic white)
• Zest of 1 lemon (plus more for garnish if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional but recommended for citrus boost)

Topping

• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
• Lemon peel or zest, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the treats once set.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
3. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract (if using) into the melted marshmallow mixture to incorporate the citrus flavor evenly.
4. Combine with Cereal: Remove the pan from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until all cereal pieces are well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
5. Press Mixture into Pan: Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, gently press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats soft and chewy.
6. Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
7. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the top of the pressed cereal bars. Sprinkle additional lemon zest or fine curls of lemon peel on top for garnish.
8. Set and Serve: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once firm, cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

• For a stronger lemon flavor, add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of lemon extract or increase lemon zest slightly.
• If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate chips.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for best texture.
• Pressing the mixture too hard can make the treats dense; gentle pressure keeps them chewy.
• These treats do not require refrigeration but can be chilled slightly for a firmer bite.

Keywords: Lemon Rice Krispy Treats, Lemon dessert, Marshmallow bars, Citrus snack, White chocolate drizzle, Easy no-bake dessert