Lemon Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

Introduction

Lemon Rice Krispy Treats offer a bright, citrusy twist on the classic marshmallow snack. These chewy, buttery bars are infused with fresh lemon zest and a hint of extract, making them a refreshing dessert or snack that’s perfect for all ages.

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 to make removal easier.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt completely and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract if using.
3. Step 3: Remove the pan from heat and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until each piece is well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Step 4: Using a buttered spatula or wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. 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, then sprinkle with extra lemon zest or fine curls of lemon peel for garnish.
6. Step 6: Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a stronger lemon flavor, increase the lemon zest or add a bit more lemon extract according to taste.
• You can substitute white chocolate chips with lemon-flavored candy melts for a more intense citrus finish.
• Press the mixture gently to keep the bars chewy rather than crunchy.
• Mix in poppy seeds for a lovely texture and visual appeal.

Storage

Store the Lemon Rice Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them fresh longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Warm briefly in the microwave before serving to restore softness if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, regular marshmallows work well. Use about the same volume, but chopping them into smaller pieces can help them melt more evenly.

What if I don’t have lemon extract?

If you don’t have lemon extract, simply increase the amount of fresh lemon zest for more natural lemon flavor. The extract adds intensity but isn’t essential.

Lemon Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 91 reviews

These Lemon Rice Krispy Treats offer a bright, citrusy twist on the classic marshmallow snack. Featuring a blend of lemon-flavored and classic mini marshmallows, lemon zest, and a drizzle of white chocolate, they are soft, chewy, and bursting with refreshing lemon flavor—perfect for a delightful treat anytime.

• Author: Hannah
• 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

Base

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups mini marshmallows (half yellow lemon-flavored, half classic white)

Flavorings

• 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. Prep 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 the Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter until just melted. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract if using, to infuse the mixture with citrus flavor.
3. Mix with Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
4. Press into Pan: Transfer the sticky mixture to the prepared pan. Use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Be careful not to press too hard to keep the treats light and chewy.
5. Drizzle & Decorate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave by heating in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the pressed cereal mixture. Finish by sprinkling additional lemon zest or adding fine curls of lemon peel for decoration and extra lemon aroma.
6. Set & Slice: Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, letting the marshmallow mixture and white chocolate set firmly. Once set, cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• For a stronger lemon flavor, be sure to use fresh lemon zest and consider adding the optional lemon extract.
• If you don’t have lemon-flavored marshmallows, you can use all classic marshmallows and increase the lemon zest slightly.
• Press the mixture gently to maintain a soft and chewy texture—pressing too hard will make them dense and hard.
• To store, keep treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
• To make cutting easier, use a sharp knife sprayed with cooking oil or warm the knife blade slightly before cutting.

Keywords: Lemon Rice Krispy Treats, Lemon marshmallow bars, Citrus desserts, Quick treats, White chocolate drizzle