Lemon Rice Krispy Treats

Name: Lemon Rice Krispy Treats
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
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 extra for garnish); 1/2 teaspoon lemon extract (optional); 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or melting wafers; Lemon peel or zest for garnish

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 9, 2025

Featured in: Snacks

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If you love the nostalgic crunch and gooey sweetness of classic Rice Krispy treats but crave a bright, refreshing flavor, these Lemon Rice Krispy Treats are exactly what you need. Infused with lemon zest and a hint of lemon extract, they bring a citrusy twist that lights up your taste buds with every bite.

Perfect for a quick snack or a cheerful dessert, these treats come together effortlessly in under 15 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute gathering or a fun kitchen adventure with the kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright lemon flavor adds a fresh twist to the classic treat.
Uses both lemon-flavored and classic marshmallows for balanced sweetness and tang.
Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and clean-up.
The white chocolate drizzle adds a luscious creaminess and pretty finish.

Ingredients

Rice Krispies cereal: 6 cups of crispy, airy puffed rice cereal to provide the perfect crunchy base for the treats.
Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons melted gently to bind the mixture without overpowering flavors.
Mini marshmallows: 3 cups in total, half lemon-flavored yellow and half classic white, for a zesty and sweet marshmallow blend.
Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon added fresh to infuse bright citrus oils and aroma through the treats.
Lemon extract: 1/2 teaspoon optional, boosts the lemon flavor with concentrated citrus notes.
White chocolate chips or melting wafers: 1/2 cup melted smoothly for a creamy, decorative drizzle that adds richness.
Lemon peel or zest: Extra for garnish, providing a visually appealing and fragrant finish to the bars.

Instructions

Prepare Your Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This step ensures the treats will release easily without sticking, preserving their shape and texture.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter slowly to prevent browning. Add mini marshmallows and stir gently until they melt into a smooth, glossy mixture, which acts as the binding agent for the cereal.
Add Lemon Flavor: Mix in the fresh lemon zest and optional lemon extract immediately off the heat. This captures the fresh citrus oils and amplifies the bright lemon taste throughout the gooey mix.
Combine with Rice Krispies: Remove the pan from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir thoroughly to coat every crisp kernel evenly, ensuring each bite is perfectly balanced between crunch and sticky sweetness.
Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and press it down gently using a buttered spatula or wax paper. Pressing lightly helps maintain a soft, chewy texture, so avoid compacting it too hard.
Melt and Drizzle White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate chips in short microwave bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between to avoid overheating. Drizzle the melted chocolate artistically on top to add a creamy contrast and decorative appeal.
Garnish and Set: Finish with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest or fine lemon peel curls for a zesty aroma and attractive look. Let the treats cool and set for at least 30 minutes to firm up before cutting.

You Must Know

Do not over-press the mixture when spreading it in the pan to keep the treats light and chewy instead of dense.
Using half lemon-flavored marshmallows balances tartness with classic sweetness.
The white chocolate drizzle can be replaced with lemon glaze for an extra citrus punch.

Storage Tips

Store the Lemon Rice Krispy Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bright and chewy treats as a fun snack for kids’ parties, a light dessert after meals, or alongside fresh berries and a cup of tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Professional Tips

Be careful melting marshmallows on low heat to avoid scorching and grainy texture.
Freshly zest the lemon directly over the marshmallow mixture to prevent losing aromatic oils.
Use silicone spatulas for easy mixing and spreading without sticking.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of lemon-flavored ones?: Yes, but you will miss the citrus flavor twist. Adding extra lemon zest or extract can compensate.
What can I substitute for white chocolate drizzle?: You can use melted lemon-flavored candy melts, lemon glaze, or even skip the drizzle for a simpler treat.
Can I make them gluten-free?: Rice Krispies cereal contains malt, so look for certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal alternatives to keep it gluten-free.
How do I store leftover treats?: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze wrapped tightly for longer shelf life.
Can I halve the recipe?: Absolutely! Just use a smaller pan and adjust quantities, ensuring marshmallows still melt evenly.
Why are my treats hard after cooling?: Pressing too hard or overheating marshmallows can cause hardness. Press gently and melt marshmallows on low heat for a soft texture.