One afternoon you spot a bunch of bananas getting kind of spotty on the counter and you recall that itch in your brain for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. You remember how that sticky sweet crunch saved your day last time you needed a quick pick me up. It seems wild but when you mix that creamy banana pudding vibe with cereal and marshmallows you get this treat that makes you grin just by thinking about it.
You might be thinking rice krispie squares are old school but dang these bites take it to another level. You picture the broth depth of flavor you get from real mashed bananas and vanilla pudding powder merged into each bite. When you take that first mouthful it is like a hug for your taste buds so you remember that feeling and you wanna share how simple it is.
In your kitchen you line up the pot ready to go and you know that quick release of heat when you tip in the sticky mix is part of the fun. You almost feel like a chef running a fast release cooking session because it all comes together in minutes. So keep reading so you can whip up a batch for movie night or that last minute game day snack.
Why pressure wins hearts bullets five to seven
- You get that perfect soft chewy edge without fuss so you save time
- It locks in creamy pudding vibe well better than stirring on a hot stove
- It helps mash bananas evenly so no big chunks surprise you
- You can use slow release to keep the treat melty warm for guests
- You can turn off the heat and use quick release so your mix sets just right
- It keeps that broth depth of vanilla in every spoonful without scorching
- It makes cleanup easier cause everything slides out of the pot
Ingredient kit rundown eight to ten items
You gather all your stuff before you start cause that way you avoid dropping a marshmallow on the floor and chasing it under the fridge. First up you need about six cups of Rice Krispie cereal so you get that classic crackle and chew. Then grab a small box of instant vanilla pudding powder cause that is the heart of your banana pudding vibe.
Next you need one can of sweetened condensed milk for gooey sticky power and two ripe medium bananas mashed up good. You also want four cups of mini marshmallows to melt into the mix and make it stretch more so you get every nook. Don't forget one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract so your flavor stands out even more.
You will need a nonstick cooking spray for your pan so you can pull the treats out easy. Then you have about a tablespoon of softened butter to help your pot stay slick as you stir. If you like a bit of salt you can toss in a pinch of sea salt flakes to balance sweet. And hey if you want a crunchy twist you could grab handful of chopped nuts or banana chips but that is totally your call.
Step timeline inside the pot six to eight
You start by plugging in your instant pot and hitting the saute function that warms up the bowl. When it reads hot you drop in your tablespoon of butter and swirl it around the base. Next you pour in the sweetened condensed milk and give it a gentle stir just till it warms up a bit.
Then you add your mash bananas and vanilla pudding powder. You keep stirring so the pudding powder dissolves into a smooth sauce that clings to the banana bits. Watch the mixture dont scorch so you stir it slow but steady. You want the broad flavor notes from the mashed fruit and the powder to combine like partners.
Once the sauce is glossy and free of powder lumps you switch off saute and drop in half the mini marshmallows. Close the lid of the pot tight and set sealing position. Hit the manual button on low pressure for one minute. That is kind of like a quick release play cause it traps steam and heat to soften the marshmallows nice.
When the cook cycle beeps you do a quick release of pressure so the pot stops cooking fast. Open carefully cause steam likes to sneak out your way. Then you add the rest of the marshmallows and six cups of Rice Krispie cereal. Use a spatula to fold everything in gently so the cereal keeps its crunch.
You wont see big pockets of unmelted marshmallow if you stir good but if you do you can close the lid and let it sit on warm mode for thirty seconds. That counts as a slow release pause that melts extra bits without cooking more cereal. Finally you spray your pan then press the mix tight into a nine by thirteen dish. Let it cool for fifteen minutes to set so you can cut neat squares.
Shortcut valve tricks three to five
You might skip a step by toasting your cereal in oven for a few minutes. It adds extra crunch and a toast flavor without messing with your pot. Toast first then fold into mix. It is a neat trick that gives your bars a toasty vibe.
If you dont wanna mash bananas by hand you can purée them in a blender with condensed milk. Then pour that blend straight into the pot. That version cuts manual mashing and gives you a smoother sauce.
You can use slow release by switching the valve partway through cook cycle to keep marshmallows melty long enough to stir cereal gently. Then you do a final quick release to lock in texture just before you press the mix into the pan. That gives you perfect edges and soft centers.
First spoonful story
You remember that first warm bite you took straight out of the pot. You thought it might burn your tongue but it was worth the risk. That burst of creamy banana sweetness mixing with hot gooey marshmallows made you laugh out loud. It reminded you of summer days and grandma kitchen visits cause banana pudding always took you back.
The crunch of the Rice Krispie bits gave you little pops of sound in your mouth and it felt dang fun. You could not believe something so easy could taste so dang gourmet. You took a second bite and you knew you had to share this with all your friends. Theyd roll their eyes at rice krispie treats but they couldnt ignore this banana twist.
Leftover jar guide
When you cut leftover squares you can store them in a mason jar for next day snacking. Stack a square then add a piece of parchment paper to keep them from sticking. That way you can grab one on the way to school or work and you dont make a big mess.
If they get a bit stale you can pop them in microwave for ten seconds. It brings back the gooey soft texture like a little quick release of heat. Dont overdo it cause you dont want a soggy mush ball. You are aiming for that just melted marshmallow touch mixed with crisp cereal.
You could also crumble the pieces over vanilla ice cream or banana soft serve. The bits act like crunchy salt holders and give you snack bowl full of sweet salty synergy. Or you can layer crushed treats in a parfait glass with whipped cream and banana slices for a dessert that looks fancy but is crazy easy.
Feel good send off with six FAQs
- Can I use gluten free cereal
Yes you can swap Rice Krispie cereal for a gluten free version. It still clings well to the marshmallow banana blend and tastes nearly the same. - What if I dont have pudding mix
You can skip the instant powder and use homemade pudding. Just whisk milk cornstarch sugar and vanilla then add it to your pot. It takes an extra minute but still works. - Do I need a pot to make these treats
You could melt your mix in a big heavy pan on the stove. It just takes a bit longer to stir and you risk scorching the milk. The instant pot method locks in broth depth of flavor and stops burning. - How ripe should bananas be
Use bananas with some brown spots cause they are sweeter and easier to mash. But avoid ones that are totally black cause texture gets too mushy for treats. - Can I freeze leftovers
Yes wrap squares in parchment then place in freezer safe bag or jar. Thaw at room temp for ten to fifteen minutes before you dig in. - Will scraps stick to the pot
If you spray the pot and stir gently you wont have much stickage. You can also pour hot water into the pot after cooking and let it soak to clean up faster.
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 cooking spray or parchment paper
- 1 set measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (3.4 oz) banana pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sliced bananas (fresh) Use fresh bananas.
- ½ cup whipped topping Optional for garnish.
Instructions
- Prepare your baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the banana pudding mix and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture, stirring until the cereal is evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the sliced bananas, being careful not to mash them.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Press it down evenly with a spatula or your hands (lightly greased to avoid sticking).
- Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then refrigerate for an additional 15 minutes to set.
- Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Optionally, top with whipped topping just before serving.
