Name: Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup butter; 7 cups mini marshmallows; 7 cups Rice Krispie cereal; 1 lemon; 1 tsp lemon extract; yellow candy melts

Infuse a little citrus zest into your favorite sweet treat with this inventive lemon rice krispie treats recipe. Perfect for those who love a tangy twist, this recipe combines the nostalgia of crispy rice treats with the refreshing tartness of lemon. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just want a quick and easy dessert, these lemon-infused treats are sure to impress.

Photos of Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry, there are a couple you might need to look out for. The recipe calls for mini marshmallows and rice krispie cereal, which are generally easy to find in any supermarket. The standout ingredient here is the lemon extract, which is used to intensify the lemon flavor. It's typically found in the baking aisle alongside other extracts and flavorings. You'll also need yellow candy melts for the decorative drizzle on top – these can usually be found in the baking or candy aisle.

Ingredients for Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Butter: Adds a rich flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.

Mini marshmallows: Provide sweetness and act as a binder for the rice krispies.

Rice krispie cereal: Gives the treats their signature crispy texture.

Lemon: Adds a touch of brightness and acidity to balance out the sweetness.

Lemon extract: Enhances the lemon flavor in the treats.

Yellow candy melts: Used for decorative drizzling on top of the treats.

One reader, Kelsey Tejeda says:

These lemon rice krispie treats are a burst of sunshine in every bite! The zesty lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to the classic treat. The combination of the citrusy zest and the sweet marshmallows is simply delightful. It's a perfect treat for any occasion and always leaves a smile on everyone's face.

Kelsey Tejeda

Techniques for Perfect Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

How to zest a lemon: Use a zester or fine grater to remove the outer yellow peel of the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.

How to juice a lemon: Roll the lemon on a hard surface to release the juices, then cut it in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract the juice.

How to melt butter and marshmallows: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter first, then add the marshmallows and stir until smooth.

How to drizzle candy melts: Melt the candy melts according to the package directions, then use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle over the rice krispie treats.

How To Make Lemon Krispie Treats

An easy no-bake dessert recipe, these lemon crispy rice treats are bursting with sweet and tangy flavors — a great dessert to make with the kids too!

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¼cupbutter
7cupsmini marshmallows,divided
7cupsRice Krispie cereal
1lemon
1tsplemon extract
yellow candy melts,for decortating, optional

Instructions

Zest lemon and juice 1 tablespoon of juice.
Melt butter and 6 cups of mini marshmallows over medium-low heat until smooth. Stir in lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and lemon extract. Add Rice Krispies and the remaining 1 cup of marshmallows (unmelted). Stir until combined.
Press into a well-greased 9×13-inch pan (or slightly smaller if you prefer a thicker Rice Krispie).
Melt candy melts according to package directions. Drizzle over krispie treats.
Cool completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 226.46kcal
Fat: 4.35g
Saturated Fat: 2.54g
Trans Fat: 0.16g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.13g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.34g
Carbohydrates: 47.94g
Fiber: 3.62g
Sugar: 20.22g
Protein: 3.83g
Cholesterol: 10.17mg
Sodium: 108.83mg
Calcium: 11.82mg
Potassium: 80.94mg
Iron: 0.95mg
Vitamin A: 32.40µg
Vitamin C: 2.76mg

Key Technique for Mastering Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

When pressing the rice krispie mixture into the pan, lightly dampen your hands with water. This will prevent the sticky mixture from adhering to your hands, allowing for a smoother and more even press. Additionally, to ensure an even layer and compact treats, you can use a flat-bottomed object like a spatula or a glass to press down the mixture firmly. This will result in denser, chewier treats.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Plan: Before starting the recipe, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed. This will help you work more efficiently and avoid any last-minute trips to the store.

Organize: Arrange your workspace and ingredients in an organized manner. This will streamline the cooking process and make it easier to find what you need.

Multi-task: Look for steps in the recipe where you can multitask, such as melting the butter while zesting the lemon. This can save valuable time in the kitchen.

Pre-measure: Pre-measure the ingredients before starting the recipe. This will prevent interruptions during the cooking process and keep everything running smoothly.

Cleanup: Clean up as you go to avoid a big mess at the end. This will make the post-cooking cleanup much quicker and more manageable.

Efficient tools: Use efficient tools and equipment that can help speed up the cooking process, such as sharp knives, high-quality cookware, and kitchen gadgets designed for specific tasks.

