If you’ve ever loved the sweet, creamy goodness of banana pudding, then wait until you try this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treat! This recipe combines the classic crunch of Rice Krispies with the rich, indulgent flavor of banana pudding. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy Rice Krispies square with the creamy taste of banana pudding, all held together with gooey marshmallows and just a hint of vanilla. It’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles to faces and satisfaction with every bite—plus, it’s super simple to make! Trust me, this one is a total game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Here’s why this dessert is going to be your new favorite:
Fun Twist on a Classic
Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies treats? This version takes the classic dessert up a notch with the irresistible flavors of banana pudding, making it a fun and unexpected twist that everyone will love!
Simple & Quick
With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to whip these up in no time. Perfect for when you need a dessert that’s both fast and delicious!
No-Bake Goodness
These Rice Krispies treats don’t require an oven, so they’re perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the stove. Just mix, press, and chill—and you’re good to go!
Kid-Friendly
This treat is a fun and tasty way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They’ll love helping mix the ingredients and, of course, enjoying the finished product!
Customizable
While this version is inspired by banana pudding, you can easily switch things up by adding in your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or even peanut butter!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies:
- Rice Krispies Cereal: The crunchy base for these treats.
- Marshmallows: A classic binding agent that adds sweetness and gooeyness.
- Butter: To help melt the marshmallows and make everything stick together beautifully.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: For that signature banana pudding flavor.
- Bananas: Fresh bananas add a natural sweetness and a soft, creamy element.
- Vanilla Extract: A hint of vanilla brings everything together.
- Optional: Nilla Wafers: For an extra bit of banana pudding nostalgia, you can crush these up and mix them in for a fun texture.
(Note: Full measurements are included in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s get started on making these irresistible Banana Pudding Rice Krispies!
Prepare the Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift out the treats once they’ve set.
Melt the Marshmallows
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add in the marshmallows and stir constantly until they’re completely melted and smooth. This step is key to getting that gooey, stretchy texture!
Add the Pudding Mix
Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the vanilla pudding mix and vanilla extract. This will add that rich, banana pudding flavor and make your Rice Krispies treats extra delicious. Stir until it’s all well combined.
Mix in the Rice Krispies
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure to coat all of the cereal evenly with the marshmallow mixture. It’s like creating a sweet, crispy coating on each piece of cereal—yum!
Add the Bananas
Gently fold in the sliced bananas. Be careful not to mash them too much, as you want to keep their shape. The bananas will add that lovely banana pudding flavor and a bit of creaminess.
Press the Mixture into the Pan
Once everything is well combined, transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to gently press it down into an even layer. This helps it set into the perfect Rice Krispies shape.
Chill & Set
Let the Rice Krispies treats sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they’ve set and are firm enough to cut into squares.
Serve & Enjoy
Cut into squares and enjoy your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats! They’re perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a sweet snack anytime.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 (based on 1 square per serving)
Calories per serving: 200
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 1g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some serving ideas:
- Party Treats: Slice into small squares and serve at birthday parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. They’re easy to grab and eat, making them the perfect party dessert.
- After-School Snack: These make an awesome sweet snack for kids after school—quick to make and easy to store.
- With a Side of Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- In a Lunchbox: Pack them in kids’ lunchboxes for a sweet surprise!
Additional Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies turn out perfectly:
Use Fresh Bananas
For the best flavor and texture, use ripe but firm bananas. Overripe bananas can get mushy, which isn’t ideal for these treats.
Press Firmly
When pressing the mixture into the pan, make sure it’s compacted firmly. This helps the Rice Krispies treats set up nicely without falling apart.
Add Extra Crunch
For extra texture, consider mixing in crushed Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, or even a few chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Customize with Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Try adding chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or even coconut for a fun twist.
Store Properly
Store leftover Rice Krispies treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best enjoyed within a few days of making them.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies ahead of time?
A1: Yes! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Q2: Can I make these without bananas?
A2: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of bananas or need to avoid them, you can leave them out. The treats will still be delicious with just the vanilla pudding flavor.
Q3: Can I use banana pudding mix instead of vanilla pudding mix?
A3: Yes, you can! Using banana pudding mix will amplify the banana flavor in the treats. If you’re a big banana fan, it’s a great twist.
Q4: How do I store leftover Rice Krispies treats?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Q5: Can I freeze these Rice Krispies treats?
A5: Yes! You can freeze them for up to 1 month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q6: Can I add chocolate chips to these Rice Krispies treats?
A6: Definitely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. You can mix them in with the Rice Krispies or sprinkle them on top for extra sweetness.
Q7: Can I make these with another cereal?
A7: While Rice Krispies are traditional, you can try using Cornflakes or another crispy cereal for a different texture. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.
Q8: Do I have to chill these Rice Krispies treats?
A8: Yes, chilling them helps them set and become firm enough to cut into squares. You can speed up the process by placing them in the fridge.
Q9: Can I use homemade vanilla pudding instead of pudding mix?
A9: Yes! If you prefer homemade pudding, go ahead and use it. Just make sure it’s thickened and cooled before adding it to the marshmallow mixture.
Q10: What can I serve these with?
A10: These are great on their own, but you can pair them with a scoop of ice cream or serve them alongside fresh fruit for a balanced treat.
Conclusion
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are the ultimate fun, no-bake dessert that combines the best of both worlds—Rice Krispies treats and banana pudding. With their creamy, sweet banana flavor and satisfying crunch, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re so simple to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week! Perfect for parties, snacks, or a sweet little indulgence, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and watch how fast they disappear!
PrintBanana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your Rice Krispie treats with a delightful Banana Pudding flair. Infused with the crunch of vanilla wafers and the sweet indulgence of banana pudding mix, this dessert promises a playful and effortless delight for everyone’s palate.
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
- In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until they are completely melted into a smooth mixture.
- Stir in the instant banana pudding mix, blending it thoroughly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Quickly pour the melted marshmallow and pudding mixture over the cereal and vanilla wafer blend. Stir well to coat the cereal evenly.
- If using, fold in the white chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Press the mixture evenly into a prepared 9×13-inch pan using wax paper or greased hands.
- Allow the mixture to cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes.
- Once cooled, cut into squares and optionally serve with sliced bananas for an added banana flavor.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a touch of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, try using milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 1/12 of the recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20mg