Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy banana pudding and crispy, chewy Rice Krispies treats. The sweet banana flavor, the nostalgic vanilla wafer crunch, and the gooey marshmallow goodness come together in a dessert that’s both familiar and unexpected.

this Recipe

I first came up with this recipe when I was looking for a fun way to merge two of my favorite childhood treats. A batch of banana pudding and a plate of Rice Krispies treats were staring at me from the kitchen counter, and I thought, why not combine them? After a little experimenting, I landed on this irresistibly delicious mash-up.

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite no-bake dessert! This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe takes everything you love about classic banana pudding and combines it with the crispy, chewy texture of a Rice Krispies treat.

First, it's quick and easy to make. In less than 20 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these treats with just a handful of ingredients.

Second, it's a nostalgic favorite with a twist. If you grew up loving banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats separately, this recipe brings both flavors together in one delicious bite.

It’s also perfect for any occasion—whether you need a fun dessert for a party, a sweet treat for the kids, or just a creative way to satisfy your banana pudding cravings.

Finally, these bars hold their shape well, making them great for travel, lunchboxes, or serving at a potluck. No spoons required!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients, each playing a key role in bringing the banana pudding experience to life.

Marshmallows are the glue that holds everything together. I recommend using mini marshmallows because they melt more evenly, giving you that perfectly chewy texture. If all you have are large marshmallows, just be sure to cut them into smaller pieces before melting.

Rice Krispies cereal provides that signature crunch. For the best results, use a fresh, unopened box to ensure the cereal stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy when mixed with the marshmallow coating.

Banana pudding mix is the key to getting that rich banana flavor without needing fresh bananas, which could introduce too much moisture. A small box of instant banana pudding mix blends perfectly into the melted marshmallow mixture, giving it an authentic taste.

Vanilla wafers add that classic banana pudding crunch. Crushed into small pieces, they distribute throughout the bars, mimicking the layered texture of traditional banana pudding.

Butter gives these treats a silky richness, preventing them from getting too sticky and adding depth to the flavor.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Making these bars is as simple as whipping up a batch of classic Rice Krispies treats, with just a few fun tweaks to incorporate that banana pudding flavor.

Start by melting butter in a large pot over low heat. Once it's fully melted, add in the mini marshmallows and stir constantly until they are completely smooth and gooey. This step is crucial—keeping the heat low prevents the marshmallows from scorching.

Once the marshmallows are melted, whisk in the banana pudding mix. Stir quickly and thoroughly to ensure the pudding powder dissolves evenly, infusing the entire mixture with a creamy banana flavor.

Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Work quickly, using a spatula to coat every piece of cereal while still keeping the wafers intact for added texture.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Lightly press it down with a buttered spatula (or wax paper) to create an even layer. Be careful not to press too hard—overpacking the mixture can make the bars too dense instead of light and chewy.

Let the bars cool for about 30 minutes at room temperature before slicing into squares. If you're in a hurry, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the setting process.

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats store well, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. However, keep in mind that refrigeration can make them a bit firmer, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating.

Freezing is also an option! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw for about 20 minutes at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

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

For a chocolatey twist, drizzle the finished bars with melted white or milk chocolate. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the banana pudding flavor.

If you prefer a stronger banana taste, mix in some freeze-dried banana slices before pressing the mixture into the pan. They’ll add an extra layer of fruity goodness without adding moisture.

Want to make them extra gooey? Stir in an extra cup of marshmallows right before adding the cereal, leaving little pockets of melty goodness throughout the bars.

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crisped rice cereal and swap the vanilla wafers for a gluten-free alternative.

No banana pudding mix on hand? No problem! Try using vanilla pudding mix with a teaspoon of banana extract for a similar flavor profile.

No matter how you make them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies treats are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and give them a try—you just might find your new favorite dessert!

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