If you love the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies treats with a fun, fruity twist, then you are going to adore the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. This delightful dessert combines the creamy sweetness of banana pudding with the crispy texture of cereal, all bound together by melty marshmallows and buttery goodness. It’s a playful, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or a cozy night in when you want something sweet but not too fussy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a family favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect blend of flavors and textures in this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. Each component plays a special role: the cereal brings crispy crunch, the pudding mix adds that classic banana flavor, and the marshmallows glue everything together with sweet, gooey charm.
- Rice Krispies cereal (5 cups): This creates the signature crispy base that’s light and airy.
- Instant banana pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 oz): Infuses the treats with creamy banana flavor without the fuss of making pudding from scratch.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Melts to mix with marshmallows and add rich, buttery depth.
- Mini marshmallows (1 bag, 10 oz): The gooey binder that holds the cereal pieces together perfectly.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (½ cup): Adds a subtle crunch and enhances the banana pudding vibe.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For a sweet, creamy twist that elevates the flavor.
- Sliced bananas (for serving, optional): Fresh slices bring brightness and extra banana goodness when you serve.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cereal and Wafers
Start by combining the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers in a large bowl. This mix will give your treats that classic crispy texture with an added vanilla hint that complements the banana perfectly. Set this bowl aside for now as we move on to the marshmallow mixture.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add all the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt down completely into a smooth, luscious mixture. This step is where the magic happens, as the marshmallows will act as the sweet glue for your treats.
Step 3: Mix in the Banana Pudding
Take your instant banana pudding mix and stir it into the melted marshmallow and butter mixture. Blend it thoroughly so that the banana flavor fully infuses every gooey bit. This addition is what transforms the classic Rice Krispies treat into a banana pudding delight!
Step 4: Combine with Cereal Mixture
Pour the warm marshmallow and pudding blend over the cereal and vanilla wafers mixture. Quickly stir everything together, making sure every bit of cereal is coated in that delicious banana-mallow syrup. This is the fond moment when the crunch meets the creaminess.
Step 5: Add White Chocolate (Optional)
For those who love an extra hint of sweetness, gently fold in the white chocolate chips now. They will melt just enough to create little bursts of creamy sweetness within each treat but won’t lose their shape entirely.
Step 6: Press Into Pan and Cool
Transfer the mixture into a greased or wax paper-lined 9×13-inch pan. Using wax paper or lightly greased hands, press it down evenly so it sets in a neat, compact block. Let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up properly.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once the treats have cooled and solidified, cut them into squares. For the finishing touch, serve with fresh sliced bananas if you want to amplify that banana flavor and add a fresh contrast to the chewy, crunchy treats.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra crushed vanilla wafers on top adds a pleasing texture contrast, while a light dusting of powdered sugar can offer a pretty, snow-like appearance. Don’t forget those fresh banana slices on the side—they add a fresh, natural sweetness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
These treats pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk to keep things classic. For an adult twist, try serving alongside a creamy banana smoothie or a cup of rich coffee to complement the dessert’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these treats into a fun party favor by cutting them into bite-sized squares and wrapping each in cellophane tied with a cute ribbon. Alternatively, for a casual gathering, arrange them on a platter with other banana-inspired snacks like banana chips and banana bread for a banana-themed dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, store your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed ensures they don’t dry out and retain their perfect texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place all in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 6 weeks and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet snack.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed as is, but if you want a warm, melty experience, pop one in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The white chocolate chips may get extra gooey, and you’ll get that comforting fresh-baked vibe all over again.
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding instead of instant banana pudding mix?
Instant banana pudding mix is recommended because it dissolves quickly and blends well without extra moisture. Using regular pudding might make the treats too wet and affect their texture.
What if I’m allergic to vanilla wafers?
You can substitute crushed graham crackers or any crispy cookie you like. Just keep the flavor profiles mild so they don’t overpower the banana pudding taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, swap out the butter for a vegan margarine and use vegan marshmallows. Look for dairy-free banana pudding alternatives or make your own from scratch with banana puree and plant-based thickeners.
Why add white chocolate chips? Are they necessary?
They are optional but highly recommended if you want an extra layer of sweet creaminess. The white chocolate pairs beautifully with the banana and vanilla flavors, making the treats more indulgent.
How soon can I eat these after making them?
It’s best to wait at least 30 minutes for the treats to cool and set properly, which helps them hold together when cut. However, if you are impatient, you can dig in a little earlier but expect them to be a bit softer and stickier.
Final Thoughts
Treat yourself and your loved ones to the wonderfully scrumptious Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic cereal treat that brings smiles with every bite. Easy to make and incredibly tasty, this dessert is sure to become your new go-to for any occasion where sweetness and nostalgia come together. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 30 minutes cooling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe combines the classic crispy cereal treat with the creamy, fruity flavor of instant banana pudding and crushed vanilla wafers for a nostalgic and delightful dessert. Enhanced with optional white chocolate chips and fresh banana slices, it’s a quick, no-bake treat perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- Sliced bananas (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Set aside to prepare the marshmallow mixture.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix in pudding: Stir the instant banana pudding mix thoroughly into the melted marshmallow mixture until well combined and smooth.
- Coat cereal mixture: Quickly pour the marshmallow and pudding mixture over the Rice Krispies and vanilla wafer blend. Stir well to evenly coat all the cereal.
- Add white chocolate chips: If desired, fold in the white chocolate chips to add a creamy sweetness and texture contrast.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use wax paper or greased hands to press it down evenly and firmly.
- Cool and set: Let the mixture cool and solidify at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set completely.
- Serve: Once set, cut into squares and optionally serve with fresh sliced bananas for added banana flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use wax paper or lightly grease your hands to prevent sticking when pressing the mixture into the pan.
- You can omit white chocolate chips if you prefer a less sweet version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a firmer texture, refrigerate after setting.
- Sliced bananas should be added just before serving to prevent browning.
