Irresistible Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Delectable lemon cheesecake rice krispie treats craft an iconic dessert into a zesty sensation.

Soft marshmallow goodness meets tangy cream cheese in a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet and bright flavors dance together, promising a memorable experience for your taste buds.

Unexpected combinations make this dessert a true crowd-pleaser that elevates classic comfort food.

Crisp cereal provides the perfect backdrop for smooth, rich fillings that surprise and delight.

Subtle citrus notes lift the entire dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to fall in love with a treat that breaks all the traditional rules.

Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats for a Tangy Twist

• Burst with Citrusy Delight: The lemon-infused cheesecake layer adds a bright, tangy twist to classic Rice Krispie treats, creating a refreshing dessert that dances on your taste buds with zesty goodness.
• Texture Wonderland: Enjoy the perfect blend of crispy Rice Krispies, creamy cheesecake, and soft marshmallows that provide a delightful contrast in every single bite, keeping your mouth excited and engaged.
• No-Bake Simplicity: Whip up this show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven, making it an ideal treat for busy home bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort and minimal kitchen mess.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile enough for summer gatherings, potlucks, or quick weekend treats, these bars combine nostalgic childhood memories with sophisticated adult flavor profiles that everyone will absolutely adore.

Ingredients for Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats

• Rice Krispies Cereal: Classic crispy rice cereal that provides a crunchy foundation for the treat.
• Marshmallows: Sticky binding agent that creates a sweet and gooey texture for the base.
• Butter: Helps melt marshmallows and adds rich flavor to the Rice Krispie layer.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base that gives the cheesecake layer its signature tangy richness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich cheesecake texture.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the dessert.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, complex notes.
• Yellow Food Dye: Optional ingredient for adding a soft lemon-like color to the cheesecake layer.

• White Chocolate: Decorative drizzle that adds a sweet, creamy finish to the treats.
• Lemon Zest: Optional garnish that brings fresh, intense lemon flavor and aromatic brightness.

Tips for the Best Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats

• Marshmallow Melting Magic: Work slowly and gently when melting marshmallows to prevent burning, using short microwave intervals and constant stirring for smooth texture.
• Pressing Perfection: Use a silicone spatula or slightly buttered hands to evenly press the Rice Krispie mixture into the pan without creating dense, hard spots.
• Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky cheesecake layer.
• Chill for Success: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to help the cheesecake layer set properly and develop a firm, sliceable consistency.
• Zesty Decoration Trick: Grate fresh lemon zest just before serving to maintain bright citrus flavor and provide a vibrant, aromatic garnish.

Storing and Reheating Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats

• Store: Place treats in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and keep the cheesecake layer firm and creamy.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve texture and flavor. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Thaw refrigerated treats at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to prevent marshmallow layers from becoming soggy or losing their delightful crispy texture. Enjoy chilled for the best taste experience.

Pairing Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats with Tea

• Pair with Prosecco Punch: Brighten up these sweet treats with a zesty prosecco cocktail featuring fresh lemon slices and a hint of mint for a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The delicate floral notes and bergamot in this tea complement the lemon's citrusy brightness, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Create a Citrus Mocktail Companion: Blend fresh orange juice, sparkling water, and a splash of lime for a tangy, non-alcoholic drink that echoes the dessert's vibrant lemon profile.
• Serve alongside Lemon Sorbet: A light, palate-cleansing sorbet enhances the dessert's citrus notes and provides a cool, refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheesecake layer.

Variations of Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats

• Lime Coconut Crunch: Swap lemon juice with lime juice and add shredded coconut to the cheesecake layer for a tropical twist.
• Berry Swirl Blast: Replace lemon with raspberry puree and create a beautiful marbled effect in the cheesecake layer by gently swirling berry sauce.
• Key Lime Pie Remix: Use key lime juice instead of regular lemon, then sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top for a classic pie-inspired finish.
• Orange Creamsicle Style: Incorporate orange zest and extract into the cheesecake mixture, garnishing with orange-flavored white chocolate drizzle for a nostalgic summer treat.

How to Make Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Pan

Grab a 9×13″ pan and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. Set it aside and get ready for the magic.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

Grab a large microwave-safe bowl and melt the butter. Use 15-second zaps, stirring between each interval until it’s completely liquid.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Magic

Add 3/4 of the marshmallows to the melted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until you’ve got a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Mix in the Cereal

Pour the Rice Krispies into the warm marshmallow blend. Stir until every single piece is coated and happy.

Step 5: Add Texture Marshmallows

Gently fold in the remaining marshmallows. Keep them slightly chunky for that amazing textural surprise.

Step 6: Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan. Use clean hands or a spatula to press it evenly across the bottom. Let it cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract

Beat until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 8: Optional Color Boost

If you’re feeling fancy, stir in a drop of yellow food dye to give your cheesecake layer a sunny glow.

Step 9: Layer the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled Rice Krispie base. Use a spatula to create a perfectly even surface.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate for 3-4 hours. The cheesecake layer needs to become firm and beautiful.

Step 11: Prepare the Drizzle

Melt white chocolate and get ready to make these treats look stunning.

Step 12: Cut and Decorate

Slice into squares. Drizzle melted white chocolate over each bar with artistic flair.

Step 13: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top for an extra burst of citrusy excitement.

Enjoy your incredible Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats!

Lemon Cheesecake Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 15 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon cheesecake rice krispie treats bring classic dessert nostalgia with a tangy twist. Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these irresistible squares perfect for summer gatherings and sweet tooth cravings that will delight anyone seeking a playful dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups rice krispies cereal
• 6 cups mini marshmallows
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 14 ounces (397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter

Flavoring Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 drop yellow food dye (optional)

Topping Ingredients:

• ½ cup (85 grams) white chocolate, for drizzling
• Lemon zest, for garnishing (optional)

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Instructions

1. Coat a 9 × 13 inches (22.86 × 33.02 centimeters) baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Place unsalted butter in a large microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals until completely liquefied.
3. Add 75% of marshmallows into the melted butter, continuing to heat in 30-second increments while stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Incorporate Rice Krispies cereal into the warm marshmallow mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
5. Delicately fold in the remaining marshmallows, maintaining their partial integrity to create a delightful textural contrast.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, gently pressing it into an uniform layer across the bottom, then allow to cool completely at room temperature.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract, blending until achieving a silky smooth texture.
8. Optional: Introduce a small amount of yellow food coloring to enhance the visual appeal of the cheesecake layer.
9. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the cooled Rice Krispie base, using a spatula to create a perfectly level surface.
10. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until the cheesecake layer becomes firm and set.
11. Once completely chilled, slice into individual squares using a sharp knife.
12. Melt white chocolate in a double boiler or microwave, then generously drizzle over the bars for an elegant finish.
13. Optionally, sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top to add a bright, citrusy garnish that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Melt butter carefully in short microwave bursts to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
• Fold marshmallows gradually into melted butter, creating a glossy and stretchy mixture that coats cereal evenly.
• Gently press Rice Krispie mixture into pan, maintaining light touch to keep treats tender and airy.
• Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, blending condensed milk and lemon juice for tangy cheesecake layer.
• Chill dessert completely before cutting to guarantee clean, precise squares with beautiful layered appearance.
• Drizzle white chocolate sparingly over treats, allowing it to create artistic patterns that enhance visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 15
• Calories: 242 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 23