A No-Bake Dessert Mash-Up Everyone Will Love
Craving something creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly nostalgic? Whip up these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies for the perfect no-bake dessert that brings together everything you love about classic banana pudding and gooey marshmallow treats.
Introduction
Looking for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Say hello to Banana Pudding Rice Krispies—a mash-up of two all-time favorites: banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats. This no-bake dessert layers a crispy marshmallow cereal base with creamy banana pudding, sliced bananas, whipped cream, and a sweet drizzle of honey. It’s comforting, quick to make, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a summer BBQ, or just need a new treat to surprise your family, this easy and indulgent dessert delivers the best of both worlds. Plus, there’s no need to turn on the oven—perfect for warm-weather days or quick last-minute desserts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the tools, ingredients, steps, and best tips for making Banana Pudding Rice Krispies your new go-to treat.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Time Commitment
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
- Whisk
- Buttered spatula or wax paper
- Knife and cutting board
Servings and Time:
- Servings: 12 squares
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes
This recipe makes a large tray of dessert bars that are ideal for sharing, making it perfect for potlucks, family events, or holidays.
Ingredients
For the Rice Krispies Layer:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 300 grams (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 180 grams (6 cups) Rice Krispies cereal
For the Banana Pudding Layer:
- 1 package instant banana pudding mix (typically 3.4 oz)
- 480 milliliters (2 cups) milk
For the Toppings:
- 2 ripe bananas, sliced
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) whipped cream
- Honey, for drizzling (optional but recommended)
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is texturally layered, visually appealing, and full of banana flavor with a hint of marshmallow sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Marshmallow Rice Krispies Base
Start by melting 3 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Once fully melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This forms the gooey, sweet base of the dessert.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix quickly and thoroughly so that every piece of cereal is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper. Set aside and let it cool completely. This layer needs to be solid before adding any pudding to ensure a firm base.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Pudding
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the banana pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk. Whisk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for an additional 5 minutes to fully set.
Once the pudding has thickened, spread it evenly over the cooled Rice Krispies layer in the pan. This is where the classic banana pudding flavor shines through.
Step 3: Add the Fresh Bananas
Peel and slice two ripe bananas. Arrange the slices over the banana pudding layer in a single, even layer. You can create a pattern or simply distribute them evenly. The fresh bananas add natural sweetness and soft texture that complements the other layers.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Cream
Spoon a generous amount of whipped cream over the banana slices, creating a thick, fluffy layer. Smooth it out gently with a spatula for a clean finish. If you want extra flavor, consider using lightly sweetened whipped cream or adding a splash of vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Finally, drizzle honey over the top of the whipped cream layer. The honey adds a rich sweetness and subtle floral note that enhances the banana flavor beautifully.
At this point, you can serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes to allow the layers to set slightly.
Recommendations for Recipe Success
To ensure your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies come out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use fresh marshmallows. Stale marshmallows don’t melt as well and can affect the texture.
- Work quickly when mixing the Rice Krispies and marshmallows. The mixture becomes harder to spread as it cools.
- Cool the base completely before adding the pudding to avoid melting or sogginess.
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Serve fresh. While the dessert can be chilled, it’s best enjoyed within a few hours of assembling to maintain texture and flavor.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions:
- Cut into squares for easy individual servings.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- Perfect with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. After that, the bananas may brown and the Rice Krispies may soften.
- If preparing ahead, add fresh banana slices just before serving to maintain their color and texture.
- Avoid freezing—this dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped cream and banana pudding layers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant?
Yes, you can substitute homemade banana pudding for a richer flavor, but it will add more prep time. Just be sure the pudding is fully cooled and set before spreading.
2. What kind of whipped cream works best?
You can use homemade whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping. Homemade will give you a fresher taste, while store-bought is quicker and more stable for holding up in the fridge.
3. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, just use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and check the pudding mix label to ensure it’s gluten-free.
4. What can I use instead of honey for the drizzle?
Maple syrup, caramel sauce, or chocolate drizzle can be used as alternatives to honey for extra flavor or variation.
5. How far in advance can I make this dessert?
You can prepare the marshmallow layer and pudding up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble everything, including bananas and whipped cream, just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are the kind of dessert that checks every box: quick, no-bake, full of nostalgic flavors, and easy enough for beginners. This crowd-pleasing treat is perfect for potlucks, family get-togethers, or a fun twist on weeknight dessert. With a base of marshmallow-coated Rice Krispies, a cool banana pudding center, fresh bananas, whipped cream, and a touch of honey, every bite is layered with flavor and texture.
From the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this is a dessert you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and surprise your loved ones with this playful and delicious mash-up today.
Make it once, and you just might find it becomes a new favorite in your recipe collection.
