Olive Oil Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Easy Homemade Olive Oil Rice Crispy Treats Recipe for Snackers

Olive oil elevates traditional rice crispy treats into a sophisticated dessert with unexpected depth and richness.

The familiar childhood favorite gets a luxurious upgrade through this innovative ingredient swap.

Mediterranean culinary influences merge seamlessly with classic American comfort food in this delightful recipe.

Subtle nuanced flavors elevate the humble rice crispy treat beyond its sugary roots.

Each bite promises a delicate balance between sweetness and elegant olive oil undertones.

The unexpected combination creates a uniquely textured and memorable dessert experience that surprises and delights.

Creamy, crisp, and indulgent, these treats redefine a nostalgic snack with modern gourmet flair.

What Makes These Olive Oil Treats Special

  • Elevate Classic Comfort: Swap traditional butter for olive oil, transforming a childhood favorite into a sophisticated, grown-up treat with a subtle Mediterranean twist.
  • Quick and Effortless Preparation: Whip up these crispy treats in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gatherings.
  • Unique Flavor Profile: The olive oil adds a delicate, nuanced richness that complements the sweet marshmallows, creating a more complex and interesting taste compared to standard rice crispy treats.
  • Texture Perfection: Achieve a delightful balance between crispy cereal and gooey marshmallow, with a light sprinkle of sea salt adding a sophisticated crunch and flavor enhancement.

Building a Better Olive Oil Crispy Treat

Base Ingredients:
  • Mini Marshmallows: Soft, sweet base that gives the treats their signature gooey texture and binding properties.
  • Rice Crispy Cereal: Crunchy, light cereal that provides the classic crispy texture and structure for the treats.
Fat and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness, helps prevent sticking, and provides a subtle, sophisticated flavor compared to traditional butter.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile of the treats.
  • Sea Salt (for topping): Provides a delightful salty crunch and contrasts with the sweet marshmallow base.
Preparation Aids:
  • Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (for greasing): Ensures easy removal of treats from the pan and prevents sticking.
  • Parchment Paper: Optional liner that makes removing and cutting treats much easier.

Making Rice Crispy Treats with a Twist

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Coat a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with olive oil or line with parchment paper for easy treat removal.

Step 2: Gather Marshmallow Ingredients

  • Mini marshmallows
  • Olive oil
  • Salt

Step 3: Melt Marshmallow Mixture

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine marshmallows, olive oil, and salt. Melt over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine With Cereal

Remove from heat and gently fold in crispy rice cereal. Mix until every piece is evenly coated with marshmallow mixture.

Step 5: Transfer And Press

Pour mixture into prepared pan. Use oil-coated hands to spread evenly, being careful not to compress cereal too firmly.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle sea salt across the surface for an extra flavor boost.

Step 7: Set And Slice

Allow treats to set for 30 minutes. Use an oiled knife to cut into clean, precise squares.

Step 8: Store And Serve

Store loosely covered in refrigerator. Best enjoyed within one to two days of preparation. Serve at room temperature for optimal texture and taste.

Tips for Olive Oil Rice Treat Perfection

  • Manage Marshmallow Melting: Use low heat and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring a smooth and creamy base for your treats.
  • Perfect Coating Technique: Gently fold cereal into marshmallow mixture to maintain crispy texture and avoid crushing delicate rice puffs.
  • Prevent Sticky Hands: Lightly coat hands with olive oil before pressing treats into pan for easier handling and clean releases.
  • Salt Enhancement Trick: Sprinkle high-quality sea salt on top for a sophisticated flavor contrast that elevates the classic dessert.
  • Storage Smart: Cover treats loosely to maintain crispness and consume within two days for optimal texture and taste.

How to Store Your Olive Oil Snacks Right

  • Refrigerate: Store treats in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for maximum freshness up to 3 days.
  • Room Temperature: Allow treats to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor, removing them from the fridge about 15 minutes prior to enjoying.
  • Reheating: Gently warm individual treats in the microwave for 5-10 seconds if you prefer a softer, slightly melted consistency, being careful not to overheat and lose the crispy texture.

What to Enjoy with Olive Oil Rice Crispy Treats

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Match the rich olive oil flavor with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a luxurious contrast between sweet marshmallow treats and bold wine notes.
  • Complement with Espresso: Serve alongside a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the olive oil's subtle earthiness and balance the treat's sweetness with a deep, robust coffee profile.
  • Sprinkle Gourmet Salt Varieties: Experiment with different artisan salts like Himalayan pink salt or Fleur de Sel to elevate the sea salt topping, adding complexity and depth to each bite of the crispy treat.
  • Create Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Arrange the olive oil rice crispy treats with a small selection of olives, aged cheeses, and dried fruits to create a sophisticated snack board that highlights the Mediterranean-style ingredients.

Fun Flavors to Add to Olive Oil Crispy Treats

  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle over cooled rice crispy treats for a rich, decadent finish. Sprinkle with cocoa nibs or chocolate shavings for extra texture and flavor.
  • Nutty Olive Oil Adventure: Mix in chopped almonds or pistachios before pressing into the pan. Toast the nuts lightly beforehand to enhance their natural flavors and add a delightful crunch.
  • Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried rosemary or thyme into the marshmallow mixture for a subtle herb undertone. Sprinkle with za'atar seasoning on top for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Fold in toasted coconut flakes with the cereal for a tropical twist. Drizzle with white chocolate and sprinkle additional coconut on top for extra indulgence.
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Olive Oil Rice Crispy Treats Recipe

Olive Oil Rice Crispy Treats Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Silky olive oil elevates classic rice crispy treats with Mediterranean charm. Nutty, golden drizzles and sea salt create an irresistible twist you won’t be able to resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 11 cups / 567 g mini marshmallows
  • 10 cups / 340 g crisp rice cereal

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup / 75 g extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking pan by coating thoroughly with olive oil or lining with parchment paper to ensure effortless treat removal.
  2. Separate 2 cups of mini marshmallows and set them aside for later use.
  3. In a spacious heavy-bottomed pot, combine the remaining marshmallows, olive oil, and salt. Gently melt the mixture over low heat, stirring periodically until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
  4. Remove the marshmallow mixture from heat and carefully incorporate the crispy rice cereal. Fold gently to ensure complete and even coating, rotating the ingredients with a silicone spatula.
  5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, using olive oil-coated hands to distribute evenly. Press lightly to create a uniform layer, taking care not to compress the cereal too densely.
  6. Sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt across the surface for an enhanced flavor profile.
  7. Allow the treats to set at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes, enabling them to firm up and maintain their structural integrity.
  8. Using an olive oil-greased knife, slice the treat slab into neat, symmetric squares.
  9. Store the olive oil rice crispy treats in a loosely covered container in the refrigerator. Consume within two to three days for optimal taste and texture, enjoying their freshest state within the first day or two after preparation.

Notes

  • Elevate classic rice crispy treats with a sophisticated olive oil twist that adds richness and depth to the traditional sweet snack.
  • Generously grease your pan or use parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent sticking of these delicate treats.
  • Melt marshmallows with olive oil on low heat, stirring carefully to create a smooth, glossy base that coats the cereal evenly.
  • Use oiled hands when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking and maintain a light, airy texture.
  • Sprinkle sea salt on top for a gourmet touch that balances the sweetness and adds a subtle sophisticated flavor.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to three days, but enjoy within the first day or two for the best taste and texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 0.02 g
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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