Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’re looking for a ridiculously fun twist on two iconic desserts, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the nostalgic joy of classic Rice Krispie treats combined with the creamy, banana-rich flavor of Southern banana pudding, all layered with a hint of vanilla wafer crunch. Each bite is gooey, crispy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready to fall in love with this dreamy mashup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples, you’re only minutes away from a batch of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. Every ingredient pulls its weight, whether for structure, taste, or just that delightful reminiscent touch. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Butter (unsalted): Brings a rich, creamy base that lets the banana flavor shine while keeping the treats perfectly tender.
• Mini marshmallows: The gooey glue and classic Rice Krispie treat foundation, ensuring a soft yet chewy bite.
• Instant banana pudding mix (small box, about 3.4 oz): This secret weapon infuses every square with genuine banana pudding flavor and a lovely yellow tint.
• Rice Krispies cereal: Delivers the unmistakable crunch and texture everyone loves in Rice Krispie treats.
• Vanilla wafer cookies (crushed): Adds the authentic Southern banana pudding vibe and a buttery crunch in every layer.
• Sliced bananas (optional, for garnish): For an extra pop of fresh banana flavor on top—totally optional, but so good!
• White chocolate or melted candy coating (optional, for drizzle): Drizzle on a sweet finishing touch that looks as good as it tastes.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with either butter or a quick spritz of cooking spray. This simple step guarantees your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats release effortlessly and keeps things fuss-free when it’s time to slice.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large, sturdy pot set over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it’s silky and bubbling gently, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir until you have a wonderfully smooth, sticky, and glossy mixture—no lumps allowed here!

Step 3: Add the Banana Pudding Mix

This step is where the magic happens: sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix right into your melted marshmallow goodness. Stir quickly and thoroughly to dissolve the pudding powder, ensuring no clumps and a uniform banana flavor all throughout.

Step 4: Mix with Cereal

Take the pot off the heat, and immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Work quickly but gently, making sure every piece of cereal is coated in that dreamy, banana-infused marshmallow mixture. This part is a bit sticky, but oh-so-satisfying!

Step 5: Layer with Vanilla Wafers

Spread half the Rice Krispie mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Sprinkle on a generous even layer of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, mimicking that classic banana pudding texture. Top with the remaining cereal mixture and press down gently to even it all out, creating lovely layers of crunch and chew.

Step 6: Optional Garnish

If you want these treats to really sparkle, drizzle over some melted white chocolate or candy coating. Finish by sprinkling a few extra crushed vanilla wafers or add a few artful slices of fresh banana for that undeniable wow-factor.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This patience pays off with neat, perfect slices. Once set, grab a sharp knife and slice into squares or rectangles—enjoy that sweet anticipation!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

There are so many fun ways to top off these bars. A drizzle of white chocolate brings elegance, while a sprinkle of extra crushed vanilla wafers adds crunch and classic flavor. For a show-stopping touch, add thinly sliced fresh bananas just before serving to make these treats feel extra decadent and true to their Southern inspiration.

Side Dishes

While Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a superstar on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk creates a nostalgic, comforting combo. If you’re serving these treats at a party, consider setting them out alongside fresh berries or other fruit-forward desserts to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, try cutting the treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters, or serve them as bars on a pretty dessert platter with extra banana slices and a generous swirl of whipped cream. Mini cupcake liners can turn them into perfect party bites—just add a toothpick and watch them disappear at potlucks and bake sales!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve topped them with fresh bananas, enjoy those pieces within a day so everything stays at peak freshness.

Freezing

For longer storage, these treats freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual squares in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving—just skip any fresh banana garnishes until you’re ready to enjoy them!

Reheating

Rice Krispie treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to soften them a bit, a quick 5–10 second zap in the microwave will give you melty, gooey squares again. Just be careful not to overheat or they’ll become too sticky.

FAQs

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Absolutely! While the magic of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is in their banana pudding twist, vanilla, butterscotch, or even coconut pudding mixes can work for fun flavor variations.

How do I keep the treats extra soft and chewy?

Don’t overcook your marshmallow mixture, and make sure to store your treats well-wrapped! Keeping them airtight will help lock in that glorious chewiness.

Can these treats be made gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and check the pudding mix and vanilla wafers for certified gluten-free labels. The swaps are simple, and the flavor still shines!

What’s the best way to crush the vanilla wafers?

A zip-top bag and a rolling pin work wonders—just give the cookies a few good whacks for chunky bits or roll firmly for finer crumbs. Balance of textures is always key in Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats.

Are sliced bananas necessary?

Nope, they’re completely optional! While they add a pop of fresh flavor and lovely presentation, your treats will still celebrate all the classic banana pudding vibes without them.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are winning hearts everywhere—each bar is a delightful union of childhood favorites and pure Southern comfort. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and see just how quickly these will disappear from the table. Go ahead and make them part of your next sweet memory!

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