Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats are a delightful twist on the classic snack, combining the familiar chewy texture with a bright citrus flavor. These treats are perfect for a refreshing dessert or a fun party favor that’s easy to make and sure to please.

Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows (half lemon-flavored, half classic white)
• Zest of 1 lemon (plus more for garnish if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional)
• 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 the pan 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. Avoid pressing too hard to keep the treats soft and chewy.
5. Step 5: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the bars. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest or fine curls of lemon peel.
6. Step 6: Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use half lemon-flavored marshmallows and half classic to balance vibrant citrus flavor with traditional sweetness.
• For extra zing, add a little lemon juice to the melted marshmallow mixture, but be careful not to add too much as it can affect the texture.
• Try substituting white chocolate drizzle with a light lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a different finish.

Storage

Store the Lemon Rice Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to a week and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of lemon-flavored?

Yes, regular marshmallows work perfectly, though you may want to add a bit more lemon zest or extract to maintain the citrus flavor.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming hard?

Press the mixture gently into the pan without compacting it too much. Also, avoid overcooking the marshmallow mixture to keep the treats soft and chewy.

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 142 reviews

Delight in these zesty and chewy Lemon Rice Krispy Treats that combine the classic crispy texture with refreshing lemon flavors. Enhanced with lemon zest, lemon extract, and a drizzle of white chocolate, these treats are perfect for a bright twist on a nostalgic snack.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Snack
• 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)
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers
• Lemon peel or zest, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the treats once they are set.
2. Melt the Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth. Mix in the lemon zest and optional lemon extract to infuse the citrus flavor throughout the marshmallow base.
3. Mix with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is well-coated with the lemony marshmallow mixture.
4. Press into Pan: Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, gently press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Press just enough to compact the treats while keeping their soft and chewy texture intact.
5. Drizzle & Decorate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the pressed mixture. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fine curls of lemon peel to enhance both flavor and appearance.
6. Set & Slice: Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, cut into squares and serve for a refreshing citrus snack.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to easily lift the treats out of the pan without sticking.
• For a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon zest or increase lemon extract slightly.
• Pressing too hard will make the treats dense and lose their chewy texture; press lightly.
• White chocolate drizzle is optional but adds a nice sweetness and beautiful contrast.
• Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Keywords: Lemon Rice Krispy Treats, lemon dessert, citrus snack, marshmallow treats, white chocolate drizzle, easy snack recipe