Oh my goodness, who doesn’t love a classic rice krispie treat? They’re basically the epitome of childhood nostalgia for me! The chewy marshmallows, the crunch of the Rice Krispies—it’s a timeless combo that brings back so many sweet memories. But hold onto your spatulas because I’m about to take that beloved treat on a little adventure! Enter my banana pudding rice krispie treats! With that creamy banana flavor mingling beautifully with the marshmallow goodness, it’s a delightful twist that’s sure to wow your taste buds. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at rice krispie treats the same way again! Let’s dive into this fun and easy recipe!
Ingredients List
Before we jump into the fun part of making these banana pudding rice krispie treats, let’s make sure we have everything we need! Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced bananas
These ingredients come together to create a sweet, chewy, and banana-infused delight that you won’t be able to resist! Make sure to grab those fresh bananas for that extra burst of flavor. Ready? Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Alright, let’s get our hands sticky and dive into making these incredible banana pudding rice krispie treats! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, chewy treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by melting 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t brown—just melt it until it’s nice and bubbly.
- Once the butter is melted, add in the entire 10 oz package of marshmallows. Stir continuously until they’re fully melted and smooth. This is the gooey goodness that will hold it all together!
- Now, it’s time to stir in the 3.4 oz package of instant banana pudding mix, 1/2 cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it’s all blended perfectly. You’ll get that heavenly banana aroma wafting up—it’s so good!
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and gently fold in the 3 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Make sure every piece is coated with that delicious marshmallow mixture, but be gentle to avoid crushing the cereal.
- Next, carefully fold in the 1/2 cup of sliced bananas. You want those lovely banana pieces throughout, but don’t overmix or they might get mushy!
- Now, grab a greased 9×13 inch pan and press the mixture into the bottom evenly. I like to use a spatula or even my hands (lightly greased, of course) to make sure it’s packed down nicely.
- Finally, let it cool and set for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. You’ll want to be patient here—it’ll be worth it when you take that first bite!
And there you have it! A quick and easy way to make your very own banana pudding rice krispie treats. Just remember, the key is to keep things gentle when mixing those Rice Krispies and bananas. Enjoy the process and get ready for a treat you’ll crave again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these banana pudding rice krispie treats are an absolute crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re whipping them up for a family gathering, a picnic, or just for a sweet treat at home, they check all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have these treats ready in no time! Perfect for when you need a quick dessert fix.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy banana pudding flavor paired with the classic marshmallow and Rice Krispies is just heavenly. It’s like a nostalgic trip back to childhood but with a fun twist!
- No-Bake Delight: No oven needed here! These treats come together on the stovetop and set up beautifully in the fridge, making them a great option for those hot summer days.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into squares, and they’re ready to share! They’re great for potlucks, parties, or just to have on hand for friends stopping by.
- Customizable: Want to add some chocolate chips or nuts? Go for it! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand.
- Fun for Kids: Kids love getting involved in the kitchen, and this recipe is perfect for little hands to help out. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a treat that’s fun to make and even more fun to eat?
Trust me, once you’ve made these, you’ll find yourself craving them over and over again. They’re not just treats; they’re little bites of joy!
Tips for Success
Ready to make your banana pudding rice krispie treats absolutely perfect? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every single time. Let’s make sure your treats are the best they can be!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh bananas make a world of difference in flavor! Opt for ripe but firm bananas for the best texture and sweetness. And don’t skimp on the quality of your marshmallows; they should be soft and fluffy to create that gooey goodness.
- Melt Butter Slowly: When melting your butter, do it over low heat and keep stirring. This helps prevent browning, which can impact the flavor of your treats. We want that pure, sweet buttery taste!
- Mix Gently: When incorporating the Rice Krispies and bananas, be gentle! Overmixing can crush the cereal and make your treats dense. Just fold them in carefully to keep that delightful crunch.
- Press Firmly: When you’re pressing the mixture into the pan, make sure to pack it down firmly but not too hard. This ensures your treats will hold together nicely when you cut them into squares.
- Chill Before Serving: Let your treats set at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then pop them in the fridge for a bit. Chilling helps them firm up and makes cutting easier. Plus, they’re extra refreshing served cold!
- Serve with Whipped Cream: For an extra touch of indulgence, top your banana pudding rice krispie treats with a dollop of whipped cream before serving. It adds a lovely creaminess that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor!
With these tips, you’ll be a banana pudding rice krispie treat pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy snacking!
Variations
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to switch up your banana pudding rice krispie treats and make them uniquely yours! Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out the banana pudding mix for chocolate pudding mix to create a rich, chocolatey version. You can even fold in some mini chocolate chips for an extra sweet surprise!
- Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for some crunch and added flavor. If you’re feeling really bold, try using peanut butter instead of some of the butter for a peanut butter banana treat!
- Fruity Mix-ins: Want to jazz it up even more? Toss in some diced strawberries or blueberries along with the bananas. The combination of fruits adds a burst of freshness and color!
- Different Pudding Flavors: Experiment with other instant pudding flavors like vanilla, butterscotch, or even coconut! Each will give your treats a different twist while still keeping that delightful texture.
- Coconut Delight: For a tropical flair, mix in some shredded coconut and use coconut pudding instead of banana. Top with a little toasted coconut for that extra crunch!
- Decadent Toppings: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top of your treats before serving. It adds an indulgent touch that takes your treats to a whole new level!
These variations keep things exciting and allow you to customize your banana pudding rice krispie treats according to your mood or occasion. So go ahead, get creative, and make these treats your own! Enjoy every scrumptious bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of these delicious banana pudding rice krispie treats, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store your leftovers properly:
- Airtight Container: Store your treats in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them chewy and prevents them from getting stale. They should stay fresh for about 3–5 days, but let’s be honest—they probably won’t last that long!
- Chill for Longer Storage: If you want to extend their shelf life, you can pop them in the fridge. Just be aware that chilling might make them a bit firmer, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
- Freezing Option: Want to save some for later? You can freeze these treats! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
As for reheating, these banana pudding rice krispie treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, so no need to heat them up. Just unwrap and dive right in! If you find they’ve gotten a tad too firm, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave can soften them up, but be careful not to overdo it or they’ll get gooey!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what’s in these scrumptious banana pudding rice krispie treats? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving—just keep in mind that these numbers are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Each square packs a sweet punch!
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 80mg
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 1g
Enjoy these treats in moderation, and make them a delightful addition to your dessert table! Just remember, they’re meant to be enjoyed, so savor every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh bananas instead of sliced bananas?
Absolutely! However, I recommend using fresh bananas for the best flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that they can brown quickly, so it’s best to add them just before serving for that perfect touch of freshness!
How do I prevent my rice krispie treats from being too hard?
To keep your banana pudding rice krispie treats soft and chewy, make sure not to overpack them into the pan. Pressing down gently is key! Plus, letting them cool completely before cutting helps maintain that delightful texture.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
Definitely! These treats are great for making a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll be ready to impress when you are!
What’s the best way to cut rice krispie treats?
For clean cuts, use a sharp knife that’s been lightly greased. This helps the knife glide through the treats without sticking, giving you those perfectly shaped squares.
Can I freeze banana pudding rice krispie treats?
Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results!
Banana pudding rice krispie treats: 7 blissful bites to savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious twist on traditional rice krispie treats with banana pudding flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced bananas
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
- Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
- Stir in the banana pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove from heat and add the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix well to coat all the cereal.
- Fold in the sliced bananas gently.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Allow to cool and set before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use fresh bananas for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add whipped cream on top for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: banana pudding, rice krispie treats, dessert, no-bake
