Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Imagine your childhood favorite Rice Krispie treats all dressed up for a southern potluck—this is exactly what you get with Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! This joyful mashup takes all the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding and swirls them into a chewy, crunchy, golden bar that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for sharing, these treats burst with banana flavor, a whisper of vanilla, and a touch of white chocolate, making every bite pure comfort with a playful twist. Whether you’re satisfying a late-night sweet tooth or impressing friends at your next get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to put a big, banana-splashed smile on everyone’s face.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is how a handful of classic, easy-to-find ingredients transform the ordinary into something magicial. Each component works behind the scenes to bring irresistible flavor, pillowy texture, and those signature sweet banana pudding vibes to every single square.

• Instant banana pudding mix (3.4 oz box): This is where all the dreamy banana flavor comes from—skip the complicated extracts and just use the instant mix!
• Mini marshmallows (5 cups): They melt down to create that gooey, sticky magic that binds everything together in pillow-soft harmony.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Richness and a hint of savory balance make these treats melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): The classic crunch and airy texture you know and love; they’re the backbone of the treat.
• Vanilla wafer cookies (15–20, roughly crushed): These cookies add echoes of banana pudding nostalgia, plus delightful crisp bits throughout.
• White chocolate chips (1/2 cup, optional): For a touch of creamy sweetness and extra decadence—totally optional, but highly recommended!
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and makes the sweetness pop like never before.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first, line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This step saves you from any sticky situations later—literally! Parchment paper makes it easy to lift out and cut your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats once they’ve set, so you can share perfect squares with minimal fuss.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Banana Pudding Mix

Place a large saucepan over medium-low heat, toss in the butter, and let it melt down until it’s glossy and bubbling slightly. As soon as it’s melted, sprinkle in the instant banana pudding mix and stir for about a minute. You’ll notice the transformation right away—the kitchen fills with sweet banana aroma, and the mixture turns golden and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Marshmallows

Pour in all those mini marshmallows and get stirring! Keep the mixture moving over the gentle heat until the marshmallows are completely melted and everything is silky smooth. Take care not to scorch the marshmallows—low and slow is key for luscious, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Mix in Rice Krispies Cereal and Salt

Remove the pan from the heat, then quickly stir in the salt and Rice Krispies cereal. Fold everything together until every crispy grain is covered in banana-pudding-marshmallow magic. It’ll get thick and sticky, but that’s your sign you’re doing it right.

Step 5: Fold in Wafers and Chocolate Chips

With the mixture still warm, quickly add the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and white chocolate chips (if using). Fold gently; you want ripples of crunchy vanilla wafer and creamy white chocolate scattered throughout, not smashed into crumbs.

Step 6: Press Into the Pan and Cool

Act fast—the mixture firms up as it cools! Scrape everything into your prepared pan, then use a greased spatula or a sheet of wax paper to press it evenly into the corners. Don’t pack too tightly; keeping some air makes each square wonderfully light. Let the treats cool at room temperature for at least one hour so they set up perfectly.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crushed vanilla wafers or a beautiful drizzle of melted white chocolate over the top make these treats as gorgeous as they are tasty. A few fresh banana slices on the serving tray will hint at what’s inside for your lucky taste-testers.

Side Dishes

If you’re turning dessert into a party, serve your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats with a scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt or a sweet iced coffee. The chilly, creamy side plays perfectly against the chewy bars, while a cold drink helps balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your treats into squares, rectangles, or even fun shapes with cookie cutters. For birthdays or showers, stack them in a pyramid with a light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter for extra flair. To really wow the crowd, try threading bite-sized pieces onto skewers with banana coins—it’s a playful dessert kabob everyone will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh and chewy when kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Slip a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking and keep those flavors mingling in every bite.

Freezing

If you have leftovers (or love meal prepping treats), freeze individually wrapped squares. First, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place all the wrapped squares in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature for about an hour before digging in.

Reheating

These are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you crave a warm, gooey bite, pop an individual square in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This refreshes the marshmallows and melts the chocolate chips just enough for an extra-indulgent snack.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just measure out the equivalent amount by weight (about 10 ounces) and chop them up a little for quicker melting if needed. Mini marshmallows melt more evenly, but both work perfectly.

Is it possible to make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and be sure to check your marshmallows and white chocolate chips for dairy; many grocery stores carry vegan options these days. The flavor will still shine and the texture will be nice and chewy.

Can I use a different flavor pudding mix?

Of course! While the classic banana pudding mix gives these treats their signature taste, you could experiment with vanilla, butterscotch, or even chocolate pudding for a creative twist. Just keep the ratio the same.

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

The easiest way is to place them in a zip-top bag and give them a gentle bash with a rolling pin or the bottom of a measuring cup. You want some larger cookie chunks for texture, so don’t over-crush!

How do I keep my treats from sticking to the pan?

Lining the pan with parchment paper is your best friend here. For extra insurance, you can also spray the paper with a bit of nonstick cooking spray. When it’s time to cut, simply lift out the whole slab and slice worry-free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a treat that promises smiles and second helpings, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are your ticket to pure delight. They’re a breeze to whip up, impossible to resist, and taste just like a sunny afternoon—so go on, grab your ingredients and bring some sweet banana joy to your kitchen today!

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