Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats: Your New Favorite No-Bake Indulgence!
Hey there, Jason Griffith here! We all love a good Rice Krispie Treat, right? That classic crispy, gooey, marshmallowy goodness is pure nostalgia. But what if we could infuse that beloved treat with the comforting, creamy flavors of a classic banana pudding? Get ready for a dessert mashup that’s truly out of this world: Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! These no-bake wonders offer the perfect fusion of smooth banana pudding, chewy marshmallows, and the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies in every single bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m always on the lookout for creative twists on beloved classics, especially when they involve minimal fuss. What I particularly love about these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is how they capture the essence of a banana pudding – its sweetness, its creamy banana flavor, and the subtle hint of vanilla wafer – and combine it with the incredibly satisfying texture of a Rice Krispie Treat. They’re surprisingly easy to make, require no baking, and are guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the layered toppings with extra vanilla wafers, marshmallow fluff, and white chocolate drizzle make them feel extra special and decadent!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightfully unique no-bake treats:
- 8 tbsp butter (unsalted preferred)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 5 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows (additional, for folding into the mix)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (for folding into the mix)
- 1/4 cup banana pudding mixture (prepared from a box mix, or homemade)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping and Drizzle:
- Additional crushed vanilla wafers (for topping)
- Marshmallow fluff (for topping/drizzle)
- White chocolate (for drizzle)
Swaps and Notes
- Banana Pudding Mixture: This recipe relies on a prepared banana pudding mixture. You can use instant banana pudding mix prepared according to package directions, or a homemade cooked banana pudding. Just ensure it’s cooled and slightly thickened before adding.
- Marshmallows: Using fresh, soft mini marshmallows is key for that perfect gooey texture. Stale marshmallows won’t melt as well.
- Vanilla Wafers: These are crucial for the banana pudding flavor profile. Crushing them adds texture throughout the treats.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If using salted, you might omit any additional salt if your pudding mix or wafers are already salty.
- Toppings: The marshmallow fluff, extra vanilla wafers, and white chocolate drizzle really elevate these treats. Feel free to customize with other toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some fresh banana slices (add just before serving).
Directions
Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is a fun, no-bake process!
- Prepare Banana Pudding Filling: In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for your banana pudding mixture(according to package directions if using a mix). Stir until well combined and set aside to thicken slightly. You’ll only need 1/4 cup for the treats themselves, but having extra is great for drizzling and enjoying!
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 8 tablespoons of butter until completely liquid.
- Combine Marshmallows: Add the 5 cups of mini marshmallows to the melted butter. Stir constantly with a silicone spatula until the marshmallows are fully melted and combined with the butter, creating a smooth, gooey mixture.
- Add Flavors: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of the prepared banana pudding mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
- Add Cereals and More: Fold in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal, the additional 1 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows, and the 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers. Work quickly but gently to mix thoroughly until all the cereal and wafers are coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Transfer to Dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing down lightly with a buttered spatula or damp hands to form a compact layer. Pressing too hard can make the treats dense.
- Top and Drizzle (Initial): While the treats are still warm, drizzle with a bit of the remaining banana pudding mixture. Top generously with additional crushed vanilla wafers.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until it is completely smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle and Finish: Drizzle the melted marshmallow fluff (warm it slightly in the microwave if it’s too thick) and the melted white chocolate artistically over the top of the treats.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the treats cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator until set, about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the treats out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy these delicious treats that bring comfort and decadence in every bite!
Tips for Success
- Light Pressing: When pressing the mixture into the pan, press lightly. This helps maintain the gooey texture and prevents the treats from becoming too dense.
- Fresh Marshmallows: Always use fresh mini marshmallows for the best consistency. Old, hardened marshmallows won’t melt smoothly.
- Smooth White Chocolate: Ensure the white chocolate is completely smooth and lump-free for easy, neat drizzling. Melt it slowly to avoid scorching.
- Work Quickly: The marshmallow mixture sets relatively fast, so have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start combining them.
- Flavor Boost: For an even more intense banana flavor, you can add a drop or two of banana extract along with the vanilla.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a fantastic stand-alone dessert or snack. They’re perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, summer barbecues, or just a fun treat any time. Serve them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even alongside a classic bowl of actual banana pudding for a full banana dessert experience! My recipe for This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd would be a perfect companion.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To prevent sticking, you can layer them with parchment paper. If you notice they’re getting a bit hard, you can warm them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds to regain some gooeyness. Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love the ease and deliciousness of these no-bake treats and the comforting flavors they offer, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite recipes:
- For another fantastic no-bake classic, try my These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me (And I’ve Made Them 100 Times!).
- If you’re a fan of bananas in desserts, my This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas is a must-make.
- For a quick and satisfying sweet craving, my This Edible Cookie Dough Is My Favorite No-Bake Treat for Late Night Cravings is pure bliss.
- And for a fun, campfire-inspired no-bake treat, try my This Smores Bark Is My Favorite No-Campfire Treat for Anytime Cravings.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a testament to how simple ingredients and a little creativity can create a truly unforgettable dessert. They’re fun to make, incredibly delicious, and packed with comforting flavors. Give them a try, and prepare for a wave of happy nostalgia and sweet indulgence!
What’s your favorite classic dessert that you love to put a unique spin on? Share your ideas in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful and inspiring recipes!
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