Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

These Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and refreshing twist on the classic, combining the familiar chewy, crispy texture with a burst of bright, tangy lemon flavor. The sweet citrusy glaze adds a refreshing zing that elevates this dessert, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes a childhood favorite and gives it a fresh, zesty makeover. The combination of gooey marshmallows, crispy Rice Krispies, and the bright, tangy lemon flavor makes every bite irresistible. Whether I’m serving them at a party, bringing them to a picnic, or just enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Rice Krispies cereal

• Butter

• Mini marshmallows

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Powdered sugar

• Salt

Directions

1. Prepare the Lemon Zest and Juice:

   • I start by zesting the lemon to get the fresh, fragrant peel, then I squeeze out the lemon juice. This will add a refreshing tang to both the treats and the glaze.

2. Make the Rice Krispie Treats:

   • In a large pot, I melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, I add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.

   • I remove the pot from the heat and quickly stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice for that burst of citrusy flavor.

   • I gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until it’s evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture.

   • I pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and press it down gently with a spatula to pack it into an even layer.

3. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

   • In a small bowl, I mix together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. If I want a thicker glaze, I add a little more powdered sugar. This glaze will add an extra layer of citrusy sweetness on top of the treats.

4. Finish and Serve:

   • I drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled Rice Krispie treats and let it set for about 10-15 minutes before cutting them into squares. The glaze hardens slightly, creating a delicious citrusy topping.

   • I cut them into squares and serve them up as a fun and sweet treat.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 squares and takes around 20 minutes total — 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to set.

Variations

I sometimes add a handful of white chocolate chips or drizzle some melted chocolate on top for an extra decadent treat. For a more intense lemon flavor, I use lemon extract in addition to the fresh lemon juice and zest. You can also sprinkle the tops with extra lemon zest for added citrus pop.

storage/reheating

I store these Lemon Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I have leftovers, I keep them sealed to maintain their freshness and chewiness.

FAQs

Can I make these treats without lemon?

Yes! If I want a different flavor, I can use orange zest and juice for a citrus twist or even add vanilla extract for a more classic Rice Krispie treat flavor.

Can I make them in advance?

Definitely. These treats hold up well for a couple of days, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of time for parties or events.

How do I keep them from getting too hard?

Be sure not to overcook the marshmallows. Once they’re melted, remove them from the heat right away to prevent them from getting too firm when they cool.

Can I add other ingredients to these treats?

For extra flavor and texture, I sometimes add crushed graham crackers, dried coconut, or mini marshmallows to the mix. You can even throw in some chopped nuts or fruit for a fun twist.

What if I don’t have Rice Krispies cereal?

If I don’t have Rice Krispies, any crispy rice cereal will work. Alternatively, I can use cornflakes for a slightly different texture.

Conclusion

These Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet marshmallow goodness. I love how easy they are to make, and the lemon glaze takes them to a whole new level of delicious. Whether I’m serving them at a party, sharing them with friends, or just enjoying them myself, they’re always a hit!

Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are a bright and refreshing twist on the classic treat, featuring gooey marshmallows, crispy cereal, and a tangy lemon glaze for the perfect balance of sweet and citrus.

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Ingredients

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 3 tbsp butter
• 10 oz mini marshmallows
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (plus more for glaze)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• Pinch of salt (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Prep: Zest and juice the lemons. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt Base: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Add Lemon: Stir in lemon zest and 2 tbsp lemon juice. Quickly fold in Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated.
4. Press: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish. Press gently into an even layer using a spatula.
5. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust thickness with more sugar or juice if needed.
6. Glaze and Set: Drizzle glaze over the cooled Rice Krispie treats. Let sit 10–15 minutes to set before cutting into squares.

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Notes

• Add white chocolate chips or drizzle for a richer treat.
• For stronger flavor, add 1/2 tsp lemon extract to the marshmallow mix.
• Top with extra lemon zest for visual appeal and zing.
• Use orange or lime for different citrus versions.
• Store in airtight container for up to 3 days at room temp.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 3g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 5mg