Irresistible Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

You know those desserts that instantly take you back to childhood? For me, it’s always been banana pudding—the creamy, dreamy kind my grandma used to make. But one day, I had a crazy thought: What if I mashed up that classic Southern dessert with my other favorite treat, Rice Krispie squares? That’s how my Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats were born, and wow, did they become an instant hit!

These treats are everything you love about both worlds—the nostalgic banana flavor, the crunch of vanilla wafers, and that gooey, marshmallow-y goodness. They’re ridiculously easy to make (seriously, no oven required!) and disappear even faster than a bowl of pudding at a family picnic. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These treats are my absolute go-to when I need something quick, delicious, and guaranteed to make people smile. Here’s why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen (and probably will in yours too!):

• No-bake magic: No oven? No problem! Just a stovetop and some stirring – perfect for hot summer days or last-minute cravings.
• Nostalgia in every bite: That banana pudding flavor? It’ll transport you right back to Grandma’s kitchen table in the best way possible.
• Kid-approved (and adult-loved): My pickiest little eaters devour these, while grown-ups go wild for the sophisticated twist on a childhood classic.
• Foolproof fun: Even if you’ve burned toast before, you can’t mess this up. Pinky promise!

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Okay, let's gather the good stuff! Here's what you'll need to make these magical treats happen (and yes, every single ingredient matters - I learned that the hard way when I tried skipping the vanilla wafers once...big mistake!):

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix - This is the flavor superstar, so don't skimp!
• ¼ cup milk - Whole milk works best for creaminess, but any kind will do in a pinch
• 5 cups mini marshmallows - The tiny ones melt smoother than regular marshmallows
• ¼ cup unsalted butter - Cut into chunks so it melts evenly
• 5 cups crispy rice cereal - Freshness matters here for maximum crunch
• ½ cup crushed vanilla wafers - I like to leave some bigger chunks for texture
• ¼ cup white chocolate chips (optional) - For that fancy drizzle on top

Equipment You’ll Need

Don't worry - you won't need any fancy gadgets for these treats! Just grab these basic kitchen tools (you probably already have them):

• Large pot - Big enough to hold all that marshmallow goodness without overflowing
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula - For stirring without sticking (trust me, marshmallows are clingy!)
• 9x9 inch baking dish - Greased well so your treats pop right out

That's it! See? I told you this was easy-peasy.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Alright, let's get to the fun part! Making these treats is so simple, but I've learned a few tricks over the years to make them absolutely perfect every time. Follow these steps, and you'll have dessert ready before you know it!

Step 1: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

First things first - grab that big pot and set it over low heat. I'm talking low-low, like the smallest flame you've got. Toss in your butter chunks and let them melt slowly. Once they're all liquid gold, add those mini marshmallows. Now comes the magic part - stir constantly with your wooden spoon (don't walk away!) until everything turns into a smooth, gooey river of deliciousness. This takes about 3-5 minutes, and patience is key - burnt marshmallows are no one's friend!

Step 2: Mix in Banana Pudding and Cereal

Okay, here's where the banana magic happens! Remove the pot from heat immediately - we don't want to cook the pudding mix. Quickly whisk in the banana pudding powder and milk until it's completely smooth (no lumps!). Then, dump in your crispy rice cereal and crushed vanilla wafers all at once. Fold everything together gently but thoroughly - you want every single piece coated in that marshmallow-banana goodness. The smell at this point? Heavenly!

Step 3: Press and Cool

Time to shape our treats! Grab your greased baking dish (I use butter or cooking spray) and transfer the mixture in. Here's my pro tip: lightly wet your hands or press with a greased spatula to avoid sticking. Press firmly but don't pack it like concrete - we want some airy texture! Let them cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour (the hardest wait ever, I know). If you're adding that optional white chocolate drizzle, melt the chips now and drizzle away once the treats are cooled. Then comes the best part - slicing and tasting your masterpiece!

Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

After making these treats approximately a zillion times (okay, maybe just a dozen), I've picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfect results every single time:

• Fresh marshmallows are key - Stale ones won't melt properly and leave weird lumps (learned this the hard way!)
• For extra banana punch, add ¼ teaspoon banana extract or mash in a super ripe banana with the milk
• Mix gently - Overworking the cereal makes it lose its wonderful crunch
• Grease everything - Your spoon, your hands, the dish - marshmallow is sticky business!

Follow these simple tips, and you'll have treat perfection in no time!

Variations for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I've tried (and loved):

• Caramel drizzle: Swap the white chocolate for warm caramel sauce - it pairs amazingly with the banana flavor
• Nutty crunch: Stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture
• Chocolate chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate combo that can't be beat
• Peanut butter: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter with the marshmallows for a PB-banana twist

The possibilities are endless - have fun experimenting!

Serving and Storing Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

These treats are best served at room temperature so that marshmallow stays nice and gooey! I like cutting them into small squares - they're rich, so a little goes a long way. For storage, pop them in an airtight container with wax paper between layers. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature (if they last that long!). Pro tip: Don't refrigerate them - it makes the cereal lose its wonderful crunch!

Nutritional Information

Now, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the scoop on what you're biting into! (Remember, these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients.) Each delicious square comes in around 180 calories with 12g of sugar - not bad for such a heavenly treat! The vanilla wafers add a little crunch while the marshmallows bring that irresistible sweetness. Everything in moderation, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

I get tons of questions about these treats (probably because everyone wants to make them just right!). Here are answers to the ones that pop up most often in my kitchen:

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?

Absolutely! Just chop them up a bit before melting - the smaller pieces melt more evenly. You'll need about 40 regular marshmallows to equal 5 cups of minis. The texture might be slightly different, but still totally delicious!

How long do Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh?

At room temperature in an airtight container, they're perfect for about 3 days. After that, the cereal starts losing its crunch (but let's be real - they rarely last that long in my house!).

Can I make these without the banana pudding mix?

You can, but you'll lose that signature flavor! If you're in a pinch, mash in one very ripe banana with the milk, and add an extra tablespoon of sugar. It won't be exactly the same, but still tasty!

Why do my treats turn out too hard?

Usually this means the marshmallows got too hot or cooked too long. Next time, keep the heat super low and remove the pot immediately once everything's melted. Also, don't over-press them into the pan!

Share Your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

I'd love to hear how your treats turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Snap a photo and tag me - nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. These treats are meant to be shared (both the recipe and the delicious results!), so don't be shy!

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