Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats offer a bright and chewy twist on the classic marshmallow snack. Combining zesty lemon flavor with the familiar crunch of Rice Krispies, these treats are perfect for a light, citrusy dessert or a fun snack any time of day.

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. Avoid pressing too hard to keep 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: Allow the treats to cool and set for at least 30 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra citrus flavor, you can add a little lemon juice to the melted marshmallow mixture, but add sparingly to avoid making it too wet.
• Swap white chocolate chips for lemon-flavored candy melts for a stronger lemon taste and brighter color.
• Use all yellow lemon-flavored marshmallows for a more pronounced lemon look and flavor.
• To keep treats soft, don’t press the mixture too firmly when spreading in the pan.

Storage

Store Lemon Rice Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week but bring 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?

Yes, you can use all classic white marshmallows if you prefer, though the lemon flavor will be milder. Adding lemon zest and extract will help boost the citrus notes.

How do I prevent the white chocolate drizzle from hardening too quickly?

Melt the white chocolate in short intervals and stir frequently to keep it smooth and warm enough to drizzle easily. Working quickly helps ensure an even drizzle before it sets.

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 188 reviews

These Lemon Rice Krispy Treats are a delightful twist on the classic, blending the zesty brightness of lemon with the familiar, chewy texture of Rice Krispies and marshmallows. Enhanced with lemon zest, optional lemon extract, and a drizzle of white chocolate, these treats offer a fresh, citrusy kick perfect for spring or summer snacks and desserts.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 adds a 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 the Rice Krispy treats can be easily removed once set.
2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and form a smooth mixture.
3. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the zest of one lemon and, if using, the 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to infuse the marshmallow mixture with bright, citrusy flavor.
4. Combine with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately and fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every piece is thoroughly coated with the lemony marshmallow mixture.
5. Press into Pan: Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Avoid pressing too hard to maintain a soft and chewy texture in the treats.
6. Melt White Chocolate: Microwave the white chocolate chips in 20-second intervals, stirring occasionally until completely melted and smooth.
7. Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the Rice Krispy mixture, then sprinkle additional lemon zest or fine lemon peel curls on top for garnish and extra visual appeal.
8. Cool and Set: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so they can firm up. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Using half lemon-flavored marshmallows adds a natural citrus brightness, but you can use all classic marshmallows and increase lemon zest and extract if preferred.
• For easy removal, lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended.
• Do not over-press the mixture into the pan to keep the treats soft and chewy rather than hard and dense.
• The lemon extract is optional but recommended to intensify the lemon flavor without adding liquid.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Keywords: Lemon Rice Krispy Treats, citrus dessert, lemon marshmallow treats, easy summer snacks, white chocolate drizzle, lemon zest dessert