Support the site — ☕ Buy me a coffee
Lemonade Rice Krispies Treats
Two years ago I kept making rice krispies treats with the same old vanilla extract recipe until one afternoon when my lemon zest ran out and I threw in a handful of blueberries instead. They turned out tangy and bright — more interesting than just marshmallow sweetness — so I started keeping lemons around specifically for them.Now they've earned their place on my counter because they come together in about ten minutes with pantry ingredients, and the lemon zest gives them a real flavor punch without adding any work. The trick is to fold in half the cereal while it's still warm so the marshmallow coats everything evenly; then add the rest at the end for that perfect crunch.
Ingredients
Method
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Don't let it brown or bubble aggressively — you just want it melted.
- Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until they're mostly melted and the mixture looks smooth and glossy, about 3-4 minutes. If some clumps remain at this stage, that's fine — they'll incorporate when you add the cereal.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice until combined. The mixture will look a little thin but don't worry; it thickens as it cools slightly.
- Add 4 cups of Rice Krispies and fold gently with a spatula until coated. Then add the remaining cereal gradually, folding just enough to incorporate — you want some clusters for texture, not mushy uniformity.
- Press the mixture into your prepared pan using lightly greased hands or a greased spatula. Don't press too hard; compacting it makes dense treats rather than light ones.
- Let cool at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cutting. For cleaner cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe between slices. Cut into squares about 1.5 inches wide.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. They'll firm up more in the fridge but lose some chewiness.
![](https://haleyskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/haleys-book-transp.png"){kind=spacer}
