Introduction

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a fun twist on the classic snack, combining the creamy flavor of banana pudding with the crunch of vanilla wafers and Rice Krispies. Topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, they make a delightful dessert or sweet treat for any occasion.

The image shows three stacked cereal treats made of crispy rice and melted marshmallow, each square having visible chunks of peanuts inside. The treats are light golden in color with a rough, airy texture. All three pieces have white icing drizzled in curved lines across the top and sides, adding a smooth contrast to the crunchy texture. The treats sit directly on a white marbled surface, with a plain white background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 ½ cups Rice Krispies Cereal
24 vanilla wafer cookies
4 tablespoons butter
10 ounces marshmallows
1.7 ounces (½ of a 3.4 ounce box) instant banana pudding mix
Vanilla Glaze:

⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk, plus 1-2 teaspoons more if needed
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Grease an extra large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or baking spray.
Step 2: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the mixing bowl.
Step 3: Break 14 of the vanilla wafer cookies into pieces and toss them into the bowl with the cereal. Save the remaining 10 cookies broken into pieces for topping later.
Step 4: Cut the butter into small pieces and place them in a medium-large saucepan over low heat. Let the butter begin to melt.
Step 5: Add the marshmallows to the melted butter. Sprinkle the banana pudding mix over the marshmallows, then stir to combine.
Step 6: Stir the marshmallows every few minutes until about 75% have melted. Remove the pan from heat and continue stirring until fully melted. Avoid overheating to keep treats soft.
Step 7: Pour the melted banana marshmallow mixture over the cereal and cookie pieces. Stir until well combined.
Step 8: Spread the mixture evenly into the greased pan. Gently press it down, but do not compact too hard to avoid making treats tough.
Step 9: Immediately press the reserved cookie pieces onto the top of the treats. Let rest for 30 minutes to set.
Step 10: Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk in a small bowl until smooth. Add more cream or milk, ½ teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Step 11: Cut the treats into 12 rectangles or 16 squares. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top.
Step 12: Let the glaze firm up for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh banana pudding mix for best flavor; avoid the instant mix with added gelatin for a softer texture.
Press the treats gently to keep them light and chewy rather than dense and hard.
For a fun variation, add sliced fresh bananas or banana chips inside the mixture before setting.
Substitute vanilla wafers with crushed graham crackers for a different crunchy texture.

Storage

Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep them away from humidity to maintain their crispness. If refrigerated, they may become slightly chewy. Reheat briefly in the microwave if they firm up too much.

How to Serve

The image shows several square bars arranged closely on a dark surface with a white marbled texture. Each bar has two layers: the base layer is a light beige, dense yet slightly crumbly cake-like layer with visible crunchy cookie pieces mixed inside, giving a rugged texture. On top of each square is a smooth white drizzle spread across in diagonal lines, adding a glossy, creamy contrast to the rougher textured bottom. The bars are neatly cut with even edges, and the drizzle has a thick, almost creamy look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Yes, you can experiment with flavors like vanilla or butterscotch, but banana pudding provides a distinctive, complementary taste with the vanilla wafers and marshmallows.

How do I prevent the treats from becoming too hard?

Be careful not to overheat the marshmallows when melting. Remove the pan from heat once most marshmallows are melted and stir gently until smooth. Also, avoid pressing the mixture too firmly in the pan.