Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

This Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats recipe brings together two classic favorites in a fun and tasty way. The chewy, crispy texture of the marshmallow-coated rice cereal blends beautifully with a creamy and fluffy banana pudding layer. It’s perfect for family gatherings, parties, or just a simple sweet treat that’s easy to pull together and sure to impress.

I first made this recipe at a casual family get-together and it was a huge hit. Now it’s a dessert my kids ask for regularly because it’s both comforting and fun to eat.

Ingredients

• Rice cereal, like Rice Krispies: provides the light crispy base essential for the treats
• Mini marshmallows: add sweetness and bind the cereal together for chewy texture
• Unsalted butter: helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and adds richness
• Instant banana pudding mix: delivers that classic banana flavor without extra fuss, choose a good quality brand for best taste
• Cold milk: necessary to thicken the instant pudding evenly
• Whipped topping, such as Cool Whip: keeps the pudding layer light and fluffy
• Sliced bananas: add freshness and an authentic banana touch on top, use ripe but firm bananas to avoid mushiness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marshmallow Rice Krispies base:

Melt the unsalted butter over low heat in a large pot to prevent burning. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and smooth. This step creates the sticky glue that binds the cereal.

Mix in the cereal:

Remove the pot from heat promptly and pour in the rice cereal. Stir quickly and thoroughly to coat every piece of cereal with the melted marshmallow mixture before it starts setting.

Set the base:

Lightly grease a 9 by 9 inch baking dish. Transfer the marshmallow-coated cereal into the pan and press down gently with a spatula to create an even, compact layer. This must cool completely before adding the pudding layer so it holds firm.

Make the banana pudding:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant banana pudding mix and cold milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Let it sit a few more minutes to fully set into a pudding-like consistency.

Add whipped topping to the pudding:

Fold in the whipped topping gently but thoroughly until fully combined. This adds airiness and lightness to the banana pudding.

Assemble the treat:

Spread the banana pudding mixture evenly over the cooled Rice Krispie base. Smooth the top with a spatula and arrange fresh banana slices on top for extra flavor and texture.

Chill and serve:

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the pudding layer to fully set. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy.

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I love the instant banana pudding mix in this recipe because it makes it so quick and fuss-free, yet perfectly creamy and flavorful. One of my fondest memories is making this dessert with my niece and nephews who loved helping press the cereal mixture into the pan. It became a special tradition.

Storage tips

Store these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the pudding layer from drying out. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for extended periods especially if using fresh banana slices on top. Best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days before the pudding layer starts breaking down and bananas soften too much.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap instant banana pudding with homemade banana pudding if you have the time, but make sure it is thick enough to hold its shape on the crispy base. Fresh whipped cream can replace the whipped topping but whip it to stiff peaks before folding for best texture. For a boost in banana flavor, a few drops of banana extract mixed into the pudding can enhance the taste without overpowering.

Serving suggestions

These treats are great on their own but also pair nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. They can be served at casual parties, potlucks, or as a simple after-school snack. Adding chopped nuts on top can provide a nice crunch contrast if you want to experiment.

Cultural/historical context

Rice Krispie treats go back decades as a simple homemade dessert beloved for its crunchy, chewy texture and ease of preparation. Banana pudding is a classic Southern dessert famous for its creamy richness and layers of vanilla wafers and bananas. Combining these two creates a playful and nostalgic treat that merges crunchy cereal bars with creamy pudding in a modern, crowd-pleasing way.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?

Yes, homemade banana pudding works well as long as it’s thick enough to hold its shape on top of the crispy base.

→ Is fresh whipped cream a good substitute for whipped topping?

Absolutely, fresh whipped cream can replace the whipped topping; just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding in.

→ How should I store these treats?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. The pudding and bananas may soften the texture over time.

→ Can the dessert be made ahead of time?

You can prepare the crispy base ahead, but it’s best to add the pudding layer and banana slices shortly before serving for optimal freshness.

→ Is freezing recommended for these treats?

Freezing is not advised as the pudding and banana topping don’t hold up well after thawing.