Description
Bright lemon zest combined with classic crunchy Rice Krispies and a tangy lemon icing drizzle create a refreshing twist on a nostalgic treat. Perfect for quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or your favorite crispy rice cereal)
- 1 package (10 oz / 283 g) marshmallows (mini or regular size, about 40 pieces)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest (about 1 medium lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for icing)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (for icing)
- Optional: a pinch of salt (for icing)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or spray, then line it with wax or parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Keep heat low to avoid scorching.
- Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice until combined.
- Immediately pour 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat all cereal.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Using a piece of wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the pan without squashing to keep texture light and crispy. This takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or chill in the fridge for 15 minutes to set.
- While treats cool, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 ½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until thick but pourable. Adjust consistency with more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Drizzle the lemon icing over the cooled treats using a spoon or piping bag. Let icing set for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a sharp knife (lightly greased or warmed) to slice treats into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Keep heat low when melting marshmallows to avoid burning. Use wax paper to press mixture to avoid sticky hands and smooth surface. Warm knife before slicing for clean cuts. Fresh lemon juice and zest are recommended for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative and use vegan marshmallows. For gluten-free, use gluten-free crispy rice cereal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One 2x2 inch treat
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
Keywords: lemon rice krispy treats, lemon dessert, easy treats, quick dessert, zesty icing, marshmallow treats, summer dessert, party treats