If you’re on the hunt for a fun twist on a classic treat, this Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I love this recipe because it combines the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the creamy, dreamy flavor of banana pudding—trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Whether you’re making snacks for a party or just craving something sweet and comforting, this recipe delivers every time, and it’s super easy to whip up too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Boost: The banana pudding mix adds a luscious, creamy twist that turns ordinary Rice Krispie treats into something spectacular.
- Super Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and basic steps, this recipe comes together quickly—even on busy days.
- Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Every time I bring these to gatherings, my family goes crazy for the nostalgic yet fresh taste.
- Flexible and Adaptable: You can swap pudding flavors or add your favorite mix-ins to personalize these treats easily.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe comes from combining traditional ingredients with that special banana cream pie pudding mix. I always suggest picking a good-quality instant pudding mix for the best creamy flavor, and fresh marshmallows make all the difference when melting everything smoothly.
- Rice Krispie Cereal: The base for classic crunch—make sure to use the original kind for that perfect texture.
- Mini Marshmallows: Easier to melt evenly and mix, plus they help bind everything together.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness without extra saltiness; you want to taste the sweetness of the bananas!
- Banana Cream Pie Pudding Mix: This is the star ingredient that turns plain treats into banana magic.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a lovely aroma.
Variations
I love how this recipe invites creativity! Over the years, I’ve experimented with a few tweaks that let you tailor the banana pudding rice krispie treats to your own taste or dietary needs—so don’t be afraid to make it yours.
- Flavor Switch-Up: I once swapped the banana pudding mix for chocolate pudding and it was wildly popular at a party—totally delicious and indulgent.
- Nutty Addition: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gave my treats a satisfying crunch that complemented the softness perfectly.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and vegan marshmallows to make this recipe allergy-friendly without losing any tastiness.
- Mini Banana Slices: For extra banana goodness, folding in thinly sliced fresh bananas just before setting really surprised and delighted the family.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil—this makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift the treats out later. Don’t forget to spray the foil with cooking spray, so your banana pudding rice krispie treats release effortlessly once they’ve set. Measure out your Rice Krispie cereal ahead of time to keep the process smooth.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter together with the mini marshmallows. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and keep a close eye on the mixture—it should be smooth and glossy without any burnt bits. This part takes patience, but getting the base right really impacts the final texture.
Step 3: Add Flavor
Once everything is melted, stir in the vanilla extract and the entire box of banana cream pie pudding mix. You’ll notice the mixture thickening slightly—that’s your cue to move quickly to the next step before it cools too much.
Step 4: Mix in the Cereal
Dump in your measured Rice Krispie cereal. Using a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon, fold the cereal gently so each piece is evenly coated with the marshmallow and pudding mixture. This ensures every bite bursts with that rich banana flavor and crunchy texture.
Step 5: Press and Cool
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. I spray my hands lightly with cooking spray to press the treats firmly and evenly into the pan without sticking. This compacts them nicely so they hold together when sliced. Let them cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares—this helps keep them from crumbling.
Pro Tips for Making Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Low and Slow Melting: Taking your time melting butter and marshmallows prevents lumps and scorching, giving you a silky base to work with.
- Spray Your Utensils: Lightly spraying your spatula and hands keeps the sticky mixture from clinging—and trust me, it makes shaping so much easier.
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Lining your pan means you’ll get perfect squares without the stress of scraping or breaking treats apart.
- Cut After Cooling: I learned the hard way that cutting too soon results in crumbled edges—letting treats fully cool makes clean slicing simple.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, I like to top these treats with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a light dusting of powdered sugar—both add a subtle texture contrast. Sometimes, a few thin banana slices laid on top before the marshmallow sets create a fun surprise inside. These garnishes make the treats look just a bit fancier when sharing.
Side Dishes
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats shine on their own, but if you want to serve them as part of a dessert spread, I love pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess and fresh fruit balance the sweet, chewy texture perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or special occasions, I’ve stacked these treats into little towers or cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Wrapping individual squares in colorful parchment paper also makes them a charming grab-and-go party favor. Plus, layering them with whipped cream and banana slices creates an easy no-bake banana pudding trifle that’s show-stopping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover banana pudding rice krispie treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for about 4 days. My tip? Keep the container sealed tightly to prevent them from drying out because nobody likes crumbly treats!
Freezing
I generally don’t freeze Rice Krispie treats because the texture can get a bit off once thawed, turning a little rubbery. That said, if you absolutely need to freeze them, wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag—just allow them to thaw fully at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if they’ve gotten a bit firm, a quick 5-10 second zap in the microwave softens them right up. Just be careful not to melt them—short bursts are key!
FAQs
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Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix in this recipe?
Absolutely! While banana pudding mix gives this recipe its signature flavor, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or even butterscotch pudding mixes for different tastes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will shift accordingly but the texture remains wonderfully chewy and fun.
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Is there a way to make these treats gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the Rice Krispie cereal for a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal brand, and double-check that your pudding mix and marshmallows are gluten-free as well. This simple swap makes the treats safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor.
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Can I make these in the microwave instead of on the stove?
Definitely! Just melt the butter and marshmallows in a very large microwave-safe bowl in 45-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Then stir in the pudding mix, vanilla, and cereal as usual—just be careful to avoid overheating the marshmallows.
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How do I prevent my Rice Krispie treats from sticking when pressing them into the pan?
Spraying your hands and spatula lightly with cooking spray is a game-changing trick I discovered years ago. It keeps the sticky marshmallow mixture from clinging to your fingers, making the pressing step way easier and less messy.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe holds a sweet spot in my recipe collection—it’s one of those nostalgic desserts with a delightful twist that never fails to make people smile. I recommend giving it a try next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat that’s a little unexpected. Making it feels like sharing a warm kitchen moment with friends, and I’m pretty sure you’ll love it just as much as I do.
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic cereal snack, featuring creamy banana cream pie pudding mixed into melted marshmallows and butter, then combined with crispy Rice Krispie cereal. These no-bake treats are easy to make, perfect for parties or a sweet snack, and bring a nostalgic taste with a fruity banana flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 9 cups (237g) Rice Krispie Cereal
- 15 ounces (427g) mini marshmallows
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 3.4 ounce box banana cream pie pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan. Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil and spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt marshmallows and butter. Place the mini marshmallows and unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir often until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Add flavorings. Stir in the vanilla extract and the dry banana cream pie pudding mix until well combined.
- Combine with cereal. Add the Rice Krispie cereal to the melted marshmallow mixture and stir until all the cereal is evenly coated.
- Press into pan. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Spray your hands with cooking spray and carefully press the treats down to compact the mixture evenly.
- Cool and cut. Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- You can use any flavor instant pudding mix to change up the flavors of the treats, such as chocolate or vanilla.
- To make these in the microwave, melt the marshmallows and butter in a very large microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 45 seconds until melted and smooth.
- Store the treats in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing Rice Krispie treats is not recommended as it can alter the texture and make them soggy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
