Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could merge two of your favorite nostalgic desserts into one, you’re about to fall in love with Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. These gooey, golden bars capture the best of both worlds: the homey, creamy banana pudding flavor with buttery marshmallow Rice Krispies and a generous layer of crunchy vanilla wafers. Each bite packs both crunch and creamy sweetness, making this treat utterly irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re bringing them to a picnic, potluck, or just hoarding them for yourself (no judgment here!), this dessert always steals the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats so fantastic is how simple, yet purposeful, each ingredient is. Every component is chosen for its role in creating layers of flavor and the perfect chewy-crispy texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Rice Krispies Cereal: These provide the airy crispness and satisfying crackle that holds the whole treat together.
• Vanilla wafer cookies: Crushed and scattered throughout, they bring the signature banana pudding crunch and a delicate vanilla essence.
• Butter: This adds richness and ensures the marshmallow mixture stays delightfully soft, not sticky or dry.
• Marshmallows: The secret to that classic gooey base, marshmallows melt into the other ingredients and coat everything with a sweet, pillowy texture.
• Instant banana pudding mix: The star player!), this provides that unmistakable, creamy, banana pudding flavor in every single bite.
• Powdered sugar: Used for the vanilla glaze, it brings a gentle sugar rush and shiny finish to the top.
• Heavy whipping cream or milk: Blends with the sugar for a glaze that drizzles just right—not too thick, not too thin.
• Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla in the glaze delivers big bakery-style flavor and aroma.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Bowl

Begin by greasing a large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This keeps everything from sticking later on, making clean-up (and treat removal) a total breeze.

Step 2: Combine Cereal and Cookies

Pour your Rice Krispies into the greased bowl. Break 14 vanilla wafers into coarse pieces and toss them into the cereal. Save the remaining 10 cookies to press on top later—these bring pops of crunch and a pretty look!

Step 3: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

Cut your butter into small cubes and add them to a medium-large saucepan set over low heat. Let the butter start to melt gently, then add the marshmallows. Sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix over everything and stir to bring those flavors together. Slow and steady here is the key to gooey, not tough, treats.

Step 4: Finish Melting and Mix

Once about 75 percent of the marshmallows have melted, remove the pan from the heat. Continue stirring—residual heat will melt the rest without overcooking. This trick keeps your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats soft and delicious instead of becoming overly firm.

Step 5: Combine It All Together

Pour the warm banana marshmallow mixture over your cereal and vanilla wafer bowl. Quickly but gently, stir everything together so every bit of cereal gets evenly coated in that luscious mixture without crushing the crispy texture.

Step 6: Press and Top

Spread your mixture into the greased pan. Press it down softly and evenly—don’t pack too hard, or you’ll lose that iconic fluffy chew. Right away, sprinkle the remainder of your broken vanilla wafers over the top, pressing them in gently so they adhere.

Step 7: Rest and Glaze

Give your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats about 30 minutes to cool and set. Meanwhile, stir together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tablespoon of cream or milk for a smooth, drizzly glaze. Adjust thickness as needed by adding a bit more cream or milk, half a teaspoon at a time.

Step 8: Cut and Finish

Once the treats have firmed up, slice them into neat squares or rectangles. Drizzle the vanilla glaze back and forth over the top. Let the glaze set for another 30 minutes so it won’t smear. Now try to resist eating them all at once—they’re ready!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

To make these treats look as irresistible as they taste, sprinkle a few extra vanilla wafer crumbs over the finished glaze, or add thin banana slices right before serving. For a beautiful glossy look, a final dusting of powdered sugar never hurts!

Side Dishes

The classic, milky sweetness of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats pairs perfectly with fresh fruit—think strawberries or sliced kiwi for color contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a tall glass of cold milk transforms this into a nostalgic dessert moment everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them tall on a pretty plate, or cut them into mini squares for party bites. Want to go all out? Wrap individual pieces in parchment and tie with a ribbon for thoughtful edible gifts. You can even stir in mini chocolate chips or swirl peanut butter across the top for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Separate layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and keep them tasting just-made fresh.

Freezing

If you need to make them ahead, freeze the treats without the glaze in a single layer until firm, then wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Reheating

No need to reheat these treats, but if you’d like to make day-old pieces taste extra fresh, pop them into the microwave for 5-8 seconds. This softens up the marshmallow base and brings that just-made magic back to life.

FAQs

Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant mix?

For this specific recipe, instant banana pudding mix is best because it provides the concentrated banana flavor and thickening you need without extra moisture. Homemade pudding tends to be too wet and can make the treats soggy.

How do I keep my treats from getting too hard?

Always melt your marshmallows over low heat and don’t overcook them! Once most have melted, remove from heat and stir gently—the less heat, the softer your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats will be. Also, don’t press the mixture too firmly into the pan.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free crispy rice cereal and gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies. Double-check ingredient lists, especially on the pudding mix, to ensure there’s no hidden gluten.

What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, graham crackers or shortbread cookies work wonderfully and still give you a yummy crunch and mild flavor that complements the banana pudding vibe.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan for a larger batch. The only adjustment you’ll need is maybe a minute more for cooling and a little extra patience resisting the urge to sneak a bite.

Final Thoughts

There’s something pure and joyful about making and sharing Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. They’re easy to whip up, fun to customize, and impossible to resist. If you’re ready to bring a burst of banana pudding joy to your next celebration or just brighten up a Tuesday, these treats are calling your name. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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