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Lemon Rice Krispy Treats Recipe

4.5 from 149 reviews

These Lemon Rice Krispy Treats are a zesty twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bars, featuring bright lemon zest and extract blended into the marshmallow mixture and topped with drizzled white chocolate and lemon peel garnish. Soft, chewy, and bursting with citrus flavor, they make a perfect sweet snack or dessert for summer or any time you want a refreshing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

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

Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the treats can be easily removed once set.
  2. Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest and lemon extract into the melted marshmallow mixture to infuse citrus flavor evenly.
  4. Mix in Cereal: Remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately add the Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until all cereal pieces are well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
  5. Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Press gently to maintain a soft, chewy texture.
  6. Melt and Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring in between until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the treats.
  7. Garnish and Set: Sprinkle additional lemon zest or fine lemon peel curls over the chocolate. Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Using half lemon-flavored and half classic white mini marshmallows provides a nice balance of citrus flavor without overpowering the treat.
  • Be careful not to press the mixture too firmly into the pan to retain a soft and chewy texture.
  • The lemon extract is optional but adds a bright, concentrated citrus flavor; adjust to taste.
  • If you don’t have lemon extract, additional lemon zest alone will still provide good flavor.
  • White chocolate chips can be substituted with melting wafers for smoother drizzling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: lemon rice krispy treats, lemon dessert, marshmallow treats, fruity rice krispy bars, white chocolate drizzle