There's something magical about the combination of banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats. The creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana pudding pairs perfectly with the chewy, marshmallow-filled crunch of classic Rice Krispies. This recipe is a fun, no-bake dessert that delivers the best of both worlds in every bite.
I first created these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies when I was craving something sweet but didn't want to turn on the oven. Inspired by my love for classic Southern banana pudding, I decided to combine it with an easy Rice Krispies treat. The result? A soft, gooey, banana-infused delight that disappeared from the kitchen in minutes.
Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
If you're looking for an easy dessert that everyone will rave about, this is it! These treats are packed with banana flavor, soft marshmallows, and crunchy Rice Krispies—making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
First off, this recipe is quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes of prep, you'll have a batch ready in no time. Perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight cravings!
You'll also love how unique and nostalgic these treats are. If you grew up enjoying banana pudding at family gatherings, this recipe brings that comforting taste into a fun new form.
Plus, they're no-bake and hassle-free. No need to turn on the oven—just melt, mix, and enjoy!
Lastly, this recipe is perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a party, school event, or simply as a treat for your family, these bars are easy to transport and serve.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies lies in a few key ingredients that bring all the flavors together.
Banana pudding mix is the star ingredient here. It gives these treats their signature banana flavor without overpowering the marshmallowy goodness. Be sure to use instant pudding mix, as cook-and-serve pudding won't work the same way.
Marshmallows provide the gooey, chewy texture that makes Rice Krispies treats irresistible. I recommend using mini marshmallows for easier melting and an even consistency.
Rice Krispies cereal gives these bars their light, crispy crunch. You can use any brand of crispy rice cereal, but I find that the classic version holds up best in this recipe.
Vanilla wafers add that signature banana pudding taste and a slight crunch. Crush them up and mix them in for extra flavor and texture.
Butter is essential for creating that rich, buttery base. Use unsalted butter to control the sweetness and let the banana flavor shine.
A banana extract (optional) can boost the banana flavor even more, especially if you want an extra punch of fruitiness.
How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
Making these banana pudding-inspired treats is as simple as melting, mixing, and pressing into a pan. Let’s go step by step.
Start by preparing a 9x13-inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make slicing easier.
Next, in a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Once melted, add in the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until fully melted and smooth. Be sure to keep the heat low so the marshmallows don’t burn.
Once the marshmallows are melted, stir in the banana pudding mix until fully incorporated. If you want a stronger banana flavor, this is the time to add a drop or two of banana extract as well.
Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Stir until everything is well coated with the marshmallow mixture.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly using a buttered spatula or greased hands. Let the bars cool and set for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Enjoy as-is or top with a drizzle of white chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Storage Options
To keep your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to three days—if they last that long!
For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften up again.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few fun variations:
- Chocolate Banana Twist – Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a banana-chocolate combo.
- Peanut Butter Banana – Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter with the melted marshmallows for a nutty twist.
- Extra Creamy – Fold in some crushed freeze-dried bananas for an even more intense banana flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows to make a dairy-free version.
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap the vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies to make this recipe gluten-free.
No matter how you make them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies will be a hit with kids and adults alike. Give them a try and watch them disappear!
PrintBanana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe combines the classic flavors of banana pudding with the crispy, gooey texture of Rice Krispies treats. Made with marshmallows, banana pudding mix, and vanilla wafers, this dessert is a fun and tasty twist on a childhood favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 10 oz marshmallows
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large pot, melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and banana pudding mix until well combined.
- Fold in Rice Krispies cereal and mix until fully coated.
- Gently mix in crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips (if using).
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down evenly.
- Let cool, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra banana flavor, add ½ cup mashed banana.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for a sweeter touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
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