Description
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crispy texture of Rice Krispies with the creamy flavor of instant banana pudding and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a nostalgic dessert or snack, this easy-to-make treat requires only about 25 minutes and yields 12 delicious servings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
- 24 vanilla wafer cookies
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 10 ounces marshmallows
- 1.7 ounces (1/2 of a 3.4 ounce box) instant banana pudding mix
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk (plus 1-2 teaspoons more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Bowl: Grease an extra large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Cereal and Cookies: Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the mixing bowl. Break 14 of the vanilla wafer cookies into pieces and toss them into the cereal. Set aside the remaining 10 cookie pieces to sprinkle on top later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Cut the butter into small pieces and place in a medium-large saucepan over low heat. Let the butter melt gently.
- Add Marshmallows and Pudding Mix: Pour the marshmallows into the melted butter, then sprinkle the banana pudding mix over the marshmallows. Stir to combine.
- Stir Until Marshmallows Melt: Stir the mixture every few minutes until about 75% of the marshmallows melt. Remove the pan from heat and continue stirring until fully melted, being careful not to overheat to avoid hard treats.
- Mix with Cereal and Cookies: Pour the melted marshmallow and banana pudding mixture over the cereal and vanilla wafer cookie pieces, stirring until well combined.
- Press Into Pan: Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking pan, gently pressing to create an even layer without compacting too much to keep treats soft.
- Add Cookie Topping: Immediately press the remaining broken vanilla wafer cookie pieces over the top of the pressed mixture.
- Let Set: Allow the treats to rest and set for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Make Vanilla Glaze: While treats set, prepare the glaze by stirring together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk until smooth. If too thick, add more cream or milk in 1/2 teaspoon increments until drizzle consistency is reached.
- Cut and Glaze: Cut the set treats into 12 rectangles or 16 squares. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the treats.
- Final Setting: Let the glazed treats sit for about 30 minutes to allow the glaze to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Do not overheat the marshmallow mixture to avoid hard, chewy treats.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan to maintain the right texture; pressing too hard will make treats dense.
- If glaze is too thick, add additional liquid slowly to avoid a runny glaze.
- Use heavy cream for a richer glaze or milk for a lighter version.
- These treats are best served within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
