If you’ve ever wished for a nostalgic treat that combines the ooey-gooey charm of Rice Krispie treats with the creamy delight of banana pudding, you’re in for a real joy. This Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe effortlessly blends crispy, marshmallowy cereal squares with luscious banana pudding and a swirl of whipped cream, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a quiet afternoon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create textures and flavors that dance with every bite. Each component plays a vital role, making the final dessert creamy, crunchy, and just right.
- Unsalted butter, 3 tbsp: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly without overwhelming the sweetness.
- Mini marshmallows, 10 oz package: The classic binding ingredient that creates that perfect, chewy Rice Krispie treat texture.
- Rice Krispies cereal, 6 cups: Provides the crisp crunch and familiar base for the treat.
- Instant banana pudding mix, 3.4 oz package: Brings that unmistakable banana flavor and creamy texture that sets this recipe apart.
- Cold milk, 2 cups: Essential for whisking into the pudding mix to achieve the right consistency.
- Whipped cream or whipped topping, 1 cup: Adds a light, airy finish to complement the dense layers beneath.
- Sliced bananas (optional): A fresh garnish that enhances the banana flavor and adds a fresh touch.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper for quick, easy removal. This step ensures your treats come out cleanly and maintain their crispy edges.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows
Using a large pot over low heat, melt the butter gently. Add the mini marshmallows, stirring diligently until everything becomes a smooth, glossy mixture. This careful melting process is key to avoiding burnt marshmallows and results in that luscious bind.
Step 3: Combine with Rice Krispies
Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the Rice Krispies cereal until each crisp is thoroughly coated with the marshmallow mixture. This ensures every bite is sticky, sweet, and satisfyingly crunchy.
Step 4: Press Into the Pan
Evenly press the cereal mixture into your prepared dish using a buttered spatula or wax paper to keep it from sticking. Creating an even layer sets the stage for the banana pudding topping and helps the treats hold together once chilled.
Step 5: Prepare Banana Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. This creates a creamy layer that adds a luscious banana flavor referencing a classic dessert favorite.
Step 6: Spread Pudding Over Treats
Gently spread the prepared banana pudding mixture over the Rice Krispie layer in your pan, forming an even, luscious top layer. This contrast of textures—crisp below and creamy above—is a hallmark of this recipe’s charm.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour until the pudding is fully set. This chilling time is crucial; it transforms the dish from a sticky mash to a perfectly sliceable, creamy dessert.
Step 8: Add Whipped Cream and Garnish
Before serving, spread the whipped cream or whipped topping over the chilled pudding layer. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh sliced bananas. This final flourish not only looks beautiful but echoes the delightful banana flavor throughout.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh banana slices are a natural, inviting garnish adding freshness and natural sweetness. If you want to get creative, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a dusting of cinnamon can elevate the flavors even more. These little touches turn a simple dessert into something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh fruit to balance the richness. Light, fruity beverages like lemonade or iced tea also complement the creamy and crunchy layers perfectly, keeping the meal feeling balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or family gatherings, consider cutting the treats into fun shapes with cookie cutters or serving in individual clear cups for a layered parfait look. Another charming idea is to top each square with a dollop of whipped cream and a banana chip for texture contrast that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe leftovers keep well covered at room temperature for up to two days, but storing them in the fridge is best to maintain the pudding’s freshness. Use an airtight container to prevent the treats from absorbing other odors and becoming stale.
Freezing
You can freeze these treats if you want to save them for later. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture of the pudding and maintain a perfect balance between creamy and crispy.
Reheating
Reheating is generally not recommended for these treats since they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to keep their distinct layers intact. If you prefer to soften them slightly, a few seconds in the microwave can help, but be careful not to melt the pudding topping.
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant mix?
Absolutely! Homemade banana pudding can add a fresh, natural flavor. Just be sure it’s thick enough to set properly on top of the Rice Krispie layer for the best texture.
What can I substitute for Rice Krispies cereal?
While Rice Krispies offer the iconic light crunch, you can substitute with other puffed rice cereals or similar crispy cereals to suit your preference or dietary needs.
How long do Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats last?
When refrigerated, these treats stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the cereal can start to lose its crunch and the pudding might become overly soft.
Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and pudding mix. Many brands offer gluten-free varieties that work perfectly here.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, choose a dairy-free butter substitute, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and opt for whipped topping free of dairy. The dessert will still be deliciously satisfying!
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is a fantastic twist on two beloved desserts coming together for a sweet, crunchy, creamy celebration. It’s incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough to share at any gathering. Next time you want a treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these creamy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, a delicious twist on classic marshmallow treats. A crispy Rice Krispies base layered with smooth instant banana pudding and finished with fluffy whipped cream and fresh bananas makes for a perfect no-bake dessert that sets in the fridge, ideal for summertime or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Rice Krispie Base
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
Banana Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
- Sliced bananas for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Melt butter and marshmallows: In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in Rice Krispies: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the Rice Krispies cereal, coating them evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Press into pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a compact base layer.
- Prepare banana pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Spread pudding layer: Evenly spread the banana pudding mixture over the Rice Krispie base layer in the pan.
- Chill to set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the pudding to set firmly.
- Add topping and serve: Before serving, spread the whipped cream or whipped topping over the set pudding layer and garnish with fresh sliced bananas, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh bananas and add them just before serving to avoid browning.
- You can substitute whipped cream with whipped coconut topping for a dairy-free variation.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Ensure the pudding layer is fully set before adding the whipped cream topping to maintain texture.
