Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
Did you know that over 90% of home bakers love experimenting with classic desserts? You're about to transform the humble Rice Krispies treat into a Southern-inspired masterpiece that'll have everyone talking. By combining the nostalgic crunch of marshmallow treats with the creamy essence of banana pudding, you'll create a dessert that bridges childhood memories and gourmet innovation. Want to know how a few simple ingredients can revolutionize your dessert game?
Recipe Highlights
- Combine melted butter, marshmallows, and instant banana pudding mix as the creamy base for a unique Rice Krispies treat variation.
- Gently fold Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow mixture, ensuring even coating and maintaining a light, crispy texture.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan, using a buttered spatula to distribute the treats evenly.
- Crush vanilla wafers as a topping or mix-in to enhance the classic banana pudding flavor profile and add crunch.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain optimal freshness and taste.
History
While Rice Krispies treats have been a beloved American dessert since their commercial introduction in 1939, the banana pudding variation represents a modern culinary fusion.
You'll find this innovative twist emerged from Southern baking traditions, blending nostalgic dessert flavors with a classic no-bake treat. The combination highlights how regional cuisines inspire creative recipe development, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Key evolution points include:
- Traditional Rice Krispies recipe originated with Kellogg's
- Banana pudding's roots trace to Southern United States
- Home bakers began experimenting with flavor variations
- Pudding mix became a convenient flavoring technique
You can trace this dessert's lineage through creative home cooking, where bakers consistently reimagine classic recipes by introducing unexpected ingredients and flavor profiles.
The result? A delightful cultural culinary conversation.
Recipe
Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are a delightful twist on the classic marshmallow treat, combining the nostalgic flavors of Southern banana pudding with the crispy, chewy texture of Rice Krispies. This no-bake dessert brings together the best of both worlds, creating a crowd-pleasing snack that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a sweet afternoon treat, these Rice Krispies squares capture the essence of banana pudding through the addition of instant pudding mix and crushed vanilla wafers. The result is a creamy, banana-flavored dessert that maintains the beloved crispy texture of traditional Rice Krispies treats.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 package (10 oz) marshmallows
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
- 12 crushed vanilla wafer cookies
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they're completely melted and smooth.
Remove the pot from heat and quickly mix in the banana pudding powder, ensuring it's thoroughly incorporated into the marshmallow mixture.
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers to the marshmallow mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch pan, using wax paper or a buttered spatula to press the mixture down lightly. Avoid pressing too firmly to maintain a light and crispy texture.
Allow the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies to cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
To ensure the best experience, use fresh marshmallows for optimal softness, spray your utensils with cooking spray for easier cleanup, and store the treats in an airtight container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Cooking Steps
You'll start by gently melting butter in a large pot over low heat.
Then add marshmallows and stir continuously until they transform into a smooth, glossy mixture.
Next, remove the pot from heat and quickly incorporate the banana pudding mix, stirring until it's well blended with the marshmallow base.
Finally, fold in your Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers, ensuring every crispy morsel gets coated with the sweet, creamy mixture before pressing it evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 1. Melt Butter Gently
Since melting butter is a critical first step in creating perfect Rice Krispies treats, you'll want to approach this process with precision and care. Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot and set your burner to low heat, ensuring the butter melts slowly and evenly without burning.
Watch for these key visual cues:
- Butter transforming from solid to liquid
- Gentle, consistent bubbling
- Soft golden color
- No brown or black speckling
Control your heat meticulously, stirring constantly with a silicone or wooden spatula. If the butter starts to sizzle aggressively or change color too quickly, immediately remove the pot from the heat source.
Your goal is a smooth, uniform melted butter that'll provide the perfect foundation for binding your marshmallows and creating that signature creamy texture in your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies.
Step 2. Add Marshmallows, Stir Continuously
Every great Rice Krispies treat hinges on perfectly melted marshmallows, so you'll want to add your fluffy white gems directly to the gently heated butter. Keep the heat low and stir constantly with a rubber spatula, watching for smooth transformation.
Watch for these key signs of proper marshmallow melting:
- Marshmallows becoming glossy
- Mixture turning uniformly white
- No solid chunks remaining
- Smooth, liquid-like consistency developing
Move quickly but carefully, ensuring even melting without scorching. Your stirring technique matters: use gentle, consistent circular motions that incorporate all marshmallows from the pot's edges and bottom.
The goal is a silky, uniform mixture that'll bind your Rice Krispies and banana pudding ingredients perfectly. Remove from heat immediately once marshmallows are completely melted, preparing for the next critical step.
Step 3. Add Banana Pudding Mix
One critical moment in crafting Banana Pudding Rice Krispies arrives when you sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix into your melted marshmallow base.
Carefully measure out the 3.4-ounce package, ensuring you've got the instant variety for maximum flavor intensity. Slowly dust the powder over the marshmallow mixture, stirring continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, even distribution.
The pudding mix will transform your base from plain white to a soft, pale yellow, signaling the incorporation of banana essence. Use a silicone spatula or wooden spoon to fold the mix thoroughly, watching for:
- No dry powder pockets
- Consistent color throughout
- Smooth, glossy texture
Work quickly to maintain the marshmallow's ideal melting point, preventing premature setting and ensuring optimal treat consistency.
Step 4. Add Rice Krispies Cereal
When your marshmallow mixture reaches a glossy, pale yellow hue, it's time to fold in the Rice Krispies cereal.
Add the 6 cups of cereal gradually, using a spatula to gently incorporate them into the sticky marshmallow base. Make sure you're turning the mixture consistently, coating each cereal piece evenly with the banana pudding-infused marshmallow blend.
Key folding techniques:
- Use a slow, sweeping motion
- Avoid crushing the cereal
- Ensure uniform coverage
Work quickly but carefully to prevent the marshmallow from setting before you've fully integrated the cereal.
The goal is a uniform mixture where no dry cereal spots remain. Once combined, you'll notice the treats developing a light, airy texture with hints of banana pudding flavor throughout.
Step 5. Press Into Pan
Carefully transfer your banana pudding Rice Krispies mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan, using a buttered spatula or wax paper to evenly distribute and gently press the treats.
Your goal is a smooth, level surface without compacting the mixture too densely, which could make the bars tough and hard.
Key pressing techniques:
- Use light, even pressure
- Avoid pushing down forcefully
- Create a uniform thickness
- Leave some air pockets for texture
Start at the corners and edges, working your way toward the center. The wax paper acts as a protective barrier, preventing the sticky mixture from clinging to your hands.
Aim for a consistent depth of about 3/4 inch, ensuring each bite will have the perfect balance of crispy cereal and creamy banana pudding flavor.
Final Thoughts
Because banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats are both crowd-pleasing desserts, this recipe offers a delightful fusion that'll become a staple in your sweet repertoire.
You'll find these treats are surprisingly versatile, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a quick dessert craving. The key to success lies in careful preparation: gently melting marshmallows, precisely incorporating pudding mix, and avoiding overmixing.
When serving, cut squares with a sharp knife for clean edges, and consider these pro tips:
- Serve at room temperature for optimal texture
- Store in an airtight container
- Consume within 3 days for peak freshness
- Keep away from direct sunlight or heat
Your homemade Banana Pudding Rice Krispies will impress friends and family, transforming a classic treat into something extraordinary.
