Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There's nothing quite like the nostalgic taste of banana pudding—creamy vanilla, ripe bananas, and that hint of Nilla wafer crunch. But what if you could enjoy all that classic flavor in a fun, no-bake treat? Enter Banana Pudding Rice Krispies, a delightful twist on the beloved marshmallow squares that combines gooey, crispy rice cereal with the rich flavors of banana pudding.

I first whipped up a batch of these when I was craving banana pudding but didn’t have the patience to wait for it to set. The result? A chewy, marshmallowy bar that disappeared in record time. Whether you need a quick dessert for a potluck or just want to shake up your Rice Krispies game, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s both nostalgic and innovative. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are everything you love about classic Rice Krispies Treats, with a creamy banana twist.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes.

They’re also bursting with flavor. Thanks to instant banana pudding mix, these bars have a rich banana essence without needing fresh fruit, making them perfect for any time of year.

Plus, they’re perfectly chewy with a hint of crunch. The combination of melted marshmallows, crispy rice cereal, and crushed vanilla wafers creates an irresistible texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Best of all, they’re great for sharing. Whether you’re making them for a party, school event, or just because, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies lies in the simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering that classic banana pudding flavor in an easy, handheld treat.

Rice Krispies cereal forms the base of these treats. Its light, crispy texture balances perfectly with the gooey marshmallow mixture, ensuring every bite is satisfying.

Mini marshmallows are key to achieving that signature chewiness. They melt into a sticky, sweet binder that holds everything together. Using mini marshmallows helps them melt faster and more evenly.

Banana pudding mix is what gives these bars their rich, banana flavor. Be sure to use instant pudding mix, as the cook-and-serve variety won’t work the same way. A small box is all you need to infuse these treats with just the right amount of banana goodness.

Vanilla wafers add a nostalgic crunch and extra flavor depth. Crushed up and mixed in, they mimic the classic pairing found in traditional banana pudding.

Butter and vanilla extract bring extra richness and flavor. The butter helps smooth out the melted marshmallow mixture, while a splash of vanilla enhances the pudding flavor even more.

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe—just a large pot, a spatula, and a baking dish lined with parchment paper to make removal a breeze.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies is as easy as can be, and the results are absolutely irresistible. Let’s walk through the simple steps to get these treats from your kitchen to your taste buds.

Start by preparing a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with butter. This will prevent sticking and make cutting the bars easier later.

In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add in one bag (10 ounces) of mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until they’re completely melted and smooth.

As soon as the marshmallows are melted, sprinkle in half of a 3.4-ounce box of banana pudding mix and stir quickly to combine. The pudding mix will start to dissolve, infusing the marshmallow mixture with delicious banana flavor.

Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated, then add in 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafers, folding gently so they don’t break down too much.

Quickly transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly with a buttered spatula or wax paper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to firm up before cutting into squares.

Storage Options

If you manage to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), these treats store beautifully.

To keep them fresh and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for up to 3 days.

If you need to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may firm up slightly. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Want to make them ahead? Freeze them for up to a month by wrapping each bar individually in plastic wrap and storing them in a zip-top bag. Just thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun ways to switch things up.

If you want extra banana flavor, toss in a handful of freeze-dried banana slices or banana chips for even more texture and taste.

For a chocolatey twist, drizzle melted white or milk chocolate over the bars before they set. The combination of banana and chocolate is always a winner.

Looking for a healthier version? Swap out half the marshmallows for peanut butter to add protein and a delicious nutty flavor.

If you don’t have vanilla wafers, graham crackers or shortbread cookies make a great substitute, adding their own unique crunch.

Try a tropical version by mixing in some shredded coconut and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a banana coconut cream pie-inspired twist.

No matter how you customize them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are sure to be a hit. Give them a try and see just how quickly they disappear!

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