Practice: With practice, you'll become more familiar with the recipe, allowing you to move through the steps more quickly and confidently.

Prioritize: Focus on the most time-consuming tasks first, such as zesting and juicing the lemon, to get them out of the way early in the process.

Streamline: Look for ways to streamline the recipe without compromising the quality, such as using pre-squeezed lemon juice or pre-zested lemon peel if time is a constraint.

Time management: Manage your time effectively by setting a realistic timeline for each step of the recipe. This will help you stay on track and avoid rushing through the process.

Substitute Ingredients For Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to butter, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor to the treats.
mini marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute for mini marshmallows, providing a smooth and creamy texture to the treats.
rice krispie cereal - Substitute with crispy rice cereal: Crispy rice cereal can be used as a substitute for rice krispie cereal, providing a similar texture and flavor to the treats.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime can be used as a substitute for lemon, providing a similar citrusy flavor to the treats.
lemon extract - Substitute with orange extract: Orange extract can be used as a substitute for lemon extract, providing a citrusy flavor with a hint of orange to the treats.
yellow candy melts - Substitute with white chocolate chips with yellow food coloring: White chocolate chips with yellow food coloring can be used as a substitute for yellow candy melts, providing a similar color and flavor to the treats.

Presentation Ideas for Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Elevate the plating: Present the lemon rice krispie treats on a sleek, modern plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with lemon zest: Sprinkle a delicate touch of freshly grated lemon zest on top of the treats to add a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, around the plate to add a visually stunning element.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the beauty of simplicity by strategically leaving areas of the plate bare, allowing the treats to stand out and be the focal point of the presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious touch, delicately place edible gold leaf on the treats to add a shimmering, opulent finish.
Serve with lemon sorbet: Accompany the lemon rice krispie treats with a small scoop of refreshing lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate and enhance the citrus flavors.
Create a geometric arrangement: Arrange the treats in a visually appealing geometric pattern on the plate to create a modern and sophisticated presentation.
Use a fine dusting of powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with a fine layer of powdered sugar to add a touch of elegance and a subtle sweetness to the presentation.
Incorporate a lemon twist: Introduce a visually striking element by adding a delicate twist of lemon peel on top of the treats for a sophisticated and refined finishing touch.
Present on a mirrored surface: Showcase the treats on a mirrored surface to create a stunning visual effect, adding depth and dimension to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Rice Krispie Treats

Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dough.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle, used for making sauces, boiling liquids, or cooking small quantities of food.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and cooking various dishes.
Zester: A tool used to remove the zest from citrus fruits, adding flavor to dishes.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
9x13-inch pan: A baking pan used for making and baking various dishes, such as casseroles, brownies, and cakes.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting, spreading, or flipping ingredients.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.

Storing and Freezing Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Let the lemon rice krispie treats cool completely before storing them. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy or sticking together.
Once cooled, cut the treats into squares or your desired shape.
Place the treats in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If layering the treats, use a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
Store the lemon rice krispie treats at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
If you want to keep the treats fresh for longer, you can freeze them:
- Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap or wax paper.
- Place the wrapped treats in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Freeze the lemon rice krispie treats for up to 2 months.
To thaw frozen treats, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. You can also microwave individual treats for 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly.
If the treats become a bit stale or hard after storing, you can microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up before serving.

How To Reheat Leftover Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

The best way to reheat leftover lemon rice krispie treats is to place them in a preheated oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly softened. This method helps to restore the texture and flavor of the treats without making them too soft or gooey.
Another option is to microwave the lemon rice krispie treats for a few seconds at a time, checking and stirring them frequently to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the marshmallows to melt and the treats to become too soft.
If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, you can also reheat the lemon rice krispie treats in a skillet or griddle over low heat. Place the treats in the skillet and heat them for a minute or two on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quick and easy option, you can simply let the lemon rice krispie treats come to room temperature before serving. This method works well if you prefer a softer, chewier texture and don't mind the treats being slightly cool.
If you want to refresh the lemon flavor of the treats, you can sprinkle a little fresh lemon zest over the top before reheating or serving. This will add a bright, citrusy note to the treats and enhance their overall flavor.

Interesting Fact About Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Lemon rice krispie treats are a fun twist on the classic rice krispie treat recipe. The addition of lemon zest and juice gives these treats a refreshing and tangy flavor. They are perfect for a summer picnic or as a sweet treat for any occasion.

