What You Will Need to Get Started
Are you craving a comforting dessert that’s both easy and irresistible? Do you dream of a treat that seamlessly blends the nostalgia of Rice Krispie Treats with the delightful flavors of banana pudding? Then look no further! This recipe for **banana pudding rice krispie treats** is the ultimate sweet treat, a no-bake delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
This simple yet ingenious creation merges the classic, chewy goodness of Rice Krispie treats with the creamy, banana-infused deliciousness of banana pudding. The result? A dessert that’s both incredibly satisfying and remarkably easy to make. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate a beloved childhood snack, making it even more appealing for both kids and adults alike. You’ll be amazed at how effortlessly these treats come together, with minimal effort and maximum flavor impact. Let’s dive into creating a batch of these utterly delectable **banana pudding rice krispie treats**.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You likely have most of the ingredients already in your pantry, making it the perfect last-minute treat. Let’s gather everything we need to get started.
- **The Cereal Foundation:** You’ll need a generous amount of Rice Krispie cereal. This is the star of the show, providing the iconic crispy, airy texture that we all know and love. Any equivalent puffed rice cereal will also work if you are substituting.
- **The Sticky Sweetness:** Marshmallows are the glue that holds everything together, literally! Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly, but regular-sized marshmallows work just as well.
- **The Creamy Binder:** Butter plays a crucial role in creating a rich, decadent base. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final product, enhancing the other flavors.
- **The Banana Burst:** Instant banana pudding mix is the secret weapon that transforms these treats into something truly special. This powdered mix adds the signature banana flavor and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
- **The Liquid Component:** You’ll also need a little milk to prepare the banana pudding mix. Follow the instructions on the pudding box.
- **Extra Touches (Optional):** To elevate your **banana pudding rice krispie treats** even further, you might consider having some extras on hand: crushed vanilla wafers for a textural contrast, slices of fresh banana for garnish, and whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for serving. These additions are entirely optional, but they certainly enhance the overall experience.
- **Equipment Essentials:**
- A large pot or a spacious microwave-safe bowl will be your best friends for the melting and mixing process.
- A rubber spatula or a wooden spoon is essential for stirring and scraping down the sides.
- A sturdy baking pan, such as a 9×13 inch pan, is needed to give your treats their final form.
- You will also want to have measuring cups and spoons handy for accurate ingredient measurements.
Building the Foundation: Preparing the Deliciousness
Before you get started with the treats themselves, you must first prepare the banana pudding. This step is essential to give the treats their signature flavor and creamy texture.
Carefully follow the directions on the back of the instant banana pudding mix box to prepare the pudding. Combine the powder mix with the appropriate amount of milk in a bowl. Whisk briskly until the mixture is smooth, creamy and the pudding starts to thicken. Once combined, pop the pudding into the fridge to cool down. Allowing it to chill beforehand is crucial. This will ensure that it thickens up nicely before it is added to the rice krispie treat base and will also prevent it from melting the marshmallows. If you want to make this recipe super simple, you can replace the banana pudding with pre-made banana pudding.
Creating the Perfect Base
Now, let’s move on to the classic Rice Krispie treat base. The following steps are crucial to achieving that perfect balance of gooey, crispy, and flavorful goodness that everyone loves.
First, melt the butter in a large pot over low heat. Make sure the heat is low to prevent the butter from burning, which can ruin the flavor. Once the butter is fully melted and has a nice glossy sheen, it’s time to introduce the marshmallows. Add the marshmallows to the pot and stir continuously with your rubber spatula or wooden spoon. The constant stirring is paramount. It prevents the marshmallows from scorching and ensures an even melt.
The transformation from solid marshmallows to a smooth, melted consistency will happen rather quickly. Keep stirring until all the marshmallows are melted and the mixture becomes wonderfully smooth. The goal is a completely homogenous mixture, free of any lumps or un-melted marshmallow bits. The mixture should be a light, airy, and extremely sticky consistency.
