If you love the nostalgia of banana pudding and the irresistible crunch of classic Rice Krispies treats, you’re about to meet your new favorite dessert. The Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe is an absolute delight, combining creamy banana flavor, pillowy marshmallows, and the satisfying snap of cereal into one dreamy, no-bake bar. Whether you’re whipping these up for a potluck, a family gathering, or just a little weeknight indulgence, this recipe guarantees big smiles and plenty of recipe requests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe is how it transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each item on this list plays a key role, bringing either flavor, texture, or that signature golden color that makes these bars so inviting.
- Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich, creamy base and helps the marshmallows melt smoothly.
- Mini Marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): The foundation for gooey, chewy treats and a sweet, soft texture.
- Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix (1 3.4-oz box, dry): The secret ingredient that infuses every bite with lush banana flavor—don’t prepare the pudding, just use the dry mix!
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note that rounds out the banana flavor beautifully.
- Rice Krispies Cereal (6 cups): Classic crunch and lightness—these are the backbone of the treat.
- Crushed Vanilla Wafer Cookies (1 cup): Brings in that signature banana pudding nostalgia and a lovely hint of cookie crunch.
- White Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, optional): For a creamy, sweet surprise in every bite (highly recommended for white chocolate fans).
- Freeze-Dried Banana Slices or Chopped Fresh Banana (1/2 cup, optional): For even more banana flavor and a pop of texture—choose freeze-dried for crunch, fresh for softness.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Start by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe bars will lift out easily after cooling, with no sticky mess left behind.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter gently. Once it’s melted, add in all the mini marshmallows at once and stir continuously. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are completely smooth and gooey—this is what binds the treats and gives them that irresistible chew.
Step 3: Add Banana Pudding Mix and Vanilla
With the heat still on low, sprinkle in the dry instant banana cream pudding mix and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until the pudding mix is totally dissolved into the marshmallow mixture, turning it a pale golden color and filling your kitchen with the scent of bananas.
Step 4: Fold in the Cereal and Cookies
Remove the pot from heat. Working quickly, add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafer cookies. Use a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon to fold everything together until the cereal and cookies are evenly coated in the banana-marshmallow mixture.
Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If you’re including white chocolate chips or freeze-dried bananas, now’s the time to gently fold them in. The chips will get a little melty, creating creamy pockets in the bars, while the bananas add extra flavor and texture.
Step 6: Press and Cool
Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan. Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, so they firm up and are easy to cut.
Step 7: Cut and Serve
Once completely cool, slice the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe into squares. Serve and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle extra crushed vanilla wafers or a handful of freeze-dried banana slices over the top before cutting. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can also make your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe look bakery-worthy.
Side Dishes
These bars are quite the treat on their own, but they pair perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or some fresh berries for a bright, fruity contrast. If you’re serving these at a party, offer them alongside a platter of fresh fruit or classic banana pudding for a fun dessert mashup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, use cookie cutters to make fun shapes, or stack the bars in a tall tower on a pretty cake stand. Wrap individual squares in parchment and tie with twine for adorable, portable lunchbox treats. For parties, serve them in cupcake liners for easy grab-and-go snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them chewy and fresh, and makes them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or lunchboxes.
Freezing
While these bars are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month—just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your bars have gotten a little too firm, you can pop a square in the microwave for about 5 to 10 seconds. This softens them up and brings back that gooey, just-made texture. Be careful not to overheat, as the marshmallows can melt quickly.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?
Absolutely! Just be sure to use the same total weight (10 ounces), and chop them into smaller pieces to help them melt quickly and evenly.
Is it okay to use homemade banana pudding instead of the instant mix?
For this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe, instant pudding mix works best because it’s dry and mixes right into the marshmallow base. Homemade pudding is too wet and will make the bars soggy.
What can I use instead of vanilla wafer cookies?
Shortbread cookies or graham crackers will work in a pinch. They add a similar crunch and buttery flavor, though vanilla wafers are classic for that true banana pudding vibe.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
A well-greased pan is key! You can also line your pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting and clean slicing.
Are these treats gluten-free?
The standard Rice Krispies cereal and vanilla wafer cookies do contain gluten, but you can easily swap for gluten-free versions of both to make a gluten-free Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun new spin on classic treats, this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to bring joy to any gathering. Don’t be surprised if these bars disappear before you know it—so grab your ingredients and make a batch today!
Print
Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes cooling time)
- Yield: 12 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe is a delightful no-bake dessert combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with creamy banana pudding flavor. Enhanced with mini marshmallows, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and optional white chocolate chips and freeze-dried bananas, this treat is quick to prepare and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a fun, fruity twist.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana cream pudding mix (dry)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried banana slices or chopped fresh banana
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously and set it aside. This will prevent the mixture from sticking and make cutting easier later.
- Melt Butter and Marshmallows: In a large pot over medium-low heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Pudding Mix and Vanilla: Stir in the dry banana pudding mix and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined, ensuring the pudding flavor is evenly distributed throughout the melted marshmallow base.
- Fold in Cereal and Cookies: Remove the pot from heat. Quickly fold in the 6 cups of Rice Krispies cereal along with 1 cup of crushed vanilla wafer cookies, ensuring all dry ingredients are coated evenly with the marshmallow mixture.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: If using, gently fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips and 1/2 cup freeze-dried banana slices or chopped fresh banana to add extra texture and banana flavor.
- Press Into Pan: Using a greased spatula or a sheet of wax paper, press the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared baking dish to create a compact layer.
- Cool and Set: Let the dessert cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it firms up and is easy to cut into squares.
- Serve: Cut into 12 squares and serve. Enjoy this sweet, crunchy banana pudding treat!
Notes
- For extra banana flavor, add a few drops of banana extract to the marshmallow mixture.
- You can layer sliced fresh bananas on top before serving for added freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
