Banana Pudding Rice Krispie treats have become my go-to for a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes just like my favorite childhood treat. I remember my mom making a giant pan of these, and the sweet, creamy aroma filling the kitchen always meant comfort. These no-bake banana pudding krispies are a fantastic way to get that beloved banana pudding flavor in a fun, chewy form. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for unexpected guests or when you just need a sweet fix. This recipe truly captures the essence of banana pudding with that signature crispy rice crunch. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispie

You’re going to adore these banana pudding krispie treats for so many reasons! They’re the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and fun texture. Honestly, they’re a lifesaver when you need a quick dessert.

• Incredibly Easy: Seriously, these are a no-bake dream, perfect for beginners.
• Amazing Flavor: You get that delicious banana pudding flavor in every bite.
• Quick to Make: From start to finish, these banana pudding cereal bars come together in minutes.
• Kid-Friendly: Little hands can help with pressing the mixture, and they’ll devour them!
• Perfect Texture: The chewy, crispy base combined with creamy pudding is divine.
• Versatile: Great for parties, snacks, or a simple sweet treat anytime.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good Rice Krispie treat, and this banana cream rice krispie squares version is extra special.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Gathering your ingredients for these delightful banana pudding krispie treats is the first step to creating this no-bake wonder. You’ll find that most items are pantry staples, making this an accessible recipe for anyone. Here’s what you’ll need to bring that beloved banana pudding flavor to your crispy rice bars:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – This is the base that melts the marshmallows and helps bind everything together.
• 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows – These create the gooey, sticky magic that holds the Rice Krispies.
• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The star for that signature crunchy texture in our banana pudding cereal snack.
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix – This is where the magic happens, infusing that fantastic banana cream flavor.
• 2 cups cold milk – Essential for making the pudding layer smooth and creamy.
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping – Adds a light, airy finish and extra creaminess.
• Sliced bananas for garnish (optional) – For an extra pop of fresh banana flavor and visual appeal.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Making these banana pudding marshmallow treats is a breeze, and the process is almost as enjoyable as eating them! You’ll love how quickly these come together, perfect for any craving. We’ll start by getting our base ready, then whip up that dreamy pudding layer, and finally assemble everything into a delicious dessert.

Making the Rice Krispie Base

First, grab a large pot and melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s liquid gold, toss in 1 package (10 oz) of mini marshmallows. Stir them gently until they’re completely melted and smooth, creating a sticky, sweet base. Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure every crispy puff is coated in that marshmallow goodness. It should smell wonderfully sweet!

Creating the Banana Pudding Layer

Now for the star of the show: the banana pudding! In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1 package (3.4 oz) of instant banana pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken up nicely. This should only take a minute or two. You’ll see it transform into a creamy, luscious layer that’s ready to top our cereal base.

Assembling and Chilling the Treats

It’s time to bring it all together! Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the Rice Krispie mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared dish. Use a buttered spatula or another piece of parchment paper to get a nice, flat surface. Then, carefully spread the prepared banana pudding mixture evenly over the Rice Krispie layer. Pop the whole dish into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let that pudding layer set up perfectly.

Finishing Touches

Once the pudding layer is firm, it’s time for the final flourish! Gently spread 1 cup of whipped cream or whipped topping over the chilled pudding. This adds a lovely lightness and extra creaminess to your banana cream rice krispie squares. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add some fresh sliced bananas on top for an extra burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation. Slice them up and get ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Krispie Treats

I’ve made these homemade banana pudding rice krispie bars more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks that guarantee they turn out perfectly every time. Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to the best banana pudding cereal snack!

• Always use fresh marshmallows; stale ones won’t melt as smoothly.
• Press the cereal mixture firmly into the pan to prevent your treats from falling apart.
• Chill the pudding layer thoroughly before adding the whipped topping to ensure it holds its shape.
• For an extra punch of banana flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of banana extract to the marshmallow mixture.

What’s the secret to perfect Banana Pudding Krispie Treats?

The secret lies in the texture and flavor balance. Ensuring your cereal is fully coated in the marshmallow mixture and that your pudding layer is properly set are key. Using cold milk for the pudding also helps it thicken beautifully for these banana pudding cereal bars.

Can I make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Rice Krispie base and the pudding layer up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them separate and chilled. Add the whipped topping and any garnishes just before serving to maintain the best texture for your banana pudding krispie treats.

How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade banana pudding rice krispie bars?

A common pitfall is not pressing the cereal mixture firmly enough, leading to crumbly bars. Another is not chilling the pudding long enough, which can make it run when sliced. Lastly, don’t over-stir the pudding mix, or it can become too gummy. For more information on baking techniques, you can explore resources on culinary science.

Best Ways to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Dessert

These delightful banana pudding krispie treats are so versatile, making them perfect for any occasion. They stand on their own as a fantastic dessert, but I love serving them in a few special ways. For a potluck or party, simply slice them into squares and arrange them on a platter. They disappear fast!

If you’re looking for complementary sides, these banana cream rice krispie squares pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh fruit salad. They also make an amazing topping for a bowl of yogurt or even a slice of angel food cake. This no-bake banana pudding krispies recipe is truly a treat that brings smiles all around.

Variations of Banana Pudding Cereal Bars

While this banana puddingkrispie treats recipe is fantastic as is, I love getting creative in the kitchen! Here are a few fun variations to try that put a unique spin on these beloved banana pudding cereal bars. These are great for catering to different tastes or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free Delight: For a completely dairy-free version of these banana pudding marshmallow treats, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the pudding, and opt for a dairy-free whipped topping. Ensure your pudding mix is also dairy-free.
• Extra Banana Boost: Want an even more intense banana flavor in your banana cream rice krispie squares? Try layering a few thin slices of fresh banana between the Rice Krispie base and the pudding layer. This adds a lovely fresh texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, melt some chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) and drizzle them over the finished banana pudding cereal snack. Let the chocolate set before slicing for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Gluten-Free Goodness: Making these banana pudding inspired krispie cookies gluten-free is super simple! Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, but it’s always good to double-check your pudding mix.

Nutrition Facts for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie

These banana pudding krispie treats are a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (this recipe makes approximately 12 servings):

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 140mg
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

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