With the marshmallow base now ready, remove the pot from the heat. It is critical that this step is taken. The base can easily burn and become thick and difficult to work with if the heat is too high or left on for too long.
Combining the Magic
This is where we bring everything together and combine the amazing flavors of our **banana pudding rice krispie treats**.
After removing the pot from the heat, immediately pour in the Rice Krispie cereal. Now, you’re in for a bit of a workout! Using your spatula or spoon, quickly and gently fold the cereal into the marshmallow mixture. The aim is to coat all the cereal evenly with the marshmallow. Don’t press down or overmix, as this can result in hard, dense treats. The cereal will start to absorb the melted marshmallow, creating the foundation for your treats. It may seem like a lot of cereal at first, but persevere, and it will all come together.
Once the cereal is well incorporated, now the prepared banana pudding makes its grand entrance. Gently fold the chilled banana pudding into the marshmallow-cereal mixture. Be careful not to overmix. The aim is to evenly distribute the pudding throughout the mix without deflating the airy texture of the marshmallows and Rice Krispie cereal. The color will shift to a delicious pale yellow hue, which indicates that the banana flavor is evenly distributed.
Shaping and Setting the Treats
With the ingredients happily combined, the next step is to shape your treats into their final form. This step is very easy, and all you need is a baking pan.
Before you pour the mixture into your baking pan, it’s important to properly prepare the pan. Either grease your 9×13 inch baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. The butter or cooking spray will prevent the treats from sticking. Parchment paper makes it even easier to lift the treats out of the pan for cutting.
Carefully pour the marshmallow, cereal, and banana pudding mixture into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to gently press the mixture evenly into the pan. Avoid pressing too firmly, as this can make the treats dense. The goal is to create a flat, even surface. If you have buttered your hands, you can also use your hands to gently press the mixture to an even level.
Allow the treats to cool completely at room temperature for at least an hour before cutting. This is crucial for them to set properly. If you’re eager, you can pop them into the refrigerator to speed up the process, but be warned, they might dry out slightly.
Cutting, Serving, and Enjoying
Once the treats have cooled and set, it’s time to cut them and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Lift the treats from the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if used) and place them on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the treats into squares, bars, or any shape that suits your fancy. Be sure to wipe your knife clean between each cut for clean edges.
Now, it’s time to serve and enjoy your creation! These **banana pudding rice krispie treats** are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, bringing to a potluck, or simply indulging in as a personal treat.
The taste? Simply divine! The chewy base is delightfully balanced by the creamy banana pudding, creating a dessert that is both familiar and surprisingly innovative. The combination of textures is just perfect. The smooth pudding is complimented by the crispy cereal and the sweet marshmallows.
Tips to Guarantee Success and Flavor Variations
While this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips and variations to ensure perfect results and add your own twist to your creations.
- To prevent the marshmallow mixture from sticking to your hands or spatula while pressing it into the pan, lightly grease your hands or the spatula with butter or cooking spray.
- If you prefer your treats less sweet, reduce the amount of marshmallows used in the base. Alternatively, you can adjust the amount of banana pudding mix to control the overall sweetness.
- For optimal freshness, store your **banana pudding rice krispie treats** in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days. If you plan to store them for longer, you can freeze them.
- Consider adding mix-ins to the mix, such as mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or colorful sprinkles. You can also drizzle the finished treats with melted chocolate or top them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or banana slices to elevate the presentation.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for **banana pudding rice krispie treats** is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and simple pleasures. It’s the perfect recipe for any level of baker, even those with little to no experience. From the moment you mix the ingredients to the first delicious bite, you’ll be captivated by the ease of preparation and the irresistible taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or a comforting treat for a quiet night in, these treats will always deliver.
So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to be amazed. Make this recipe today, and discover why these **banana pudding rice krispie treats** are quickly becoming a new favorite! You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!
