What I love most about this recipe is that it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. You get the satisfying crunch from the Rice Krispies, the gooey sweetness from the marshmallows, and that unmistakable banana pudding flavor that just takes you back to childhood. Sometimes, I even add a little bit of crushed vanilla wafers to the mix for an extra touch of authenticity, making these no bake banana pudding treats even better.
Trust me, once you try this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s the perfect treat for bake sales, potlucks, or just a fun afternoon snack. So, let’s get started! I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks with you.
INGREDIENTS:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these yummy banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe. Remember, good ingredients make all the difference!
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: I always use unsalted so I can control the saltiness. Plus, it melts beautifully!
- 10 ounces marshmallows: The regular-sized ones work best. Don’t use the mini ones; they melt too fast and can make the treats too sticky.
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box of banana cream instant pudding mix: This is the magic ingredient that gives these treats their amazing banana flavor.
- 1/4 cup milk: This helps the pudding mix dissolve properly.
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal: Name brand or store brand works just fine!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla goes a long way in enhancing the other flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers: For that authentic banana pudding taste!
When making this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe, I always spring for real butter. It just gives a richer flavor than margarine. And pro-tip: you can usually find the banana cream pudding mix in the baking aisle near the other pudding mixes.
Here’s a banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe trick I learned from my mom: melt the butter on low heat to prevent it from browning too quickly. This helps to keep the marshmallows soft and gooey. If you want to make rice krispie treats with banana flavor without the pudding, you could always use banana extract, but I find the pudding adds great flavor and sweetness.
For a busy family like mine, I prep everything ahead of time. I measure out the cereal, pudding mix, and milk, so when it’s time to make the treats, it all comes together quickly. This easy banana pudding dessert is also great because the ingredients usually last quite a while in the pantry, so I always have the ingredients on hand.
To save some money, consider buying store-brand cereal and pudding mix. Honestly, you won’t be able to tell the difference in the final product.
Leftover Rice Krispies should be stored in an airtight container to keep them from going stale. I’ve been there – it is sad to open the cereal box and the cereal is already stale!
HOW TO MAKE – STEP-BY-STEP:
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to make this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe step-by-step. Don’t worry; it’s super easy, and I’ll be right here with you.
- Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Be patient! You don’t want it to burn. Stir it occasionally to make sure it melts evenly.
- Add Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Keep the heat low to prevent burning. Don’t worry if your banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe marshmallow mixture looks a little lumpy at first; just keep stirring, and it will eventually smooth out.
- Mix Pudding and Milk: In a small bowl, whisk together the banana cream instant pudding mix and milk until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps!
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the pudding mixture into the melted marshmallow mixture and stir until well combined. This will give your banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe that amazing banana flavor!
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. This is a little trick I picked up on my own – adding vanilla extract to the marshmallow banana treats brings all the flavors together!
- Pour in Cereal: Remove the saucepan from the heat and pour in the Rice Krispies cereal. Gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal! This ensures that your banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe has the perfect crunchy texture.
- Press into Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour the cereal mixture into the prepared pan and gently press it down with a spatula or your hands. I like to use a piece of wax paper to press down the mixture; it prevents the treats from sticking to my hands! Don’t pack it too tightly, or the treats will be hard.
- Cool and Cut: Let the banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe cool completely before cutting into squares. This usually takes about 30 minutes.
I learned the hard way with this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe that patience is key. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, they’ll be a sticky mess!
In my kitchen, this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe usually takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, not including cooling time. While the banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe is cooling, I usually clean up the kitchen (or sneak a little taste of the leftover marshmallow mixture!).
Your banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe should smell like sweet bananas and toasted marshmallows. It’s an irresistible combination!
My family-tested shortcut is to use a pre-greased pan. It saves time and prevents the treats from sticking. Also, using a silicone spatula to stir the marshmallow mixture makes cleanup a breeze.
SERVING:
Okay, so you’ve made these amazing banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe—now what? Well, here’s how my family enjoys them.
The kids love our banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe when I pack them in their lunchboxes for a special treat. I also cut them into fun shapes using cookie cutters for birthday parties.
My go-to side dish with these treats is a glass of cold milk. The creamy milk complements the sweetness of the banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe perfectly.
This banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even a simple afternoon snack. They’re always a hit, no matter the occasion!
For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little bit of crushed vanilla wafers on top of the banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe before serving. It adds a nice touch of elegance and flavor.
If you have extra banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They might get a little softer over time, but they’ll still taste delicious.
For a seasonal twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the mixture during the fall months. It adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the season.
My friends always ask for this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe whenever I bring them to gatherings. They can’t believe how easy and delicious they are!
For a little extra flair, you could drizzle melted white chocolate over the top of the cooled banana pudding rice krispie bars. This adds a touch of richness and makes them even more decadent.
FAQs:
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe. I’ve been there, made the mistakes, and learned from them, so I’m happy to share my wisdom!
Q: My treats are too hard. What did I do wrong?
A: Overcooked marshmallows are usually the culprit. You want to melt them over low heat and stir constantly to prevent them from burning. Also, avoid packing the mixture too tightly into the pan. You know what I do when my banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe starts to get too hard? I microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up a bit.
Q: Can I use a different type of cereal?
A: While Rice Krispies are the classic choice, you can experiment with other cereals like Cheerios or Corn Flakes. However, the texture and flavor will be different.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These treats are perfect for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
Q: Can I freeze these treats?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture might change slightly. They might become a bit more crumbly. If you do freeze them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Q: My marshmallows are sticking to the pan. How can I prevent this?
A: Make sure to grease your pan really well with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Q: Can I use fresh bananas in this recipe?
A: While you can add sliced bananas to the mixture, they tend to make the treats soggy. I recommend sticking with the banana cream pudding mix for the best results.
Q: What if I don’t have banana cream pudding mix?
A: You can try using vanilla pudding mix and adding a teaspoon of banana extract for flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s a good substitute.
My Final Thoughts:
This banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of simpler times. It’s a recipe that my grandma used to make for us when we were kids, and it always brings back happy memories.
Here are my banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe Pro Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Marshmallows: This is the key to soft and gooey treats.
- Use a Light Hand: When pressing the mixture into the pan, don’t pack it too tightly.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue! Let the treats cool completely before cutting them for clean, even squares.
Here are a few banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe variations we’ve tried:
- Chocolate Banana: Add chocolate chips to the mixture for a delicious chocolate banana twist.
- Peanut Butter Banana: Mix in some peanut butter for a rich and nutty flavor.
- Nutty Banana: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor. My son loves the nutty banana version!
I hope you enjoy making this banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe as much as my family does. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own! I am certain your family will enjoy these marshmallow banana treats.
I am confident that once you taste these easy banana pudding dessert, you will keep coming back for more! This rice krispie treats with banana flavor will soon become a family favorite in your home.
Easy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe
Discover the secrets to making the best Banana Rice Krispie Treats ever!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat.
- Stir in mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until well coated.
- Press mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch pan coated with cooking spray.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Enjoy your amazing Banana Rice Krispie Treats!
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle with cinnamon or add chocolate chips.