Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There's something irresistible about the classic combination of banana pudding and crispy, marshmallowy treats. Imagine the creamy, nostalgic flavors of banana pudding infused into a chewy, crunchy Rice Krispies bar—pure magic! This fun twist on a beloved dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, after-school snacks, or just a sweet pick-me-up during the day.

this Recipe

I first came up with this recipe when I was craving banana pudding but wanted something a little easier to grab and go. The result? A no-bake dessert that blends everything you love about the classic pudding with the satisfying crunch of a Rice Krispies treat. It’s quick to whip up, requires minimal ingredients, and disappears faster than you can say "banana bliss!"

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sweet treat. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies combine two classic desserts into one delightful bite.

First, they’re super easy to make—no baking required! With just a few ingredients and a stovetop, you’ll have a batch ready in under 20 minutes.

They’re also bursting with banana flavor. Thanks to banana pudding mix, these treats have that signature creamy, fruity taste without needing fresh bananas, making them great for meal prep or gifting.

If you love nostalgia, this recipe is for you. It tastes just like classic banana pudding, complete with crushed vanilla wafers mixed in for that extra crunch.

Finally, these bars are perfectly portable. Unlike traditional pudding, you can pack these treats in a lunchbox, take them to a picnic, or serve them at parties without worrying about refrigeration.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies comes from a few key ingredients that work together to create that rich, nostalgic flavor.

Marshmallows are the base of any good Rice Krispies treat. For the best results, use fresh mini marshmallows, as they melt more evenly than larger ones. They give these bars their signature chewy texture.

Banana pudding mix is the star ingredient. A small box of instant banana pudding adds that unmistakable banana flavor without overpowering the sweetness of the marshmallows.

Rice Krispies cereal provides the crispy, crunchy texture that makes these treats so satisfying. Be sure to use fresh cereal for the best results—stale cereal won’t give you that perfect bite.

Vanilla wafers take these treats to the next level. Crushed up and mixed into the bars, they mimic the layers of banana pudding and add a rich, buttery crunch.

A little butter helps keep everything soft and gooey. Salted butter adds a subtle balance to the sweetness, but you can use unsalted butter if you prefer.

How To Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies is as simple as it gets, and the process is just as fun as the final product.

Start by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add your mini marshmallows, stirring constantly. Keep the heat low to avoid scorching the marshmallows—you want them to melt slowly into a smooth, sticky mixture.

Once the marshmallows are completely melted, sprinkle in the banana pudding mix. Stir well to ensure the pudding mix dissolves evenly, creating a thick, banana-scented marshmallow base.

Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir gently but efficiently to coat every piece of cereal in that sweet, banana-flavored mixture.

Next, add the crushed vanilla wafers. The heat from the marshmallow mixture will soften them slightly while still keeping that signature crunch. Stir until just combined.

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Use a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands to press the mixture evenly into the pan—don’t press too hard, or your treats may turn out too dense.

Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing into bars. This waiting time lets them set properly, ensuring they hold their shape while still being soft and chewy.

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat.

To keep them fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If stacking, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften.

Avoid refrigerating these treats, as the cold can make them too hard and chewy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are a few fun ways to switch things up:

If you want a stronger banana flavor, add a few drops of banana extract when stirring in the pudding mix.

For a chocolatey twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips along with the crushed vanilla wafers. Banana and chocolate are a match made in heaven!

Want an extra creamy texture? Drizzle melted white chocolate over the finished bars before serving.

If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the vanilla wafers for gluten-free cookies or omit them entirely. Most brands of Rice Krispies cereal are gluten-free, but double-check the label just to be safe.

For a healthier take, use brown rice cereal and swap the butter for coconut oil. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor is still delicious!

However you choose to make them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are sure to be a hit. Try them out, share them with friends, and enjoy every banana-filled, crispy bite!

Print