Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats:easy and delicious recipe

Are you looking for a quick, no-bake dessert that combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the classic crunch of rice krispie treats? These banana pudding rice krispie treats are the perfect solution! Essentially a solid, easy-to-make version of banana cream pie, these delectable squares are portable, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion.

What Are Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats?

Banana pudding rice krispie treats are a creative twist on traditional rice krispie squares, enhanced with banana pudding mix for an extra layer of flavor. The genius of this recipe lies in the versatile use of instant pudding mix, which not only adds a burst of banana flavor but also helps thicken the marshmallow mixture, creating a perfectly chewy texture.

The familiar base of butter, marshmallows, and Rice Krispie cereal transforms into something extraordinary with the addition of banana cream pie pudding mix, resulting in a treat that tastes surprisingly sophisticated despite its humble ingredients.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats: Ingredients You’ll Need

Below is a complete table of ingredients required to make these delicious banana pudding rice krispie treats:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Rice Krispie Cereal	6 cups	Any brand works well
Mini marshmallows	16 oz (1 bag)	Fresh ones yield best results
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup	Room temperature
Banana cream pie pudding mix	1 box (3.4 oz)	INSTANT pudding mix only
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon	Pure extract recommended
Cooking spray	As needed	For easier handling

The instant pudding mix is the secret ingredient that makes these banana pudding rice krispie treats special—it infuses the entire batch with authentic banana flavor without adding any complicated steps.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Prepare the pan:

Start by lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to create handles for easy removal later. Lightly coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your banana pudding rice krispie treats will come out of the pan perfectly intact.

Combine ingredients:

In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and the dry banana pudding mix until well incorporated. The pudding mix will dissolve into the marshmallow mixture, distributing the banana flavor throughout. Working quickly, add the Rice Krispies cereal and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated with the banana marshmallow mixture.

Shape treats:

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and gently press it down using hands that have been lightly sprayed with cooking spray (to prevent sticking). Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make your treats dense and hard. Allow the banana pudding rice krispie treats to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into squares or rectangles.

The entire process takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making these treats perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you need to satisfy a sweet tooth quickly.

Creative Variations of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Once you’ve mastered the basic banana pudding rice krispie treats recipe, try these creative variations:

Pistachio Chocolate

Substitute pistachio pudding mix for the banana and fold in mini chocolate chips after the mixture has cooled slightly but before pressing into the pan. The combination of nutty pistachio flavor with chocolate creates a sophisticated treat that adults especially love.

Strawberries and Cream

Use strawberry pudding mix instead of banana for a berry-flavored delight. For an extra touch, drizzle the cooled treats with a simple white chocolate ganache before cutting.

Lemon White Chocolate

Replace the banana pudding with lemon pudding mix for a bright, citrusy treat. After cooling and cutting, dip one end of each bar into melted white chocolate and allow to set for a professional-looking finish that tastes as good as it looks.

Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Tip	Description	Benefit
Gentle pressure	Use light pressure when pressing mixture into pan	Creates softer, chewier treats
Microwave option	Melt butter and marshmallows in microwave in 30-second intervals	Saves time and requires less equipment
Extra banana flavor	Add 1/4 teaspoon of banana extract along with vanilla	Amplifies banana taste without affecting texture
Prevent sticking	Spray hands with cooking spray before handling mixture	Makes shaping easier and neater
Quick cooling	Refrigerate for 15 minutes after shaping	Speeds up the setting process
Cutting technique	Use a plastic knife to cut treats	Prevents sticking and creates cleaner edges

FAQs About Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

How do you store banana pudding rice krispie treats?

Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Separating layers with wax paper prevents sticking and helps maintain freshness.

Can you freeze banana pudding rice krispie treats?

While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining their texture, it is possible. Wrap individual squares tightly in wax paper, then place them in a freezer bag with the air pressed out. Freeze for up to one month and thaw at room temperature before enjoying. The texture may be slightly different after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?

No, instant pudding mix is essential for banana pudding rice krispie treats. Regular (cook and serve) pudding contains different ingredients that won’t properly integrate into the marshmallow mixture. Stick with instant pudding mix for the best results.

Recipe Notes

• Feel free to experiment with any flavor of instant pudding mix in place of banana. Butterscotch, vanilla, or chocolate would all work wonderfully with the Rice Krispie base.
• For extra decadence, try adding 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the banana pudding version once the mixture has cooled slightly.
• These banana pudding rice krispie treats make excellent gifts when wrapped individually in wax paper and tied with a pretty ribbon.

These banana pudding rice krispie treats truly capture the nostalgic flavor of banana cream pie in a convenient, hand-held format. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether served at a bake sale, packed in lunchboxes, or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, these banana-flavored squares are sure to bring smiles all around.

Try them today and discover your new favorite way to enjoy rice krispie treats with a banana pudding twist!