Is Making Lemon Rice Krispie Treats at Home Cost-Effective?

The lemon rice krispie treats recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as butter, mini marshmallows, and rice krispie cereal, are affordable and readily available. The addition of lemon and candy melts may slightly increase the cost, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional rice krispie treats without significantly impacting the household budget. On a scale of 1-10, the verdict for this recipe is 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly dessert option.

Are Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Healthy or Unhealthy?

This lemon rice krispie treat recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients - butter, marshmallows, and rice krispies - are all high in sugar and/or fat, and low in nutritional value. The addition of lemon zest and juice does provide a small amount of vitamin C, but not enough to significantly impact the overall healthiness of the treat. The candy melts drizzled on top only add to the sugar content.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Reduce the amount of butter and marshmallows used, or replace some of the marshmallows with a healthier binding agent like almond butter or coconut oil
Use a whole grain cereal instead of rice krispies to increase the fiber content
Add in some nuts or seeds for healthy fats and protein
Experiment with using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of the candy melts
Incorporate more lemon zest and juice to boost the vitamin C content and provide a stronger lemon flavor without relying on added sugar

Editor's Opinion on Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

The lemon rice krispie treats recipe is a delightful twist on the classic treat. The addition of lemon zest, juice, and extract adds a refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness of the marshmallows and candy melts. The drizzle of yellow candy melts not only adds a pop of color but also complements the lemony taste. This recipe is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, making it a unique and delicious dessert option for any occasion.

Enhance Your Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving with a side of grilled asparagus spears for a fresh and healthy contrast to the sweet and citrusy lemon rice krispie treats.

Honey Glazed Carrots: For a touch of sweetness, consider pairing the lemon rice krispie treats with honey glazed carrots for a colorful and flavorful combination.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add a savory element to your dessert spread by serving balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts alongside the lemon rice krispie treats for a unique and balanced menu.

Mango Salsa: For a tropical twist, whip up a refreshing mango salsa to accompany the lemon rice krispie treats, creating a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors.

Coconut Lime Rice: Enhance the citrus notes in the rice krispie treats by serving them with a side of coconut lime rice, offering a tropical and aromatic pairing.

Similar Recipes to Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy texture will leave you wanting more.

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Kabobs: These grilled pineapple chicken kabobs are a delicious and healthy option for your next BBQ. The sweet and tangy flavor of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the tender, juicy chicken. Plus, they're easy to make and perfect for summer grilling.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and healthy dessert option. The tropical flavors of mango and coconut combined with the nutritious chia seeds make for a delicious and guilt-free treat.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable stuffed mushrooms, filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Caprese Skewers: Elevate your appetizer game with these colorful and flavorful caprese skewers. Alternate cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves on skewers, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a refreshing and elegant starter.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Whip up a quick and delicious stir fry using thinly sliced beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables. Toss everything together in a savory sauce and serve over steamed rice for a flavorful and nutritious dinner.

Why trust this Lemon Rice Krispie Treats Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic rice krispie treats by infusing them with the refreshing flavor of lemon. The combination of zesty lemon juice and aromatic lemon extract creates a unique and tantalizing taste experience. The addition of vibrant yellow candy melts not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of sweetness. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, these lemon rice krispie treats are sure to captivate your taste buds and bring a burst of sunshine to any occasion.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this Lemon Rice Krispie Treats recipe in the Baking and Desserts forum section. Join the discussion and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make these treats even more delicious!

FAQ:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows?

Yes, you can use regular marshmallows instead of mini marshmallows. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve the desired level of sweetness and marshmallow texture.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled lemon juice?

Absolutely! Fresh lemon juice will provide a more vibrant and natural lemon flavor to the rice krispie treats. Simply use the same amount of fresh lemon juice as called for in the recipe.

Can I omit the lemon extract?

If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, you can omit the lemon extract. The lemon zest and juice will still infuse the treats with a delightful citrusy taste.

How long do the rice krispie treats need to cool before cutting?

I recommend allowing the rice krispie treats to cool for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature, or until they are firm to the touch. This will help them hold their shape when cut into squares.

Can I use white chocolate instead of yellow candy melts for the drizzle?

Yes, you can use white chocolate instead of yellow candy melts for the drizzle. It will still add a delicious sweetness and a visually appealing touch to the treats.