Crispy, chewy, and bursting with bright, tangy flavor, these Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are a surefire way to brighten your day. The classic snap and crackle of the cereal is elevated by the vibrant zest of lemon, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet, gooey marshmallow base. This recipe works because the acidity of the lemon perfectly balances the richness of the marshmallow and butter, preventing the treat from being overly sweet.
These zesty squares are perfect for a quick and easy dessert, a fun baking activity with kids, or as a cheerful addition to any gathering. Their vibrant flavor profile makes them a welcome change from traditional treats.
Why you’ll love this Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats in 30 Minutes
- Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert.
- Offers a bright, refreshing twist on a classic treat with its tangy lemon flavor.
- Requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- The chewy and crispy texture is incredibly satisfying.
- It’s a fun and easy baking project that kids can help with, resulting in delicious lemon rice krispie treats.
- Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a simple afternoon snack.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon extract. If you want to reduce the sugar content, consider using sugar-free marshmallows. And if you’re looking for a different twist, check out this recipe for mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes for more lemony goodness.
How to make Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats in 30 Minutes
Step 1: Melt the butter and marshmallows
Lemon rice krispie treats makes every moment feel sunny. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Chef’s Tip: Use a non-stick saucepan to prevent the marshmallows from sticking and burning.
Step 2: Add the lemon and salt
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
Chef’s Tip: Be careful not to overcook the marshmallows, as this will result in hard treats.
Step 3: Combine the cereal
Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until evenly coated.
Chef’s Tip: Make sure all the cereal is coated with the marshmallow mixture for the best flavor and texture.
Step 4: Press and cool
Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Chef’s Tip: Use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper to press the mixture into the pan. This prevents sticking and allows you to get an even layer.
Step 5: Dust and serve
Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can lack the vibrant taste.
- Don’t overcook the marshmallows! They should be melted and smooth, but not browned or burnt.
- Grease your pan and spatula well to prevent sticking.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting for clean, even squares.
Serving Suggestions
These Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun variation, try drizzling them with melted white chocolate or adding a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles. Consider serving these alongside a batch of banana bread brownies for a contrasting dessert selection.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious after a few days. Reheating is not recommended, as they may become hard or sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these Lemon Rice Krispie Treats?
While you can freeze them, the texture might change slightly. It’s best to enjoy them fresh for the best results.
Can I use different types of cereal?
While Rice Krispies are the traditional choice, you can experiment with other crispy rice cereals. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary.
How can I prevent the treats from being too sticky?
Make sure to use the correct ratio of ingredients and don’t overcook the marshmallows. Also, greasing your pan and spatula well will help prevent sticking.
In conclusion, these Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s sure to please everyone. The combination of crispy cereal, gooey marshmallows, and bright lemon flavor creates a truly irresistible treat. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats in 30 Minutes
These Lemon Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Imagine the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies, infused with the bright, tangy flavor of fresh lemon. The marshmallow base is perfectly gooey and sweet, balancing the tartness of the lemon beautifully. These treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick dessert, a fun baking project with kids, or a bright addition to any party. These lemon-infused squares are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 squares 1x
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt until well combined.
- Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. Enjoy your zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats!
Notes
For extra lemony flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract along with the lemon juice. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To prevent sticking, grease the pan well with butter or cooking spray before pressing the mixture in. For easier cutting, lightly grease your knife with butter or cooking spray.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg