Banana Pudding Rice Krispies: A Deliciously Easy Dessert Recipe

Banana Pudding Rice Krispies – yes, you read that right! Prepare to have your dessert world rocked with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy-to-make treat. Imagine the comforting nostalgia of classic Rice Krispies squares, but elevated to a whole new level with the creamy, dreamy flavors of banana pudding. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone begging for more.

While not steeped in centuries of tradition, banana pudding itself holds a special place in American culinary history, particularly in the South. Often associated with family gatherings and potlucks, its creamy sweetness is a symbol of comfort and home. We’ve taken that beloved flavor profile and infused it into a modern twist on a childhood favorite.

People adore banana pudding for its smooth, velvety texture and the delightful combination of sweet bananas and vanilla custard. This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe captures all of that magic, adding the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies for an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect no-bake dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked! They are so easy to make and even easier to eat.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 10 oz marshmallows (about 40 large or 4 cups miniature)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana cream pudding mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for topping)
• 2 ripe bananas, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Preparing the Rice Krispies Base

Alright, let’s get started with the foundation of our Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats – the Rice Krispies base itself! This is where the magic happens, transforming simple cereal into a chewy, delicious treat.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Keep a close eye on it, as you don’t want it to brown or burn. We’re aiming for a smooth, melted consistency.
2. Add the Marshmallows: Once the butter is melted, add the marshmallows to the saucepan. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This might take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent sticking. The mixture should be glossy and easily pourable.
3. Incorporate the Pudding Mix: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, it’s time to add the secret ingredient that gives these treats their banana pudding flavor! Pour in the instant banana cream pudding mix and stir well until it’s fully incorporated into the melted marshmallow mixture. Make sure there are no lumps of pudding mix remaining.
4. Add Milk, Vanilla, and Salt: Pour in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. The milk helps to thin out the mixture slightly and enhances the banana flavor, while the vanilla adds a touch of warmth and the salt balances the sweetness.
5. Pour in the Rice Krispies: Now for the main event! Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the saucepan with the marshmallow mixture. Gently fold the cereal into the mixture until it’s evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the Rice Krispies too much. We want them to retain their shape and crunch.
6. Add Crushed Vanilla Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers. These add a wonderful texture and flavor that complements the banana pudding perfectly.

Assembling the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Now that we have our Rice Krispies mixture ready, it’s time to assemble these delightful treats! This is where the banana pudding magic truly comes to life.

1. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the Rice Krispies treats from sticking to the pan and make them easier to remove later. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for even easier removal.
2. Layer the Rice Krispies Mixture: Pour half of the Rice Krispies mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to spread the mixture evenly and press it down firmly.
3. Add a Layer of Sliced Bananas: Arrange the sliced bananas evenly over the Rice Krispies layer. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum banana flavor in every bite.
4. Add the Remaining Rice Krispies Mixture: Pour the remaining Rice Krispies mixture over the banana layer. Again, use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to spread the mixture evenly and press it down firmly.
5. Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the Rice Krispies treats are firm. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make them easier to cut.

Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping

No banana pudding is complete without a generous dollop of whipped cream! This homemade whipped cream is light, fluffy, and the perfect complement to the rich banana pudding flavor of the Rice Krispies treats.

1. Chill the Bowl and Whisk: Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or beaters if using a hand mixer) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This will help the heavy cream whip up more quickly and easily.
2. Pour in the Heavy Cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled mixing bowl.
3. Add the Powdered Sugar: Add the powdered sugar to the heavy cream. The powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream and also helps to stabilize it.
4. Whip the Cream: Using a whisk or an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the cream to become grainy. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape when you lift the whisk or beaters.

Final Touches and Serving

We’re almost there! Now for the final touches that will make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies truly irresistible.

1. Cut into Squares: Once the Rice Krispies treats are firm, remove them from the refrigerator and cut them into squares. The size of the squares is up to you, but I usually go for about 2-inch squares.
2. Top with Whipped Cream: Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of each Rice Krispies square.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle some extra crushed vanilla wafers over the whipped cream for added texture and flavor. You can also add a slice of banana on top for a beautiful presentation.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies immediately and enjoy! These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Tips and Variations:

• Marshmallow Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of marshmallows! Banana flavored marshmallows would be amazing.
• Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the Rice Krispies mixture for a chocolatey twist.
• Peanut Butter: Swirl in a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the melted marshmallow mixture for a peanut butter banana flavor.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the Rice Krispies mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Use vegan marshmallows and vegan butter to make these treats vegan-friendly.
• Layered Dessert: For a more decadent dessert, layer the Rice Krispies mixture with banana pudding and whipped cream in a trifle bowl.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Banana Pudding Rice Krispies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The Rice Krispies may soften slightly over time, but they will still be delicious.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy making and eating these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies as much as I do! They’re the perfect treat for any occasion, and they’re sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious treat. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and comforting, all wrapped up in a nostalgic package. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. I promise, once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why I’m so excited about it. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a sweet craving on a Tuesday night.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to version, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a richer, more decadent experience, try using a high-quality vanilla bean paste in the pudding mixture. The little black specks add a touch of elegance and a burst of intense vanilla flavor. You could also incorporate a layer of sliced bananas directly into the Rice Krispies mixture before it sets for an extra banana boost.

For a fun twist, consider using different types of Rice Krispies cereal. Chocolate Rice Krispies would add a delightful chocolatey dimension, while Fruity Pebbles would create a colorful and playful treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try using a combination of different cereals!

Serving suggestions are endless. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more sophisticated presentation, cut them into elegant squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking on picnics.

And if you’re looking for a truly unique dessert, try crumbling the Rice Krispies treats over a bowl of banana pudding for an extra layer of texture and flavor. The possibilities are truly limitless!

I truly believe that this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe is a winner. It’s simple enough for even the most novice baker to master, yet impressive enough to wow your friends and family. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again, adapting it to your own tastes and preferences.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, get into the kitchen, and whip up a batch of these irresistible treats. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun and experiment! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so let your creativity shine.

I can’t wait to hear about your experience with this recipe! Please, please, please come back and leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out. Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and share your tips with other readers. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you’ll love. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let’s spread the joy of delicious, homemade treats together! Happy baking!