If you love the dreamy nostalgia of banana pudding and the gooey comfort of Rice Krispie Treats, you’re in for a real treat with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! Imagine the best of both worlds: crispy cereal, sweet marshmallow, buttery vanilla wafer crumbs, and that unmistakable banana cream flavor all coming together into a luscious, no-bake bar. It’s a snack you’ll find yourself craving all day long. Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a picnic, or just to satisfy a banana dessert craving, these bars turn simple pantry staples into a truly unforgettable dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats lies in just how accessible and straight-up fun the ingredients are! Each one brings something unique, whether it’s sweetness, crunch, or that signature banana flavor you can’t resist, making every bite as joyful as the last.

Instant banana cream pudding mix: Adds a huge burst of real banana cream flavor straight into the treats—make sure to use it dry, not prepared!
Crispy rice cereal: Brings the iconic light, crispy texture that makes every bar pop and crackle.
Crushed vanilla wafers: Adds buttery crunch and that classic Southern banana pudding note.
Unsalted butter: Rich, melty goodness that helps bind everything and gives these treats a comforting depth.
Mini marshmallows: Create that sweet, gooey base; these little pillows of sugar are the backbone of every delicious bite.
Vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla wakes up all the flavors, tying the pudding and wafers together.
Mashed ripe banana: Real banana gives natural sweetness and moisture—use a ripe one for the best flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and deepens the banana flavor even more.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Before you dive into mixing, set yourself up for success by prepping your 9×13-inch pan with either nonstick spray or parchment paper. This ensures that your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats pop out beautifully once they’re cooled—no sticky mess, just perfect squares ready to devour!

Step 2: Combine Cereals and Cookies

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss together your crispy rice cereal and the crushed vanilla wafers. The combination infuses that classic pudding vibe and adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch that elevates the finished treats.

Step 3: Melt the Gooey Base

In a big saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until silky. Add in your mini marshmallows, dry banana pudding mix, mashed banana, salt, and that splash of vanilla extract. Stir everything constantly, letting the marshmallows melt completely, until you have a creamy, glossy banana-infused sauce that smells absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Bring the Magic Together

Now the real fun begins! Working quickly, pour your warm, banana-marshmallow mixture over the cereal and cookie crumbs. Stir super fast so that every bit gets coated and sticky. It comes together easily—and it’s honestly a great upper arm workout!

Step 5: Press and Cool

Transfer your mixture into the prepared pan. Use a greased spatula or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture down tightly and evenly. Give the treats some time to cool completely before cutting; this helps them hold their shape and makes for cleaner, more satisfying squares.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Dress up your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats with an extra sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers or a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you want more banana flavor, try a quick drizzle of banana-flavored glaze or even a few curls of white chocolate on top. These easy touches add flair and make your treats look totally bakery-worthy!

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet bars with a small cup of cold milk for pure comfort, or set them out alongside a fruit salad at brunch. They even work as a fun, sweet finish after barbecue or fried chicken—just like classic banana pudding itself. Serve with fresh berries for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and potlucks, slice your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats into mini bites and serve on cute cupcake liners or skewered with festive toothpicks. Stack them tall for a wow-factor display, or wrap individual squares in parchment and ribbon as take-home favors for guests. You can even cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters to match any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll taste best within the first day or two, as the banana flavor is freshest and the texture stays crispy. Try to keep them away from humid spaces to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Need to make ahead? You can freeze Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats! Just layer squares between pieces of wax or parchment paper, seal tightly in a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp before serving—just note that the cereal may lose a bit of crispness after thawing.

Reheating

Usually, these treats are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you want a softer, gooier bite, zap a square in the microwave for about 5 seconds. It warms them slightly and brings out the marshmallowy magic again. Don’t overheat or you’ll end up with a melty mess!

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely, just chop them into smaller pieces first so they melt evenly. You’ll need about 5 1/2 cups in total to match the mini size amount.

What if I can’t find banana cream pudding mix?

You can substitute vanilla pudding mix for a mellow banana vibe, then add an extra tablespoon or two of mashed ripe banana. The flavor won’t be quite as bold, but it’s still delicious!

Are these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal and gluten-free vanilla wafers, your treats will be gluten-free. Always double-check packaging, as some brands contain trace amounts of gluten.

How do I crush the vanilla wafers without making a mess?

The easiest way is to pop whole wafers in a zip-top bag and gently crush with a rolling pin or the bottom of a saucepan. You want small crumbs, but a few larger crunchy bits are extra tasty!

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! If you want a bigger batch of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats for a party, double the ingredients and prepare in two pans rather than one—they can get tricky to mix all at once if you try a single giant batch.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the pure, cozy joy of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in your own kitchen! They’re the best kind of crowd-pleaser: quick to whip up, bursting with playful banana flavor, and always disappearing faster than you’d expect. Give this recipe a try, share with friends—or secretly save a few just for yourself!

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of banana pudding and rice krispie treats with these scrumptious Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. A fun twist on a classic dessert that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Pudding Mix:

1 (3.4-ounce) box instant banana cream pudding mix (dry, not prepared)

For the Rice Krispie Treats:

6 cups crispy rice cereal
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows (about 5 1/2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup mashed ripe banana (about half a banana)
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Cereal and Wafers: In a large bowl, combine the crispy rice cereal and crushed vanilla wafers.
Melt Marshmallow Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows, dry banana pudding mix, mashed banana, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted mixture over the cereal and cookie crumbs. Stir to coat evenly.
Press and Cool: Press the mixture into the prepared pan. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Notes

For extra banana flavor, consider drizzling with banana-flavored glaze or adding more crushed vanilla wafers on top.
Best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American