If you are craving a chewy, nostalgic treat with a tropical twist, this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It takes the beloved classic Rice Krispies treat and elevates it with the creamy sweetness of instant banana pudding and the delightful crunch of crushed vanilla wafers. With a hint of white chocolate and fresh bananas to finish, every bite bursts with warmth and whimsy, making it a perfect snack or dessert to share with friends and family. Once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed ordinary Rice Krispies treats without this fruity upgrade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple yet key ingredients that come together to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each element plays its role: from the crispy cereal base and buttery sweetness to the smooth banana pudding essence that brings the treats to life.
- 5 cups Rice Krispies cereal: The crispy foundation that adds light crunch and familiar texture.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix: Provides that luscious banana flavor and creamy texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
- 1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows: The classic gooey binder that holds everything together perfectly.
- ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers: Adds a subtle crunchy sweetness and enhances the banana pudding vibe.
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional): Offers an extra touch of decadence and sweetness for a truly indulgent treat.
- Sliced bananas (for serving, optional): Fresh banana slices add brightness and freshness to each bite.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients
Start by mixing 5 cups of Rice Krispies cereal with the crushed vanilla wafers in a large bowl. The wafers add a delightful crumbly texture and bonus vanilla flavor that complement the banana pudding perfectly.
Step 2: Melt butter and marshmallows
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the 10 ounces of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until everything turns into a smooth, glossy marshmallow mixture. This step is crucial because it creates that chewy, sticky base that holds the treats together.
Step 3: Incorporate the banana pudding mix
Sprinkle the package of instant banana pudding mix into the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well so the pudding powder dissolves and blends evenly. This step infuses the treats with that unmistakable banana flavor and a silky texture that sets these treats apart.
Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Quickly pour the gooey pudding-marshmallow mixture over your cereal and vanilla wafer blend. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon to coat every bit of cereal evenly before the mixture starts to set. This ensures that every bite is bursting with the right balance of flavors and textures.
Step 5: Add white chocolate chips (optional)
If you want to take your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe up a notch, gently fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips. The soft sweetness of white chocolate melts slightly with the warmth, creating little pockets of creamy delight.
Step 6: Press into the pan
Transfer the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use wax paper or lightly greased hands to evenly press it down, making sure the surface is smooth and compact. This helps the treats hold together once cooled, making them easy to cut into neat squares.
Step 7: Cool and cut
Allow the mixture to cool and firm up at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once set, cut the treats into squares. If you like, top them with fresh sliced bananas for an extra pop of natural sweetness and a lovely presentation.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced bananas or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate make these treats look extra special and provide layers of fresh and creamy flavor. If you’re feeling playful, sprinkle a few crushed vanilla wafers on top for additional texture.
Side Dishes
These treats are sweet and filling on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot tea complements their flavors beautifully. A fresh fruit salad with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple also balances the richness with bright acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider serving your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe in mini cupcake liners or cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Layering them with fresh banana slices and a dollop of whipped cream in clear cups also creates a charming banana pudding parfait twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewy texture and freshness. They typically stay perfect for up to 3 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy these treats over a longer period, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats hold well for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
Since these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving. Instead, allow frozen treats to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore their signature chewy texture and banana flavor.
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the instant mix?
This recipe relies on the instant banana pudding mix for its smooth texture and banana flavor concentration. Using homemade banana pudding might make the mixture too wet and could affect how well the treats set.
What if I don’t have vanilla wafers on hand?
The vanilla wafers add a subtle crunch and vanilla aroma but can be omitted or substituted with crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
To make it vegan, use a dairy-free butter substitute, vegan marshmallows, and ensure your pudding mix is vegan-friendly. For gluten-free, swap Rice Krispies for a certified gluten-free crispy cereal and use gluten-free vanilla wafers or omit them.
Is it necessary to add white chocolate chips?
White chocolate chips are optional but highly recommended if you want extra sweetness and creamy pockets in your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe. Feel free to skip them if you prefer a less sweet version.
How do I prevent the treats from becoming too sticky?
Make sure to let the treats cool and set fully before cutting. Using lightly greased hands or wax paper when pressing the mixture into the pan also helps keep the mixture from sticking.
Final Thoughts
If you adore classic treats with a new twist, the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe is a must-try that brings comfort and excitement to your snack time. It’s simple, fun, and bursting with flavor that everyone will love. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and enjoy this delightful dessert together—you won’t be disappointed!
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Treats Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe is a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining crispy Rice Krispies cereal with sweet banana pudding, mini marshmallows, and crushed vanilla wafers. Enhanced with optional white chocolate chips and fresh banana slices, this no-bake dessert is easy to make and perfect for gatherings or a fun family snack.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Prepare the cereal and wafers: In a large bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Set this mixture aside to be coated later.
- Melt the butter and marshmallows: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they fully melt into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Add banana pudding mix: Stir the instant banana pudding mix into the melted marshmallow and butter mixture, blending thoroughly to ensure an even banana flavor throughout.
- Combine with cereal mix: Quickly pour the melted marshmallow and pudding mixture over the Rice Krispies and vanilla wafer blend. Stir well to coat all the cereal evenly before the mixture begins to set.
- Add white chocolate chips (optional): If desired, gently fold in the white chocolate chips to add an extra layer of sweetness and texture to the treat.
- Press into pan: Evenly press the mixture into a prepared 9×13-inch pan using wax paper or lightly greased hands to prevent sticking, forming a compact and uniform layer.
- Cool and set: Allow the pressed mixture to cool and solidify for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to achieve proper texture and firmness.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut the dessert into squares. Optionally, serve with sliced bananas on top to enhance the banana pudding flavor and add freshness.
Notes
- Use wax paper or lightly greased hands when pressing the mixture into the pan to prevent sticking.
- If white chocolate chips are not available, you can omit them without affecting the overall taste much.
- For best texture, consume within 1-2 days as the cereal may become less crispy over time.
- Sliced bananas are optional and should be added just before serving to avoid browning.
