Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Table of Contents

Ah, the joy of discovering a brand new treat that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly day! I first stumbled upon Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats during a lazy Sunday afternoon in my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of melting butter filled the air, wrapping around me like a comforting quilt, while the cheerful pops and crackles of Rice Krispies added a playful soundtrack. As I stirred the marshmallow mixture, an overwhelming wave of nostalgia washed over me—each whisk of the spoon felt like a trip down memory lane, filled with family gatherings and carefree laughter.

The first bite of these sweet, chewy squares was pure bliss. The creamy banana flavor danced on my taste buds, mingling perfectly with the familiar crunch of Rice Krispies. It’s a delightful combination that’s creamy, sweet, and just a little bit chewy, offering a wonderful textural contrast that keeps you going back for more. With every square, I knew I’d uncovered something special—a modern twist on a classic dessert that’s bound to warm hearts and bellies. Trust me when I say, once you experience these treats, you’ll understand why they’ve secured a cherished spot in my recipe box!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delightful treats in about 20 minutes.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or cozy family nights; everyone will ask for seconds!
• Flavorful Twist: A playful mashup of banana pudding and classic Rice Krispie treats that’s sure to brighten your day.
• Customizable: Easily adapt these treats to suit various palates with fun flavor variations!
• No-Bake Delight: Perfect for warm weather when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.

Ingredients

• 3 cups Rice Krispies – These are the perfect base for your treats; the satisfying crunch is an essential component!
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix – This gives your treats that unmistakable banana flavor; try to use the instant variety for best results.
• 2 cups milk – Combine this with the pudding mix to create a creamy, dreamy base; whole milk will make it extra rich!
• 1/2 cup butter – This is where the magic begins; it lends a rich flavor and helps bind everything together nicely.
• 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows – These are the heart of the recipe; you want to use fresh, soft marshmallows for optimum gooeyness!
• 1 ripe banana (sliced) – Fresh banana slices add a lovely texture and brighten each bite with sweetness.
• Optional: whipped cream for topping – Because who doesn’t love a fluffy dollop of whipped cream on top? It adds a lovely finish.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Whisk the Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened. You’ll notice an inviting banana aroma filling the air that’s reminiscent of childhood desserts.

2. Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. The buttery scent will start to fill your kitchen, promising deliciousness! Add the marshmallows and stir, watching as they transform into a smooth, gooey mixture.

3. Combine the Ingredients

Remove from heat and immediately add the Rice Krispies. Stir until well coated. That delightful crunch and the shiny marshmallow coating will make your heart skip a beat!

4. Fold in the Banana

Gently fold in the sliced banana into the mixture. Take your time here—the banana pieces should stay intact to add bursts of flavor in each bite.

5. Press into Pan

Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan evenly. You want to make sure everything is snug, so the bars hold together when sliced. Feel free to wet your hands with a bit of water to prevent sticking!

6. Allow to Cool

Let the mixture cool before slicing. The anticipation is always worth it!

7. Serve and Enjoy

Optionally, top with whipped cream and additional banana slices before serving. These little touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also take the flavor to another level!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh marshmallows make a world of difference in texture. Avoid stale ones for the best results.
• Don’t Overmix: When mixing in the Rice Krispies and banana slices, be gentle to keep the texture delightful.
• Proper Cooling: Make sure to let the mixture cool thoroughly for clean cuts—patience is key!
• Freshness Counts: Enjoy these treats within a few days for the best experience—they’re meant to be gooey and delightful!

Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a delicious twist.
• Nuts-A-Plenty: Stir in crushed walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spiced Peaches: For a seasonal twist, swap the banana with fresh peach slices and sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats on a colorful plate for a lovely presentation. Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk or perhaps a cozy cup of chamomile tea for the ultimate comfort food experience. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert!

Make-Ahead & Storage

To prep ahead, simply follow the recipe and store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about 3-5 days, but don’t be surprised if they disappear before then!

Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare occurrence), try crumbling them over yogurt for a delightful breakfast or treat! You could also use them as an inventive topping for cupcakes or as a sweet mix-in for smoothies.

Freezing

While these treats are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply leave them at room temperature for a couple of hours before indulging.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey experience, place your treats in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just enough to soften them up and make them feel like they just came out of the kitchen!

FAQs

Can I make these treats gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free Rice Krispies to enjoy these treats without the gluten.

Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?
Of course! Just make sure your pudding is thick enough to mix with the Rice Krispies.

What if I don’t have marshmallows?
You could try using marshmallow fluff for a similar texture, but the experience might be slightly different.

How do I keep these from getting hard?
Store them in an airtight container to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out!

Final Thoughts

As you take a moment to whip up these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, let the cozy atmosphere of your kitchen soothe your spirit. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying a slice as a personal indulgence, these treats wrap you in comfort and joy. It’s not just the delicious flavor and irresistible texture that makes them special—it’s the memories created while making and sharing them. So, gather your loved ones, turn on your favorite tunes, and let the magic of baking bring warmth to your home. Happy cooking!