Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats. The creamy, nostalgic flavor of banana pudding meets the chewy, crunchy texture of a classic Rice Krispies treat, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you're making these for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

I first tried banana pudding Rice Krispies when experimenting with different flavors in my kitchen. After one bite, I knew I had struck gold—each square was packed with banana flavor, a touch of vanilla, and the perfect amount of marshmallow gooeyness. Plus, they’re so easy to make, coming together in just about 15 minutes!

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this sweet and crunchy twist on a classic treat. These banana pudding Rice Krispies treats are everything you didn’t know you needed in a dessert.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. You don’t need an oven, and the whole process takes just minutes—perfect for last-minute sweet cravings.

The banana flavor is rich but not overwhelming. Thanks to banana pudding mix, you get a natural banana taste that pairs beautifully with the crispy cereal and gooey marshmallow base.

They’re also a great make-ahead dessert. These treats hold up well for days, making them perfect for lunchboxes, parties, or just a quick snack throughout the week.

Lastly, this recipe is totally customizable. Whether you want to add vanilla wafers for a crunch, drizzle with white chocolate, or mix in some fresh banana slices, you can make it your own.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these banana pudding Rice Krispies treats comes from a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a key role in flavor and texture.

Rice Krispies cereal provides the signature crunch in every bite. Be sure to use fresh cereal for the best texture—stale Rice Krispies can result in less-than-perfect treats.

Mini marshmallows create the chewy, gooey base that holds everything together. You’ll want to use fresh marshmallows, as older ones don’t melt as smoothly. If you love extra gooey treats, save a handful to mix in at the end.

Banana pudding mix is the star ingredient, giving these bars their classic banana pudding flavor. Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety.

Butter adds richness and helps the marshmallows melt into a smooth, creamy mixture. I prefer unsalted butter, but if you only have salted, it works just fine.

For an extra banana pudding touch, you can crush vanilla wafers and mix them in or sprinkle them on top. They add a delightful crunch and enhance the nostalgic flavor.

How To Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Making these banana pudding Rice Krispies treats is as easy as 1-2-3. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. You want it to be completely melted but not browned. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a smooth, sticky mixture.

Once the marshmallows are fully melted, stir in the banana pudding mix. Make sure to mix it well so that the banana flavor is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture.

Remove the pot from the heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Stir quickly but carefully to coat all of the cereal with the marshmallow mixture without crushing it.

For extra gooeyness, add in a handful of mini marshmallows at the very end before pressing the mixture into a greased pan. This creates little pockets of unmelted marshmallow throughout the treats.

Once in the pan, lightly press down the mixture with a spatula or buttered hands. Be careful not to pack it too tightly—this keeps the treats soft and chewy rather than dense.

Let them cool for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares. If desired, sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence.

Storage Options

These banana pudding Rice Krispies treats store beautifully, making them a great make-ahead dessert.

To keep them fresh at room temperature, store them in an airtight container for up to three days. If layering, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but note that they may become slightly firmer. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

You can also freeze these treats for up to two months. Wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste!

Want a stronger banana flavor? Add a teaspoon of banana extract to the melted marshmallow mixture.

For extra crunch, mix in some crushed vanilla wafers along with the Rice Krispies cereal or press them into the top before the treats set.

If you love a chocolate-banana combo, drizzle the bars with melted white or milk chocolate for a decadent twist.

Need a dairy-free version? Use vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows—just be sure to check that your pudding mix is dairy-free too.

Experiment and make it your own! No matter how you customize them, these banana pudding Rice Krispies treats are guaranteed to be a hit.

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