Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) banana pudding mix
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (use plant-based for dairy-free)
- 3 tablespoons butter (or dairy-free margarine for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium fresh bananas, sliced (optional)
Toppings (Optional)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (omit for gluten-free)
- Toasted coconut flakes or chopped pineapple bits (for tropical flair)
- Mini chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzle (for chocolate banana twist)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients. If using fresh bananas, slice them; crush vanilla wafers for topping if desired.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Add mini marshmallows and stir continuously until smooth and creamy, forming the sticky base to bind the treats.
- Add Banana Pudding Mix and Vanilla: Remove the pan from heat, then quickly stir in the banana pudding mix and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, infusing the marshmallow mixture with banana flavor.
- Combine with Rice Krispies: Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal to coat every piece evenly with the banana pudding-marshmallow mixture, ensuring consistent flavor and crunch.
- Add Fresh Bananas and Press Into Pan: If using fresh bananas, carefully fold in the sliced pieces now. Press the mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined pan and allow it to set and cool for about one hour.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers or your choice of toppings to add texture and enhance visual appeal.
Notes
- Use fresh mini marshmallows for best texture rather than marshmallow fluff.
- Fold the cereal gently to keep treats light and airy rather than dense.
- Press mixture firmly in the pan to ensure the treats hold together properly.
- Chill the treats before slicing for clean, neat squares.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain crunch.
- Wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- If reheating, microwave individual portions for 10–15 seconds carefully to avoid melting marshmallows excessively.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free cereal and toppings used)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: banana pudding, Rice Krispies treats, no-bake dessert, marshmallow dessert, easy dessert, kid-friendly dessert, gluten-free dessert option