Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats
A bright and refreshing twist on the classic marshmallow cereal bar. These Zesty Lemon Rice Krispie Treats combine the nostalgic crunch of toasted rice cereal with the vibrant, tangy punch of fresh lemon zest and specialized lemon marshmallows. Finished with a decadent white chocolate drizzle, they are the ultimate no-bake summer dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Rice Krispies cereal – 6 cups
Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons
Mini marshmallows (lemon-flavored and white) – 3 cups
Fresh lemon zest – 1 tablespoon
Lemon extract – 1/2 teaspoon
White chocolate chips or melting wafers – 1/2 cup
Extra lemon peel for garnish – 1 teaspoon
Instructions
Prepare a 9×9-inch square baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over very low heat to avoid browning.
Add the mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a silicone spatula until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon zest and the lemon extract until well incorporated.
Immediately pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal in until every piece is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper, press the mixture lightly into the corners. Do not pack it down tightly.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the bars in a decorative pattern and top with additional lemon zest.
Let the bars sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set before slicing into squares.
Notes
• Use fresh lemons for the zest; the oils provide a much better flavor than bottled juice.
• Avoid over-packing the cereal into the pan to ensure the treats remain soft and chewy.
• If you cannot find lemon marshmallows, use 3 cups of white marshmallows and increase lemon extract to 1 teaspoon.
Find it online: https://pinchofwarmthbakes.com/zesty-lemon-rice-krispie/