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Rice Crispy Treats With Olive Oil

Rice Crispy Treats With Olive Oil - Treat Indulgently

Growing up, rice crispy treats were a staple in my home. The marshmallowy, crunchy goodness was irresistible. I remember the first time I stumbled upon the idea of using olive oil instead of butter. It sounded peculiar at first, but curiosity got the best of me. 
Over the years, I’ve explored countless variations of this classic treat, but the addition of olive oil truly changed the game. This recipe offers a light yet satisfying twist that retains all the magic of traditional rice crispy treats while boosting flavor and nutrition. 
Let’s dive into this crunchy, chewy adventure together!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 409
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 10 cups puffed rice cereal 1 box, 12 oz
  • 11 cups mini marshmallows, separated 2 packages, 10 oz each
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/3 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips

Method
 

Step 1: Gather All Ingredients
  1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. Assemble the puffed rice cereal, mini marshmallows, sea salt, olive oil, vanilla extract, and white chocolate chips on your countertop. 
    Prepare a large mixing bowl for the cereal and a 9x13-inch pan for setting your treats. It’s always a good idea to prepare your space before starting to cook.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil and Marshmallows
  1. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, add the olive oil and 8 cups of the mini marshmallows. Stir gently until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will take a few minutes. 
    The gentle heat ensures that everything melts evenly, preventing it from burning. Pay close attention to achieve a silky mix. Keep stirring until you see no lumps of marshmallows left.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract and Sea Salt
  1. Once the marshmallow and olive oil mixture is perfectly melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. 
    This combination will boost the flavor, enhancing the sweet, creamy mixture. Don’t skip this step; it adds a whole new layer of flavor to your treats.
Step 4: Mix in the Puff Rice Cereal
  1. Now, it’s time to fold in the puffed rice cereal. Pour the cereal into the marshmallow mixture and gently stir until every piece is coated. 
    It might feel like a workout, but don’t rush! Ensure all the cereal is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This is crucial for achieving even treats.
Step 5: Incorporate the Remaining Mini Marshmallows
  1. After the puffed rice is fully coated, fold in the remaining 3 cups of mini marshmallows. These will add delightful little pockets of gooeyness throughout the treats. 
    You want small chunks in there; they melt perfectly to create a chewy texture.
Step 6: Transfer to the Pan
  1. Using a greased spatula or wooden spoon, transfer the mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly, ensuring you pack it down without compressing too much. Gently press into the pan until the mixture is flat and even.
Step 7: Allow it to Cool
  1. Let the treats sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until cool and set. You can speed up this process by placing them in the fridge, but avoid leaving them too long. 
    Once cool, they will firm up nicely, perfect for cutting into squares.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
  1. After the treats have cooled, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into squares. Serve them on a platter, and prepare for compliments! They’ll disappear quickly, so it’s wise to keep some for yourself.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients: Ensure your marshmallows are fresh, as stale marshmallows can ruin the texture.
  • Experiment with olive oil: Not all olive oils are the same. A high-quality, cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil will yield the best flavor.
  • Customize your mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative. Add nuts, dried fruit, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for additional flavor.
  • Avoid packing too tightly: When pressing down the mixture into the pan, resist the urge to squish it down too hard; it can make the treats too dense.
  • Store properly: Keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.