There’s something irresistibly playful about diving into a square of crunchy sweetness that tastes like your favorite childhood dessert—banana pudding! Combining the nostalgic chew of Rice Krispies cereal with the creamy, dreamy flavor of instant banana pudding mix, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a total game-changer. The marshmallows melt into a pillowy blanket that wraps every crispy kernel, and that swirl of banana goodness keeps you coming back for more. Toss in bits of freeze-dried banana for bursts of genuine fruit flavor and white chocolate chips that add a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth finish, and you’ve got a treat that’s truly elevated. Transform your treats with a twist of banana! These delightful squares will impress everyone from picky kiddos to seasoned dessert aficionados.
Whipping up this recipe is as easy as a no-bake, beginner-friendly project—perfect for when you want big flavor without a ton of fuss. In just about 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of gentle stovetop cooking, you’ll have a pan full of gold. Then it’s just a one-hour rest while you plan a fun way to serve them: maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or packaged into fancy cellophane bags for a party favor. Each bar clocks in around 350 calories, so you can savor one (or two) without a calculator meltdown. Whether you’re aiming for a show-stopping dessert table centerpiece, a school lunchbox surprise, or an after-dinner snack that feels like magic, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats hit the sweet spot every time.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BANANA PUDDING RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Before we dive into the method, let’s take a closer look at what makes these bars so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a big role in bringing that classic Rice Krispie Treat foundation together with banana pudding flair and a hint of gourmet elegance.
- Unsalted butter
Provides the luscious, rich base for melting marshmallows. It prevents sticking and adds that silky mouthfeel we all love in gooey treats.
- Mini marshmallows
The backbone of any Rice Krispie Treat, these puffball sweets melt into a smooth, sticky binder that holds the cereal together.
- Instant banana pudding mix
Gives the recipe its signature banana flavor and creamy texture without having to cook custard. It dissolves easily into the melted marshmallow for uniform fruitiness.
- Rice Krispies cereal
Creates the iconic crunch and lightness that makes every bite springy and fun. This crispy cereal soaks up just enough marshmallow mix to stay delightfully crispy.
- Freeze-dried banana slices
Adds punchy banana flavor and a subtle crunch, intensifying that tropical vibe. They stay crisp even when mixed in.
- White chocolate chips
Brings a sweet, velvety contrast to the fruity banana notes. They soften slightly in the warm mixture for creamy pockets of richness.
- Cooking spray
Keeps the finished treats from sticking to the pan, ensuring clean edges and easy removal without extra oil or butter.
HOW TO MAKE BANANA PUDDING RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Let’s walk through how these magic bars come together. You’ll see that each step layers flavor and texture in perfect harmony. The process is straightforward, but a few key techniques will help you achieve those perfect, glossy Rice Krispie bars every time.
1. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray, and set aside. Make sure you coat every corner so the bars release cleanly once they’ve set.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Keeping the heat low prevents scorching and ensures a smooth base for the marshmallows.
3. Once the butter is completely melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir often, using a heatproof spatula, until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth, with no visible lumps.
4. Sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix over the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated, creating a uniform banana-infused marshmallow cream.
5. Remove the mixture from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until every crisp kernel is coated. Folding rather than stirring aggressively preserves the cereal’s crunchy texture.
6. Carefully fold in the freeze-dried banana slices and the white chocolate chips until spread evenly throughout the mixture, ensuring each bite packs that fruity, chocolatey punch.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or a sheet of wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the dish, ensuring it’s level and compact for neat squares.
8. Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least an hour before cutting them into squares. This resting period lets everything firm up properly.
9. Once set, slice them into desired portions, serve, and enjoy!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BANANA PUDDING RICE KRISPIE TREATS
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are so versatile that serving them becomes an event in itself. From casual snack breaks to fancy dessert tables, you can easily tailor the presentation to suit any occasion. With just a few simple tweaks—like adding a decorative swirl of white chocolate on top or placing a fresh banana slice as a garnish—you’ll turn homemade squares into head-turning treats.
- Decorate with a white chocolate drizzle. Melt extra white chocolate chips and use a fork to create delicate zigzag patterns across the top. Let it set for an elegant finish.
- Serve on a party platter. Layer colorful doilies or banana leaf liners under each square, then sprinkle extra freeze-dried banana crumbs around the edges for a festive look.
- Pair with vanilla bean ice cream. Place a small scoop alongside a warm bar for the ultimate sweet-and-creamy combo. The contrast of temperatures elevates every mouthful.
- Pack as school-lunch treats. Wrap individual squares in parchment paper and secure with a sticker or ribbon. Kids will love the surprise pop of banana flavor!
HOW TO STORE BANANA PUDDING RICE KRISPIE TREATS
Keeping these banana pudding bars fresh and delightful is all about the right container and environment. Whether you’re stashing leftovers for later indulgence or prepping in advance for a gathering, proper storage will maintain that chewy-crisp balance and preserve the banana flavor at its peak.
- Airtight container at room temperature
Layer the cooled squares between sheets of wax paper in a sealed container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 3 days without drying out.
- Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The cooler temperature firms up the treats, giving them a slightly firmer bite and extending shelf life.
- Freezer storage
Individually wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
- Individual portion bags
Pre-portion squares into small, resealable snack bags for grab-and-go convenience. Perfect for lunchboxes or on-the-road treats—no containers required!
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the ease of a classic Rice Krispie treat with the nostalgic charm of banana pudding, plus a gourmet twist of white chocolate and freeze-dried bananas, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. From that very first bite crowned with a creamy banana swirl to the satisfying crunch of every morsel, you get layers of texture and waves of flavor that never feel ordinary. Whether you’re a beginner home cook or a seasoned dessert lover, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are designed for success: minimal prep, no baking, and maximum delight. Don’t forget, you’ve got just about 15 minutes of hands-on time, 10 minutes of gentle stovetop stirring, and a one-hour rest before you dive in—so planning ahead is half the fun.
Feel free to print and save this article for your recipe binder or digital cookbook, and know that you can revisit it anytime you crave that perfect fusion of crispy cereal and banana sweetness. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section to tackle any lingering questions about substitutions, flavor boosts, or troubleshooting sticky spatulas. I’d love to hear how your batch turns out—drop a comment, share your tweaks, or ask any questions if you hit a snag. Your feedback and stories bring these recipes to life, so let me know if you need help perfecting your banana pudding twist or just want to gush about how much everyone loved these treats!
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Description
Experience a delicious fusion of crispy rice cereal and creamy banana pudding in these easy-to-make treats. The addition of white chocolate and freeze-dried bananas takes them to a whole new level!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray, and set aside.
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In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
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Once the butter is completely melted, add the mini marshmallows. Stir often, until the marshmallows are fully melted and smooth.
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Sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix over the melted marshmallow mixture. Stir well until fully incorporated and smooth.
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Remove the mixture from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
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Carefully fold in the freeze-dried banana slices and the white chocolate chips until spread evenly throughout the mixture.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using a spatula or wax paper, press the mixture evenly into the dish, ensuring it’s level.
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Allow the treats to cool and set at room temperature for at least an hour before cutting them into squares.
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Once set, slice them into desired portions, serve, and enjoy!
Note
- This recipe brings a unique twist by incorporating banana pudding flavor into a classic treat.
- For a stronger banana flavor, consider adding banana extract along with the pudding mix.
- These treats make for a delightful addition to party dessert tables or school lunchboxes.
- For a gourmet touch, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top before serving.
