Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There's something truly special about the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding combined with the crispy, marshmallow goodness of Rice Krispies treats. This fun and unique dessert brings together two beloved classics into one irresistible bite. Whether you're making these for a party, a potluck, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats will quickly become a new favorite.

I first whipped up a batch of these treats when I was looking for a way to combine my love for banana pudding with my childhood favorite Rice Krispies. The result? A dessert that tastes just like banana pudding but with an extra delightful crunch. Every bite is filled with banana flavor, creamy pudding richness, and the crispy texture that makes Rice Krispies treats so addictive.

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with just the right amount of sweetness.

First, it's a no-bake dessert, meaning you don’t have to turn on the oven. Perfect for warm days when you want a treat without heating up the kitchen.

Second, the banana pudding flavor comes through beautifully, thanks to instant banana pudding mix and fresh bananas. It’s like eating a spoonful of banana pudding, but in bar form!

Plus, this recipe is great for sharing. Whether you're bringing them to a gathering or packing them for a lunchbox treat, these bars hold up well and are easy to transport.

And finally, they’re quick and simple to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like you spent hours making it.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the overall taste and texture, creating a treat that is both comforting and exciting.

Rice Krispies cereal forms the base of these treats, providing that signature crunch. You can use any crispy rice cereal, but the classic Rice Krispies brand works best for consistency and texture.

Mini marshmallows are essential for holding everything together. They melt into a gooey, sweet binder that coats the cereal perfectly. For extra softness, reserve a handful to stir in at the end.

Banana pudding mix infuses the treats with the perfect banana flavor. Instant pudding mix works best here, as it blends seamlessly into the melted marshmallows.

Butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the sweetness, but salted butter can add a nice depth to balance out the sugar.

Vanilla wafers are crushed and mixed in for a classic banana pudding touch. Their subtle crunch and buttery vanilla flavor make these bars even more irresistible.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats is a breeze, and the results are well worth the short time in the kitchen. Here’s how you do it:

Start by preparing your pan. Line a 9x13-inch dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. This makes it easier to lift the treats out once they’ve set.

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. Be sure to keep the heat low to prevent scorching.

Once the marshmallows are fully melted, sprinkle in the banana pudding mix and stir well until it's fully incorporated. The mixture should take on a lovely banana aroma and a hint of yellow color.

Remove the pot from the heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Stir until everything is well coated, working quickly before the mixture begins to cool.

Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down using a greased spatula or a piece of parchment paper. Be careful not to press too firmly, as this can make the treats too dense.

Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Enjoy them as-is, or top with extra crushed wafers or a drizzle of white chocolate for a fancy touch!

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

For short-term storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Placing parchment paper between layers prevents sticking.

If you need to store them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating to soften them up.

Freezing is also an option! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few fun variations to try:

For an extra banana boost, fold in small chunks of freeze-dried bananas when mixing in the cereal. This adds an intense banana flavor without extra moisture.

Want a chocolate twist? Drizzle the finished bars with melted white or milk chocolate. You could even mix in mini chocolate chips for a fun surprise.

If you love caramel, try swirling in a little caramel sauce into the marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal. The caramel pairs beautifully with the banana flavor.

Need a gluten-free option? Swap the vanilla wafers for gluten-free graham crackers or omit them altogether.

No banana pudding mix on hand? You can use vanilla pudding mix with a teaspoon of banana extract to achieve a similar flavor.

No matter how you make them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats are sure to be a hit. Have fun experimenting and enjoy every sweet, crispy, banana-filled bite!

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