Creamy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Imagine the combination of creamy banana pudding and crunchy, gooey Rice Krispie treats coming together in a single bite. The sweet aroma of ripe bananas paired with the buttery scent of melted marshmallows wafting through the kitchen—it’s the kind of magic that makes everyone stop and say, “What’s cooking?” The first time I made these treats was on a lazy Sunday afternoon, and let me tell you, they were gone before I could even clean up the mess. My kids hovered around the counter, sneaking bites when they thought I wasn’t looking, while my husband asked if there would be leftovers for his lunch the next day. Spoiler alert: there weren’t.

These Creamy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats have quickly become a staple in our house. They’re perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or just because you’re craving something nostalgic and delicious. Honestly, I wish I had discovered this recipe years ago—it’s dangerously easy to make and the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug with every bite. After testing it multiple times (purely for research purposes, of course), I can confidently say you’re going to want to bookmark this one. Let’s get to it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These treats come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for when you need a last-minute dessert.
• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need fancy ingredients or tools—everything is likely already in your pantry or easy to find at your local grocery store.
• Nostalgic Flavor: Combining the classic taste of banana pudding with Rice Krispie treats? It’s like childhood in dessert form.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting friends, attending a party, or just want a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these are guaranteed to please.
• Creamy and Crunchy: The smooth banana pudding paired with the crunch of cereal makes every bite a texture-packed delight.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Gluten-free? Vegan? No problem!

What sets this recipe apart is how effortlessly it marries two beloved desserts into one. The creamy banana pudding filling adds a rich, velvety layer, while the marshmallow-studded Rice Krispies bring a playful crunch. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite—comfort food at its very best. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that will have your guests asking, “Where did you find this?”

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a delightful dessert with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Most of these items are pantry staples or easy to grab on your next grocery run.

• Rice Krispies cereal: The base of every great Rice Krispie treat.
• Mini marshmallows: Melted to create that gooey, sticky texture we all love.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
• Banana pudding mix: The key ingredient that brings the banana flavor to life.
• Ripe bananas: Mashed for an extra dose of natural banana flavor.
• Milk: Whisked with the pudding mix to create a creamy filling.
• Vanilla extract: A small splash enhances the overall flavor.
• Whipped topping: Folded into the banana pudding for that light, fluffy consistency.

If you’re looking to make substitutions, you can use almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free option, and gluten-free puffed rice cereal works just as well if needed. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the banana pudding for another flavor like chocolate or vanilla. It’s easy to tweak this recipe to make it your own!

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining your Rice Krispies and melted marshmallows.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and marshmallows evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Helps you mix without the mess—trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Gives your treats the perfect thickness.
• Non-stick cooking spray: Keeps things from sticking when you transfer your mixture.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending the banana pudding mix and milk smoothly.

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch dish, you can use any similar-sized pan; just adjust the thickness of your treats accordingly. And if you don’t have a rubber spatula, a wooden spoon works just fine—just grease it lightly to prevent sticking!

Preparation Method

1. Start by preparing your banana pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the banana pudding mix and 2 cups (480 ml) of cold milk until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping and set aside in the fridge to chill.
2. Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a light coat of butter. Set aside.
3. In a small saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons (85 g) of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add 10 ounces (284 g) of mini marshmallows and stir continuously until everything is smooth and melted. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in 6 cups (150 g) of Rice Krispies cereal until fully coated with the marshmallow mixture. Be sure to mix quickly before the mixture starts to cool.
5. Pour half of the Rice Krispie mixture into your greased baking dish and press it down firmly using your greased spatula or hands.
6. Remove the chilled banana pudding from the fridge and spread it evenly on top of the Rice Krispie layer.
7. Cover the banana pudding layer with the remaining Rice Krispie mixture, pressing it down gently to create an even surface.
8. Let the treats set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for faster setting.
9. Once set, cut into squares or rectangles and serve. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

The secret to perfect Creamy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is all in the timing. Here are some handy tips to ensure success:

• Don’t overheat the marshmallows: Keep your heat on low and stir constantly to avoid burning the marshmallows or making them too stiff.
• Work quickly: Once the marshmallows are melted, mix them with the Rice Krispies immediately. If the mixture is left to cool, it will be harder to spread and press into your pan.
• Grease your tools: Grease your spatula or hands with a bit of butter or cooking spray to make pressing the treats into the pan easier.
• Chill the pudding: Make sure your banana pudding is fully chilled before spreading it over the Rice Krispie layer. This helps it set properly and creates a distinct, creamy layer.
• Use fresh bananas: Overripe bananas can make your pudding mix watery, so choose ones that are ripe but still firm.

Variations & Adaptations

• Chocolate Banana Pudding Treats: Swap out the banana pudding mix for chocolate pudding mix and add mini chocolate chips for a rich and decadent twist.
• Peanut Butter Banana Treats: Stir in 1/2 cup (125 g) of creamy peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the banana pudding.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free puffed rice cereal to make these treats safe for those avoiding gluten.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of crushed vanilla wafers on top of the banana pudding for added crunch. You can even drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the finished treats for an extra layer of indulgence.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These treats are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, but let’s be real—they’re delicious no matter what. Arrange them on a platter and garnish with banana slices or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for an extra touch of flair.

If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them from sticking together, separate the layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 210
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 1g

Bananas are rich in potassium, which is great for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function. The Rice Krispies provide an energizing dose of carbohydrates, making this treat perfect for a quick pick-me-up. If you opt for a low-sugar pudding mix, you can reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor. Keep in mind that this recipe contains dairy and gluten, but there are easy substitutions to make it more accommodating for dietary needs.

Conclusion

If you’ve been searching for the perfect treat that combines nostalgia, flavor, and fun, look no further than Creamy Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. This recipe is easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a party or indulging in a sweet moment for yourself, these treats are sure to become a favorite.

I love this recipe because it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a little piece of joy that you can share with your loved ones. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give it a try. I’d love to hear how you make it your own—leave a comment below and let me know your favorite variations or tips. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make these treats ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the mix?

Yes, homemade banana pudding works wonderfully and adds an extra layer of flavor. Just make sure it’s fully chilled before using.

Can I freeze these treats?

Yes, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.

Can I add mix-ins to the Rice Krispie layer?

Definitely! Mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even sprinkles would add fun texture and flavor.

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