Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a delightful twist on the classic dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the crunchy texture of Rice Krispies. Growing up, I remember my family gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter over bowls of creamy banana pudding. This recipe pays homage to that cherished memory while adding a fun, crispy element that everyone loves. The combination of sweet bananas, velvety pudding, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies creates a treat that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make.
People adore Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats for their unique taste and texture. The creamy, rich flavor of banana pudding melds perfectly with the crispy cereal, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they are a convenient dessert option for gatherings, potlucks, or simply a sweet snack at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these treats that will surely impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe that brings together the best of both worlds!
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sliced bananas (fresh or dried, depending on preference)
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
- Extra banana slices for garnish (optional)
Preparing the Base
- In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved completely. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once the mixture is smooth and well combined, remove it from the heat. Stir in the instant banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken slightly as you stir.
Combining with Rice Krispies
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the warm pudding mixture over the cereal.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until all the cereal is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal too much; you want to keep that nice crunch!
- Add the mini marshmallows and sliced bananas to the mixture. Gently fold them in until they are evenly distributed throughout the Rice Krispies mixture.
Setting the Treats
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will help prevent the treats from sticking.
- Transfer the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or your hands (dampened to prevent sticking), press the mixture down firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure to pack it tightly for the best results.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or until it is set. If you’re in a hurry, you can place it in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Assembling the Banana Pudding Layer
- Once the Rice Krispies treats have cooled and set, it’s time to add the banana pudding layer. In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping and any remaining banana pudding mix (if desired) to create a creamy layer.
- Spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the top of the Rice Krispies treats. Use a spatula to smooth it out, making sure to cover the entire surface.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle the crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped topping layer. This will give a nice crunch and enhance the banana flavor.
- If you like, you can also add extra banana slices on top for decoration. This not only looks great but adds a fresh banana flavor as well.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
- Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Use a sharp knife to cut the treats into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
- Serve the Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats on a platter or individual dessert plates. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home!
- Enjoy your delicious creation! These treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends, combining the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the classic crunch of Rice Krispies.
Storage Tips
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup sliced bananas (fresh or dried)
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
- Extra banana slices for garnish (optional)
- In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter. Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture continuously until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved completely (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to let it boil.
- Once smooth, remove from heat and stir in the instant banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated. The mixture will thicken slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Rice Krispies cereal. Pour the warm pudding mixture over the cereal.
- Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture until all the cereal is coated, being careful not to crush it.
- Add the mini marshmallows and sliced bananas, folding them in until evenly distributed.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Transfer the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared dish. Press it down firmly and evenly using a spatula or dampened hands.
- Allow to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or refrigerate to speed up the process.
- In a medium bowl, combine the whipped topping and any remaining banana pudding mix (if desired).
- Spread the whipped topping mixture evenly over the Rice Krispies treats, smoothing it out.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped topping layer for added texture.
- Optionally, add extra banana slices on top for decoration.
- Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
- Once chilled, cut the treats into squares or rectangles.
- Serve on a platter or individual dessert plates. Enjoy your delicious creation!
- For a more intense banana flavor, consider using fresh bananas.
- These treats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
In summary, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dessert game. The delightful combination of creamy banana pudding and the classic crunch of Rice Krispies creates a treat that is not only nostalgic but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a birthday party, or simply indulging yourself at home, these treats are sure to impress.
For serving suggestions, consider pairing these treats with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top for an extra touch of flavor and texture. You can also experiment with variations by adding in some mini chocolate chips or even a swirl of peanut butter for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful treat together!
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! This easy recipe combines crunchy Rice Krispies with creamy banana pudding, mini marshmallows, and fresh bananas, all topped with whipped topping and crushed vanilla wafers. Perfect for parties or a sweet snack at home!
