Zesty Lemon Meringue Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Sweet Joy

Sweet memories of childhood desserts collide with zesty lemon meringue magic in these delightful rice krispie treats.

Crunchy marshmallow squares burst with bright citrus notes that dance across your palate.

Crisp rice cereal provides the perfect foundation for a tangy twist on a classic comfort snack.

Silky meringue topping adds an elegant layer of sophistication to this playful dessert.

Nostalgic yet sophisticated, these treats blend familiar textures with unexpected flavor combinations.

Soft marshmallow and crunchy cereal create a delectable contrast that keeps you reaching for another bite.

Ready to surprise and delight everyone at your next gathering?

Lemon Meringue Rice Krispie Treats With A Twist

• Quick and Simple Creation: Whip up these delightful lemon meringue rice krispie treats with minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools.
• Zesty Flavor Twist: Enjoy a refreshing lemon marshmallow flavor that transforms the classic rice krispie treat into a gourmet dessert experience.
• Versatile Treat Option: Perfect for parties, potlucks, kid's snacks, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up that everyone will love and appreciate.
• Playful Decorative Touch: Dress up these treats with white chocolate dipping and colorful yellow jimmies for an eye-catching and delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients Needed For Lemon Meringue Treats Here

• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the treats together.
• Marshmallows: Lemon flavored marshmallows create a sweet and tangy base for the treats.
• Rice Krispie Cereal: Gives the treats a crispy and crunchy texture.

• White Chocolate Chips: Adds sweetness and creates a smooth decorative coating for the treats.

• Yellow Jimmies: Sprinkles that provide a festive and colorful finish to the lemon meringue treats.

Steps For Gooey Lemon Meringue Krispie Treats

Step 1: Melt Butter And Marshmallows

Place butter in a microwavable bowl and heat until completely melted.

Add lemon marshmallows and microwave for 45 seconds, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 2: Mix Cereal Into Marshmallow Base

Pour crispy rice cereal into the marshmallow mixture.

Gently fold and stir until every single cereal piece is coated evenly with the sweet lemony mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate White Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle half of the white chocolate chips into the treat mixture.

Stir gently, allowing some chips to melt and create pockets of creamy white chocolate throughout the dessert.

Step 4: Press Treats Into Baking Dish

Transfer the entire mixture into an 8×8 square baking dish.

Use a spatula or clean hands to press down and create an even, compact layer of treats.

Step 5: Prepare Chocolate Drizzle

Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water.

Carefully melt the remaining white chocolate chips, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Decorate And Finish Treats

Cut the cooled treats into perfect squares.

Dip the bottom of each square into melted white chocolate, then place on wax paper.

Drizzle additional melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle with yellow jimmies for a festive touch.

Lemon Meringue Tips For Perfect Rice Krispies

• Grate fresh lemon zest into the marshmallow mixture for an extra vibrant citrus punch that elevates the entire treat's flavor profile.
• Lightly grease your baking dish and spatula with cooking spray to ensure smooth removal and easy mixing of the sticky marshmallow blend.
• Stir white chocolate chips gently and frequently to prevent burning, creating a smooth drizzle that adds creamy texture to your rice krispie treats.
• Allow treats to set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting to ensure clean, crisp edges and perfect consistency.
• Use yellow sprinkles or crushed lemon candies as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal and add a subtle crunch to the dessert.

New Flavor Combos For Lemon Rice Krispie Treats

• Gluten-Free Zest Swap regular Rice Krispies with gluten-free crispy rice cereal, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities while maintaining the lemon flavor.
• Dairy-Free Citrus Crunch Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free white chocolate chips, creating a vegan-friendly version that's still creamy and tangy.
• Low-Sugar Lemon Treat Substitute marshmallows with sugar-free marshmallow alternatives and use stevia-sweetened white chocolate for a lighter, reduced-sugar option.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion Incorporate dried lemon zest and add small chunks of dried pineapple or mango for an extra tropical flavor profile that complements the lemony base.

Ways To Serve Lemon Meringue Krispie Treats Best

• Festive Party Platter: Arrange the lemon meringue rice krispie treats on a colorful serving tray with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for a vibrant, eye-catching display.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these treats with chamomile or Earl Grey tea, creating a delightful sweet and tangy refreshment perfect for casual gatherings or afternoon snacks.
• Dessert Buffet Star: Include these treats as part of a larger dessert spread, complementing other citrusy or light desserts like lemon bars or angel food cake for a cohesive flavor profile.
• Gift-Worthy Treat: Package individual squares in clear cellophane bags tied with yellow ribbons, making them a charming homemade gift for friends, teachers, or weekend hostess presents.

Storing Lemon Meringue Treats For Ultimate Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Keep chilled for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.
• Wrap individual treats tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Place treats in a sealed container away from direct sunlight. Consume within 2 days for optimal taste and crispy texture.
• Remove frozen treats from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy results.

FAQs

• What flavor do the lemon marshmallows bring to the treats?

The lemon marshmallows add a bright, tangy citrus twist that cuts through the sweetness, creating a refreshing and zesty flavor profile for the classic Rice Krispie treat.

• Can I use regular marshmallows instead of lemon-flavored ones?

Yes, you can substitute regular marshmallows, but you’ll lose the signature lemon flavor. To compensate, you might add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a few drops of lemon extract to maintain the citrusy essence.

• Why use white chocolate in this recipe?

White chocolate provides a creamy, smooth coating that complements the lemon flavor and adds an extra layer of richness to the treats. It also creates a beautiful visual contrast when drizzled and dipped.

Lemon Meringue Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lemon meringue rice krispie treats blend classic comfort with zesty sophistication, creating a playful dessert that dances between nostalgic and gourmet. Sweet marshmallow base meets tangy lemon curd, crowned with torched meringue peaks that promise delightful contrast in every delectable bite you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups crispy cereal
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package lemon meringue marshmallows

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

• 5 tablespoons (2.5 ounces / 71 grams) butter, melted
• 1.5 cups white chocolate chips

Decorative Ingredient:

• Yellow jimmies/sprinkles (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a microwavable bowl and melt butter thoroughly, then introduce lemon marshmallows. Heat for approximately 45 seconds until completely liquefied, stirring occasionally to ensure uniform consistency.
2. Combine the melted butter and marshmallow mixture, gently folding in crispy cereal. Mix thoroughly until every cereal piece is evenly coated with the sweet, lemony mixture.
3. Incorporate half of the white chocolate chips into the warm mixture, allowing some to melt and create delightful chocolate pockets throughout the treats.
4. Transfer the sticky mixture into an 8×8 square baking dish, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth, level surface. Allow to cool and set at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Carefully melt the remaining white chocolate, stirring until smooth and glossy.
6. Once cooled and set, slice the treats into uniform squares. Dip each square’s bottom into the melted white chocolate, then place on wax paper to set. Drizzle additional melted chocolate across the top and sprinkle with yellow jimmies for a decorative finish.

Notes

• Choose ripe, fragrant lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the sweet treats.
• Prevent sticky marshmallows by lightly spraying your spatula and baking dish with non-stick cooking spray before mixing.
• Swap regular marshmallows with vegan or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the dessert’s delightful texture.
• Cool treats completely before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling during the decorating process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 243
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg