I love a good no bake dessert, since they’re simple and yet delicious! These pink lemonade Rice Krispie treats will make you feel nostalgic with their sweet and tart flavor. They’re the perfect spring and summer dessert for easy entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, Summery Flavor: The pink lemonade adds a light citrus tang that balances the sweetness of classic Rice Krispie treats
- No-Bake and Quick: These come together fast with a microwave and minimal effort, perfect for last-minute desserts!
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Marshmallows keep them tender and gooey, not dry or crumbly
- Fun Pop of Color: The naturally pink hue makes them ideal for parties, showers, Valentine’s Day, or spring (including Easter)
- Super Customizable: Add sprinkles, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or use cookie cutters to cut your treats into themed shapes!
- Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Familiar flavors with a playful twist that both kids and adults love
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Ingredients List
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (equal to 4 Tbsp)
- 10 oz mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup powdered pink lemonade mix (such as Country Time)
- Sprinkles or other edible decorations as desired
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- The mini marshmallows can be swapped for 40 large instead (but they may take slightly longer to melt fully). Feel free to swap in strawberry or lemon-flavored marshmallows too!
- Instead of pink lemonade mix, you can also use ¾ tsp lemon extract for flavor, and pink food coloring instead (use a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired color)
- Depending on the brand of pink lemonade mix you use, you may still want to add a few drops of food coloring (I use 3 drops of McCormick pink) to get them brighter pink (the mix only adds a light pink hue to the treats)
Step By Step Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 pan (or similar) with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or line with parchment
- Add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Melt butter on high power (about 30 seconds for me in a 1000W microwave). Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat in butter. Continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is melted and smooth (takes me about 1 – 1 ½ minutes total usually)
- Stir in the pink lemonade mix until it’s evenly incorporated in the marshmallow mixture. Add any additional coloring you want at this time as well – as pictured, I use 3 drops of pink food coloring
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until it’s evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture, then press into your prepared baking dish. You can use your hands or a greased spatula to flatten the mixture down into an even layer
- Add any sprinkles or other edible decorations on top. Then, cover and transfer to the refrigerator until cooled, about 30-45 minutes usually
- Cut into squares (2” or 3” is usually what I go with), and add any extras desired like a drizzle of chocolate. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Drinks
- Classic Lemonade or Pink Lemonade: Keeps the citrus theme going and balances the sweetness with extra tang
- Iced Tea (Black or Peach): Lightly bitter tea contrasts nicely with the sugary, marshmallow base
- Strawberry Milk or Vanilla Milk: Creamy and mellow, which softens the bright lemon flavor
- Sparkling Water With Lemon or Berry: Adds refreshment without piling on more sugar!
- Pink Lemonade Cocktails: For the adults, try any of my Pink Whitney Drinks for some amazing pairing options!
Other Desserts
- Fresh Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries): Their natural tartness pairs beautifully with the lemon notes
- White Chocolate Bark or Truffles: Sweet and creamy flavors complement the citrus without overpowering it
- Sugar Cookies or Shortbread: Simple, buttery cookies let the pink lemonade flavor stand out
Snacks
- Lightly Salted Pretzels: Sweet-and-salty contrast makes each bite more addictive
- Popcorn (Plain or Kettle Corn): Adds crunch and balances the soft chewiness of the treats
- Cheese Board With Mild Cheeses: Think mozzarella or mascarpone; neutral flavors that won’t compete with the citrus
Party Pairings
- Picnic or BBQ Spreads: Great alongside grilled chicken, pasta salad, or fruit salad for a summer vibe
- Baby Showers & Brunch Tables: Pair with mini muffins, fruit skewers, and juice mocktails for a cohesive spread
Recipe FAQs
What Flavor Is Pink Lemonade?
Pink lemonade tastes like classic lemonade. It’s bright, sweet, and tart, with subtle berry notes (often strawberry, raspberry, or cherry) that add color and a hint of fruitiness.
Why Is Pink Lemonade Pink?
The pink color usually comes from added fruit juice, fruit flavoring, or food coloring. Historically, it was sometimes colored with crushed berries or cherries.
Does Pink Lemonade Taste Different From Regular Lemonade?
Slightly. While both are lemon-forward, pink lemonade is typically a bit sweeter and less sharp, thanks to the added fruit flavors.
Tips For the Best Pink Lemonade Rice Krispie Treats
- For best results, use fresh (not stale) marshmallows as these will yield the best texture treats
- You don’t need to press hard when adding the treats to your pan. In fact, over compacting will make dense treats, so just pat them into an even layer without too much force
- The lemonade mix will be slightly gritty when mixed into the marshmallow mixture – this is normal. You won’t notice it when eating the treats due to the texture of the cereal
- Without added coloring, expect these to be very very light pink, nearing beige. You can adjust the amount of color to your preferences as well if you want a deeper pink color!
Storage and Serving
Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and keep the pink lemonade coating smooth!
- Avoid humidity and heat, which can make the treats overly soft or sticky
Serving Tips
- Bring refrigerated treats to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture
- Cut with a lightly greased knife to get clean, sharp edges!
- Serve on a bright platter or with lemon slices to play up the pink lemonade flavor and color
- Rice Krispie Treat Sushi
- Rice Krispie Treat S’Mores
Final Thoughts
These pink lemonade Rice Krispie treats are the perfect fruity twist on a classic no bake dessert! They come together in minutes with the help of your microwave, are easy to make ahead, and always a crowd pleaser for kids and adults alike.
I think they’re a perfect flavor for spring or summer, and the pink color makes them great for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, and more!
Serve these pink Rice Krispies up with a glass of lemonade or a boozy Gin and Pink Lemonade, plus some citrus-based chicken or salad to make a delicious themed meal. Enjoy!
Pink Lemonade Rice Krispie Treats
Servings: 12
These pink lemonade Rice Krispie treats are a fun, fruity twist on a nostalgic no bake dessert. Perfect for spring and summer alike, and made easily in your microwave!
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon; for mixing)
- Nonstick spray (or similar)
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or generic equivalent)
- ¼ cup salted butter (4 Tbsp; ½ stick)
- 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup powdered pink lemonade mix (such as Country Time)
- 2-4 Tbsp Sprinkles or other edible decorations as desired
Instructions
- Grease a 13×9 pan (or similar) with butter or nonstick cooking spray, or line with parchment
- Add the butter to a large microwave safe bowl. Melt butter on high power (about 30 seconds in a 1000W microwave). Then, add the mini marshmallows and stir to coat in butter. Continue cooking in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until the mixture is melted and smooth (about 1 – 1 ½ minutes total usually)¼ cup salted butter, 10 ounces mini marshmallows
- Stir in the pink lemonade mix until it’s evenly incorporated in the marshmallow mixture. Add any additional coloring you want at this time as well – I use 3 drops of pink food coloring; a small amount of red work work too¼ cup powdered pink lemonade mix
- Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until it’s evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture, then press into your prepared baking dish. You can use your hands or a greased spatula to flatten the mixture down into an even layer6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- Add any sprinkles or other edible decorations on top. Then, cover and transfer to the refrigerator until cooled, about 30-45 minutes usually2-4 Tbsp Sprinkles or other edible decorations as desired
- Cut into squares (2” or 3” approximately), and add any extras desired, like a drizzle of chocolate. Enjoy!
Notes
- The mini marshmallows can be substituted by 40 regular sized instead (but they may take slightly longer to melt fully). Feel free to swap in strawberry or lemon-flavored marshmallows too!
- Instead of pink lemonade mix, you can also use ¾ tsp lemon extract for flavor, and pink food coloring instead (use a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired color)
- Depending on the brand of pink lemonade mix you use, you may still want to add a few drops of food coloring (I use 3 drops of McCormick pink) to get the treats to a brighter pink (the mix itself only adds a very light pink hue)
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any toppings or decorations added, size of pieces, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
Serving: 49g | Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 1.8g | Fat: 3.8g | Saturated Fat: 2.4g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 14mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 107.8IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 1.1mg | Iron: 3mg
