Oh my goodness, if you love banana pudding and rice krispie treats, then you’re in for a treat with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! Seriously, it’s like a party in your mouth! I remember the first time I made them; I was just looking for a fun way to jazz up the classic rice krispie treat, and wow, did this combination surprise me! The creamy banana flavor mixed with the gooey marshmallows and crispy cereal is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings or when you need a quick treat for a gathering. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked, and they’ll quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
3 cups Rice Krispies
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sliced bananas (use ripe for the best flavor)
How to Prepare Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is a breeze, and I can’t wait to guide you through the steps! Just follow along, and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
First things first, grab a large pot and melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to brown! Just let it melt gently.
Once the butter’s all melted, toss in the mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. This is where the magic begins!
Now, remove the pot from the heat. Mix in the instant banana pudding mix and vanilla extract. It’ll get thick and creamy—don’t worry, that’s just perfect!
Next, gradually add the Rice Krispies into the mixture. Stir well to ensure every crispy bit is coated in that heavenly pudding mixture. You want to see that gorgeous, gooey goodness wrapping around the cereal!
Now, gently fold in the sliced bananas. Be careful here, as you don’t want to mash them up too much. You want those lovely banana pieces to shine through!
Once everything is mixed, transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Press it down firmly with a spatula or your hands (just make sure they’re clean!) to create an even layer.
Finally, let the mixture cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into squares. Patience is key here! Once cooled, you can slice them up and enjoy your delightful treats!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. For a typical serving size of one square of these delicious Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, you can expect the following:
Keep these numbers in mind as you indulge in your sweet treat, and enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute cravings!
Delightful banana flavor combined with the classic texture of rice krispie treats.
Nostalgic and comforting, bringing back childhood memories with every bite.
Flexible, allowing for fun variations to suit your taste.
Crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will adore!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, use ripe bananas; they’re sweeter and give that rich, banana flavor we all love. When melting the butter and marshmallows, keep the heat low and stir constantly to avoid burning. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan for even squares; this helps them hold together better. Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, but trust me, they won’t last that long! Enjoy these delicious bites fresh for the best texture and flavor!
Variations on Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! Here are some of my favorite variations:
Chocolate Lovers: Swap the banana pudding mix for chocolate pudding for a rich, decadent twist.
Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture and extra flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl: Stir in a swirl of creamy peanut butter for that classic combo of banana and peanut butter.
Berry Burst: Toss in some fresh or freeze-dried berries for a fruity explosion alongside the bananas.
Coconut Cream: Use coconut pudding mix and sprinkle shredded coconut for a tropical vibe.
Feel free to get creative and find your perfect combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you find yourself with leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can also refrigerate them to extend their shelf life, but they might lose a bit of that delightful chewiness. If you prefer them warm, just pop a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften them slightly. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture!
Serving Suggestions
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are perfect on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate your presentation for gatherings, consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also pair them with a fruity banana or strawberry sauce for drizzling on top. Trust me, adding a little garnish makes them even more delightful and visually appealing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just make sure they cool completely before cutting them into squares to maintain their shape.
What if I can’t find banana pudding mix? No worries! You can substitute it with any other instant pudding flavor, like vanilla or chocolate. It’ll give you a different taste, but still delicious!
Can I use fresh bananas instead of sliced ones? Sliced fresh bananas work best, as they hold their shape better in the treats. However, if you prefer mashed bananas for more banana flavor, just keep in mind that it might change the texture slightly.
How long do these treats last? Stored properly in an airtight container, these treats will stay fresh for about three days at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they might last a bit longer, but they can lose some of their delightful chewiness.
Can I freeze Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats? Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature.
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