Zesty Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Recipe: Sweet Summertime Joy

Cool desserts often spark unexpected joy, and this key lime pie rice treats recipe brings a zesty twist to a classic comfort snack.

Sweet marshmallow goodness meets tangy key lime flavors in a delightful fusion of textures.

Creamy, crunchy, and bright, these treats capture the essence of tropical refreshment.

Crisp rice cereal provides the perfect base for the vibrant key lime punch.

Each bite delivers a burst of citrusy excitement that dances across your taste buds.

Summer memories and nostalgic moments blend seamlessly in this simple yet spectacular dessert.

Whip up these irresistible treats and watch smiles bloom around the table.

Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Are Summer’s Sweetest Bites

  • Burst with Tropical Flavor: Enjoy a zesty twist on classic rice treats with the bright, tangy essence of key limes that transforms an ordinary dessert into a tropical sensation.
  • Quick and Easy Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up these delightful treats in minimal time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
  • Texture-Rich Dessert Delight: Experience a satisfying combination of crispy rice cereal, graham crackers, and gooey marshmallows with a smooth white chocolate drizzle that creates a multi-textured treat.
  • Kid and Adult-Friendly Dessert: Appeals to all ages with its playful lime flavor and familiar rice treat base, making it a versatile dessert that brings smiles to everyone's face.

Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Ingredient Rundown

Base Ingredients:
  • Crispy Rice Cereal: The crunchy foundation for the rice treats.
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a classic sweet and graham flavor to the dessert.
  • Marshmallows: Creates the sticky binding element for the treats.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Key Lime Juice, Key Lime Zest: Adds bright, tangy citrus flavor to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps create a smooth and rich marshmallow base.
Topping Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate, Vegetable Oil: Creates a smooth drizzle with additional lime zest for extra flavor.
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy preparation and removal of the treats from the pan.

Key Lime Pie Rice Treats No-Bake Instructions Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it thoroughly with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the treats later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine in a large bowl:
  • Crispy rice cereal
  • Chopped graham crackers

Set the mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Create Marshmallow Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.

Gently add marshmallows and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Infuse Lime Flavor

Remove the pan from heat and stir in:
  • Key lime zest
  • Key lime juice

Blend these citrusy ingredients into the marshmallow mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine All Components

Mix the marshmallow lime base with:
  • Cereal and graham cracker mixture
  • Remaining marshmallows

Stir until everything is well combined.

The extra marshmallows will create delightful pockets of gooey sweetness.

Step 6: Press into Baking Dish

Use a non-stick sprayed rubber spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan.

Quickly sprinkle chopped graham crackers across the top for added crunch.

Step 7: Craft Lime Drizzle

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt:
  • White chocolate
  • Oil

Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Fold in fresh key lime zest to intensify the citrus flavor.

Step 8: Finish and Set

Drizzle the lime-infused white chocolate over the treats.

Allow them to set for 30 minutes to 1 hour before slicing into delectable bars.

Pro Tips For Tangy Key Lime Pie Rice Treats

  • Select ripe, vibrant key limes for the most intense and authentic citrus flavor in your rice treats.
  • Stir marshmallows slowly over low heat to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Keep some whole marshmallows unmelted for delightful pockets of gooey sweetness throughout the treats.
  • Spray your spatula with non-stick cooking spray to easily spread and press the mixture without creating a mess.
  • Adjust lime zest and juice to your taste preference, remembering that key limes are more tart than regular limes.

Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Variations For Every Palate

  • Gluten-Free Citrus Delight: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free vanilla cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Tropical Coconut Escape: Swap key lime juice with coconut extract and add toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired treat.
  • Vegan Zesty Option: Use vegan marshmallows, plant-based butter, and dairy-free white chocolate to create a completely plant-based rice treat that maintains the tangy lime flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Approach: Substitute regular marshmallows with sugar-free marshmallows and use a sugar-free white chocolate alternative for a reduced-sugar version of the dessert.

Serve Key Lime Pie Rice Treats For A Crowd

  • Tropical Beach Party Spread: Serve these zesty treats at a summer gathering with colorful tropical decorations and refreshing mocktails.
  • Dessert Picnic Platter: Arrange the key lime pie rice treats alongside other bite-sized desserts for a sweet outdoor feast that everyone will love.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Pair these treats with a light citrus tea or lemonade for a refreshing afternoon snack that brightens up any moment.
  • Movie Night Indulgence: Cut into smaller squares and enjoy during a laid-back movie night with friends, adding a tangy twist to your usual snacks.

Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Storage To Keep Them Crisp

  • – Refrigerate Carefully wrap the Key Lime Pie Rice Treats in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
  • – Room Temperature Store the treats at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve their soft, chewy texture.
  • – Prevent Sticking Layer wax paper or parchment paper between the treats when stacking to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their individual shape.
  • – Freeze Option Freeze the treats for up to 2 weeks by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they're well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

  • Why use key limes instead of regular limes?

Key limes have a more intense, tangy flavor that provides a brighter and more concentrated citrus taste compared to standard Persian limes, making the treats more vibrant and zesty.

  • Can I substitute the graham crackers with another type of cookie?

Yes, you can use vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as alternatives. They’ll provide a similar crumbly texture and complementary flavor to the key lime rice treats.

  • How do I prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to my spatula?

Spray your rubber spatula with non-stick cooking spray before mixing and pressing the treats into the pan. This simple trick helps prevent the sticky marshmallow from clinging to the utensil.

Print
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Key Lime Pie Rice Treats Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful key lime pie rice treats blend tropical zest with classic comfort, marrying creamy tangy notes and marshmallow sweetness. Crisp graham cracker layers and silky lime glaze elevate this playful dessert, promising a delightful escape for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Key Ingredients:

  • 10 cups miniature marshmallows
  • 5 cups crispy rice cereal
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 8 whole graham crackers, chopped

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 6 key limes, juiced and zested

Topping Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces white chocolate or vanilla almond bark
  • 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine crispy rice cereal and chopped graham crackers in a large mixing bowl, creating a textural base for the treats.
  3. Gently melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, maintaining a careful temperature to prevent burning.
  4. Incorporate 8 cups of marshmallows into the melted butter, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  5. Remove from heat and infuse the marshmallow mixture with key lime zest and juice, creating a vibrant citrus profile.
  6. Fold the cereal and graham cracker mixture into the lime-infused marshmallow base, gently incorporating the remaining 2 cups of marshmallows for added texture.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, using a non-stick spray-coated rubber spatula to spread evenly and press down gently.
  8. Sprinkle additional chopped graham crackers across the surface for extra crunch and visual appeal.
  9. Prepare the lime drizzle by melting white chocolate with oil in short 30-second microwave intervals, stirring between each burst.
  10. Enhance the white chocolate drizzle with fresh key lime zest, creating a bright, aromatic finishing touch.
  11. Artfully drizzle the lime-infused white chocolate over the treats, allowing them to set for 30-60 minutes before slicing into individual bars.

Notes

  • Enhance Marshmallow Texture by gently folding in extra marshmallows at the end, creating delightful pockets of gooey sweetness that melt slightly but retain a fun, chewy bite.
  • Customize Cracker Crunch by experimenting with different graham cracker types like cinnamon or chocolate-covered varieties to add unexpected flavor layers to your treats.
  • Lime Zest Intensity can be adjusted by using more or less zest depending on your preference for tangy citrus notes, allowing you to control the brightness of the dessert.
  • Make Gluten-Free by substituting regular graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives and using certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious treat.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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