Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a playful twist on a nostalgic dessert, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your new favorite sweet snack. Imagine everything you love about creamy banana pudding—velvety texture, that unmistakable banana aroma, and classic vanilla wafer crunch—wrapped up in chewy, gooey rice krispie form. These bars are effortlessly easy, incredibly satisfying, and bring joyful Southern pudding vibes to the classic cereal treat. Whether you’re making them for a party or simply to brighten an ordinary day, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are bound to surprise and delight everyone at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a wonderful simplicity to these ingredients, but each one plays an important role in building the flavor, texture, and whimsy that make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats so magical. Fresh, familiar, and easy to find, these pantry staples are your ticket to a memorable treat.

• Instant banana pudding mix: Delivers that signature, dreamy banana flavor and a little extra creaminess to set these treats apart from the classic version.
• Milk: Just enough to hydrate the pudding mix and help infuse the marshmallow base with banana goodness.
• Mini marshmallows: The ooey-gooey foundation, giving each bar its irresistible chewy pull and sticky sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly, giving the treats a subtle, buttery roundness.
• Crispy rice cereal: The star carrier of snap, crackle, and pop, providing the signature crunch you expect in every Rice Krispie treat.
• Crushed vanilla wafers: The nod to classic banana pudding—these bits infuse warmth and buttery crunch, echoing the beloved dessert.
• White chocolate chips (optional): Melt and drizzle for an elegant finish and just a hint of extra sweetness.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Banana Pudding Mixture

Start by whisking together the instant banana pudding mix and milk in a small bowl. You want a smooth, thick mixture—think more paste than pudding—so it seamlessly blends with the marshmallow base later. This step really infuses the entire pan of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats with that luscious, nostalgic banana flavor.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large pot set over medium heat, melt your butter gently, then add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly so the marshmallows melt evenly and become perfectly smooth—this requires a little patience, but it’s what guarantees extra gooey and soft treats in the end.

Step 3: Combine the Mixtures

Once your marshmallows are melted and silky, stir in the prepared banana pudding mixture. Mixing well at this stage is key! You want every bite of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats to burst with banana flavor, so make sure you blend until no streaks remain and the mixture is a pale, cheerful yellow.

Step 4: Add the Cereal and Vanilla Wafers

Remove your pot from the heat and quickly stir in the crispy rice cereal. Work gently but efficiently to evenly coat all the cereal before it starts to set. Then, fold in the crushed vanilla wafers—these little nuggets will scatter buttery, cookie magic throughout every square.

Step 5: Assemble the Treats

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan, then press the mixture in evenly. A greased spatula or wax paper makes this a breeze and stops everything from sticking to your hands. If you’re feeling fancy, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for a show-stopping finish that takes these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats over the top.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Patience pays off here—let the treats cool completely at room temperature for about an hour. Once set, cut them into squares. That first bite is sure to deliver an explosion of creamy banana, crunchy cereal, and buttery vanilla, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy bar!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

For a dessert this playful, fun garnishes keep the mood light! Scatter more crushed vanilla wafers or banana chips over the top before the white chocolate sets. A sprinkle of festive sprinkles or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra punch of color and flavor, making your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats look as joyful as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with fresh sliced bananas for even more banana flair. They’re divine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a birthday party vibe, serve alongside a cold glass of milk or—if you’re feeling fancy—a frosted banana milkshake.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats into bite-sized pops and spear them on sticks for a fun party-ready treat. Layer squares in clear jars with extra pudding and whipped cream for a “trifle-in-a-jar” effect. Or, use cookie cutters to make themed shapes for holidays, birthdays, or just because!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats fresh and chewy, store them tightly covered at room temperature. They’ll be perfect for up to three days—just be sure to use an airtight container to preserve that soft bite and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap each square individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. These treats freeze remarkably well for up to two months; just let them come to room temperature before serving so the marshmallow regains its delightful chewiness.

Reheating

While you don’t truly need to reheat Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, if you crave a slightly gooier texture, zap individual squares in the microwave for just 5-8 seconds. This brings back that “just made” softness and amplifies the banana aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! While banana is the star here, you can swap in vanilla, butterscotch, or even chocolate pudding mix for your own creative spin on these treats. Just remember, the classic charm of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats comes from that unmistakable banana flavor.

What if I only have regular marshmallows?

You can substitute large marshmallows for mini ones—just use the same weight amount or about 10 ounces. Be sure to stir well as they melt so everything comes together smoothly.

How do I crush the vanilla wafers?

A quick pulse in the food processor or a gentle bash inside a zip-top bag with a rolling pin will do the trick. You want some larger crumbs and some finer pieces for the best texture in your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats.

Is it okay to use margarine or salted butter?

You can use margarine or salted butter in a pinch, but unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall flavor. If you use salted butter, you may want to skip adding any extra salt to the recipe.

Why do my treats turn out hard instead of chewy?

If your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are on the harder side, it’s likely that the marshmallow mixture was cooked at too high a heat, or packed too firmly in the pan. Use gentle heat and press them in lightly for the best, softest results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats as I am! They bring a little sunshine to your dessert table and turn everyday ingredients into pure fun. Give them a try and let your kitchen be filled with the sweet nostalgia of banana pudding—for both kids and anyone young at heart!

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