Zesty Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Dessert lovers rejoice as these key lime pie rice krispie treats burst with tangy tropical flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Summer’s brightest citrus notes blend perfectly with sweet marshmallow goodness in this nostalgic twist on classic treats.

The zesty key lime flavor cuts through the sugary rice krispie base, creating a refreshing and irresistible dessert.

Crisp rice cereal provides a delightful crunch while creamy marshmallow and key lime zest elevate each bite to a new level of deliciousness.

Creamy graham cracker crumbs add a delicate texture that mimics a traditional key lime pie signature crust.

Simple ingredients and quick preparation make these treats a perfect last-minute dessert for spontaneous gatherings or sudden sweet cravings.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delightful tropical-inspired confection.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 160 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats

• Graham Crackers: Provides a classic, buttery foundation that adds texture and traditional graham cracker flavor to the treats.
• Rice Krispies Cereal: Delivers the signature crispy, light crunch that makes these treats irresistibly fun and textural.

• Marshmallows: Creates the gooey, stretchy base that holds everything together with its natural sweetness and sticky consistency.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps marshmallows melt smoothly, creating a silky binding for the treats.

• Key Limes: Introduces bright, tangy citrus notes that cut through the sweetness and provide a refreshing tropical twist.
• White Chocolate: Adds creamy sweetness and serves as a smooth drizzle that complements the lime's zestiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps white chocolate melt smoothly and creates a glossy, drizzleable consistency.

Tools That Help Make Key Lime Rice Krispies Easy

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating and setting the treats.
• Large saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and marshmallows smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining cereal and graham crackers.
• Rubber spatula: Great for spreading and pressing mixture evenly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Necessary for melting white chocolate.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure marshmallows and ingredients.
• Zester or grater: Useful for extracting key lime zest.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping graham crackers and slicing treats.

Instructions for Tangy Key Lime Rice Krispie Treats

• Baking Dish Preparation

Coat a large rectangular pan with non-stick spray, creating a smooth surface for your treats.

• Cereal and Cracker Blend

Combine crispy rice cereal with roughly chopped graham crackers in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Marshmallow Magic

Gently melt butter in a large pan, then add marshmallows and stir until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

• Zesty Flavor Infusion

Remove from heat and introduce tangy key lime juice and zest, then fold in the cereal-cracker mixture with additional marshmallows.

• Treat Formation

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using a sprayed spatula to spread evenly. Sprinkle extra graham cracker pieces across the top.

• Chocolate Drizzle

Melt white chocolate with a hint of oil in the microwave, stirring until glossy. Stir in fresh lime zest for an extra burst of flavor.

• Final Touch

Drizzle the white chocolate over the treats, allowing them to set for about an hour before cutting into delightful squares.

Tips to Brighten Your Key Lime Krispie Recipe

• Swap graham crackers with vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Fold in extra key lime zest or add a few drops of key lime extract to amplify the citrusy tang in your Rice Krispie treats.
• Chill the treats in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help the white chocolate drizzle set faster and create a more defined topping.
• Prepare the treats a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers and crispy rice cereal to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dessert without compromising taste or texture.

Serving Up Key Lime Treats That Pop

• Slice into Tropical Squares: Cut the treats into bite-sized squares for easy sharing at summer parties or picnics.
• Pair with Cool Refreshments: Serve alongside chilled lemonade or coconut water to complement the zesty lime flavor.
• Garnish with Lime Twist: Sprinkle extra lime zest or add a small lime wedge on top for a vibrant, fresh presentation.
• Create Dessert Platter: Arrange the treats on a colorful platter with other tropical-inspired desserts like coconut macaroons or pineapple bars.

How to Store Rice Krispie Treats with Lime Flavor

• Store Smartly: Keep these delightful treats in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring they stay fresh and soft for 5 days maximum.
• Prevent Sticking: Layer wax paper between treat layers to maintain their perfect texture and prevent them from clumping together.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 weeks for a quick sweet surprise anytime.
• Room Temperature Tip: Let frozen treats thaw at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying to restore their original soft, gooey consistency.

Tangy Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Sweet and tangy key lime pie rice krispie treats blend creamy marshmallow goodness with zesty citrus flavors. Graham cracker crust and lime zest elevate this nostalgic dessert, offering you a delightful tropical twist on classic comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 key limes, juiced and zested
• 10 cups miniature marshmallows
• 5 cups crispy rice cereal
• 8 whole graham crackers, chopped
• 5 tbsps unsalted butter
• 4 oz white chocolate or vanilla almond bark
• ½ tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil
• Remaining chopped graham crackers

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Cereal Mixture: Thoroughly combine crispy rice cereal and finely chopped graham crackers in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform base.
3. Marshmallow Base: Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then gradually incorporate marshmallows, stirring continuously until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
4. Citrus Infusion: Remove from heat and vigorously mix in key lime zest and juice, imparting a vibrant, tangy essence to the marshmallow blend.
5. Incorporation: Gently fold the cereal-graham cracker mixture into the marshmallow base, carefully integrating additional marshmallows for varied texture.
6. Setting: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, using a spray-coated spatula to evenly distribute and press down the treats, then garnish with extra graham cracker pieces.
7. Chocolate Drizzle: Microwave white chocolate and vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until completely melted, then enhance with lime zest for an extra burst of citrus.
8. Finishing Touch: Artfully drizzle the white chocolate mixture over the treats, creating an elegant pattern, and allow to set at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
9. Serving: Once solidified, cut into individual portions and store in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Zest Like a Pro: Grate key lime zest carefully to maximize citrus flavor without bitter white pith, using a microplane for fine, delicate shavings.
• Marshmallow Melt Magic: Keep heat low and stir constantly to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy marshmallow base for ultimate treat texture.
• Crunch Control: Mix graham crackers and rice cereal thoroughly to distribute evenly, creating a balanced crispy-sweet foundation for the dessert.
• Drizzle with Precision: Melt white chocolate slowly in short microwave intervals, stirring between each to prevent scorching and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 10mg