If you love a classic marshmallow treat but crave that sunny zing of citrus, you’re in for a serious treat with Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats! These irresistible bars capture all the fresh flavor of a slice of key lime pie — think luscious lime, creamy sweetness, and a touch of graham cracker — but in a playful, no-bake format everyone adores. With their bright layers and subtle tang, they’re just the thing for summer gatherings, lunchbox surprises, or anytime you want dessert to feel like pure sunshine in bar form.

Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component brings either sweetness, crunch, tang, or a pie-like richness to your treat, so don’t skip a single one!

Rice Krispies cereal: The star of the show, these crisped rice squares give the treats their iconic light-but-chewy baseline.
Mini marshmallows: Melty and magical, they hold everything together while creating that signature gooey texture.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows glide smoothly through the cereal.
Key lime juice (or regular lime juice): The bright, tangy burst that gives these bars their unforgettable citrusy twist.
Lime zest: Flecks of zest infuse the treats with fragrant lime oils and poppy green color.
Crushed graham crackers: For a taste of pie crust in every bite, with a bit of extra crunch and toasty flavor.
White chocolate chips (optional): Lend a creamy richness and sweet contrast to the tart lime, if you like a little extra indulgence.
Salt: Just a pinch, but it’s what makes all the other flavors sing.
Extra lime zest or crushed graham crackers for garnish (optional): These give your finished treats a bakery-worthy finishing touch and hint at the flavors inside.

How to Make Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by greasing a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan with a little butter or nonstick spray. This small step saves a lot of frustration later, because nothing’s worse than sticky marshmallow goodness glued to your pan when all you want is a clean, easy slice. Set the pan aside—you’ll be filling it soon!

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Grab a large saucepan and melt your butter gently over medium-low heat. Once it starts to sizzle, toss in the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly. You’re aiming for a glossy, smooth melt with no little lumps left behind. Keep stirring, and remember: patience pays off with the perfect gooey base.

Step 3: Add the Lime and Pie Elements

Once the marshmallows are fully melted and fluid, take the pan off the heat. Quickly stir in the key lime juice, lime zest, salt, and crushed graham crackers. You’ll notice the scent and subtle green flecks immediately—the excitement builds as the pie flavors weave together!

Step 4: Fold in the Rice Krispies

Now’s the time for Rice Krispies cereal to join the fun. Pour them into the pan and fold them through the marshmallow mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Work gently but thoroughly so every bit is lightly coated and no cereal is left dry at the bottom.

Step 5: White Chocolate & Pan Pressing

If you’re using white chocolate chips, let the mixture cool for about a minute before folding them in (this way, they’ll stay in little bursts instead of melting completely). Transfer everything into your prepared pan and press down lightly with a greased spatula or wax paper for an even layer. The trick is to pack it in gently—firm enough to hold together, but not so forceful that the treats turn dense.

Step 6: Add Garnishes and Cool

While the mixture is still tacky, sprinkle some extra lime zest or more crushed graham crackers on top for extra flair and an inviting hint at the flavors inside. Let your Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats cool completely in the pan—resist cutting until they’re fully set for nice, neat squares!

How to Serve Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Go above and beyond the basics by finishing each square with a light dusting of lime zest, a pinch of crushed graham crackers, or even a quick drizzle of melted white chocolate. These finishing touches add color, aroma, and the promise of the citrusy pie flavor within.

Side Dishes

Pair your Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh summer berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert plate that feels as indulgent as a full-on pie buffet. For parties, tuck alongside a platter of assorted fruit or citrus cookies for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to shake things up, try cutting your squares into smaller bites and serving in mini cupcake liners, stacking in clear cellophane bags for gifts, or even pressing the Rice Krispie mixture into silicone molds for fun individual shapes and sizes. Kids and adults alike light up at the playful presentation of these cheery treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Layer wax paper between rows to prevent sticking, and keep away from direct sunlight or heat for maximum freshness.

Freezing

Planning ahead for a party, or want to stash some away for future cravings? Wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. For best texture, thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

While these treats are at their best when eaten fresh or at room temperature, you can revive slightly stale bars by microwaving them for 5–10 seconds. This brief zap brings back a soft, gooey marshmallow texture—just watch carefully so you don’t overdo it!

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice if I can’t find key limes?

Absolutely! While true key limes offer a unique floral tang, regular lime juice and zest still yield a fantastic, zesty treat with all the refreshing charm you expect from Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats.

Are white chocolate chips necessary?

Nope, they’re entirely optional. White chocolate adds creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy lime, but you can easily leave them out for a more classic, fruity marshmallow bar.

How do I cut neat squares without the treats sticking?

For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife lightly greased or sprayed with nonstick spray. Wipe the blade between cuts, and make sure the treats are fully cooled before cutting for the sharpest edges.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

You sure can! Just choose gluten-free crisped rice cereal and gluten-free graham cracker crumbs—your Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats will be just as delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

What can I do if I want extra tartness?

If you love bold citrus, try doubling the lime zest, adding a few drops of key lime extract, or even folding in a swirl of store-bought key lime pie filling for a dreamy, tangy punch.

Final Thoughts

These Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats are a true celebration of summer flavors—bright, cheerful, and endlessly crave-worthy. If you’re ready to take your marshmallow bar game to the next level, grab your ingredients and give them a swirl. I can’t wait for you to savor that sweet-tart bite and see how quickly they disappear!

Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 treats 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Key Lime Pie Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the zesty flavors of key lime with the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies. Easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
3 tbsp unsalted butter

Additional Flavors:

1 tbsp key lime juice (or regular lime juice)
1 tsp lime zest
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
extra lime zest or crushed graham crackers for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Pan: Grease a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch pan with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.
Melt Ingredients: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Combine Flavors: Remove from heat and quickly stir in the key lime juice, lime zest, salt, and crushed graham crackers. Mix until combined.
Add Cereal: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated. If using, stir in white chocolate chips once slightly cooled.
Press Into Pan: Press the mixture into the prepared pan using a greased spatula or wax paper. Sprinkle with extra lime zest or crushed graham crackers if desired.
Cool and Serve: Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

Notes

For a tangier flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of key lime zest or a few drops of key lime extract.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These make a great no-bake summer dessert or party treat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American