If you adore playful treats that bring together nostalgia and bold new flavors, you’re in for a giddy surprise with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. Imagine soft, gooey marshmallow bars laced with creamy banana pudding, crunchy vanilla wafers, and a sprinkle of white chocolate chips for a sunny twist on a childhood classic. These bars are irresistible for kids and adults alike, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or anytime you need a dessert that wows without any baking fuss.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats rests in how a handful of ingredients transform into a dessert sensation. Each simple component brings a special something: flavor, crunch, sweetness, or that signature creamy banana pudding note everyone loves.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps everything meld together for that perfect chewy bite.
Mini marshmallows: The gooey glue holding it all together and providing that classic, soft texture.
Instant banana pudding mix (dry): Brings the dreamy, authentic banana pudding flavor into every bite—use it dry to infuse the whole mixture.
Rice Krispies cereal: The foundation of every great Rice Krispie treat—light, crispy, and quick to coat.
Crushed vanilla wafers: For a nostalgic cookie crunch that mimics Southern banana pudding layers.
White chocolate chips (optional): A creamy, sweet extra that melts just enough for little pools of white chocolate throughout.
Whipped cream and banana slices for garnish (optional): Instantly upgrades the look and taste for serving, making each square feel like a mini sundae.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats will pop out perfectly when it’s time to slice and share. Set it aside within easy reach, as you’ll need to act swiftly once your mixture is ready.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling it around the pan for even coverage. Toss in the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly as they melt down into a smooth, glossy coating. Keep stirring to avoid any bits sticking to the bottom—this is the magical moment that gives the treats their signature chewy texture.

Step 3: Stir In the Banana Pudding Mix

Take the pot off the heat and quickly sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix right over the melted marshmallow base. Stir vigorously to fully incorporate it. This is where the magic happens—suddenly, you’ll catch that irresistible scent of sweet, creamy bananas.

Step 4: Add Cereal and Vanilla Wafers

Without delay, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and the crushed vanilla wafers. Gently mix until every puffed grain and cookie crumb is coated in the banana-marshmallow mixture. If you like a burst of creamy sweetness, toss in those white chocolate chips now while everything is still warm (just not too hot—they’re best slightly melty, not liquid).

Step 5: Press and Cool

Scrape the mixture into your prepared pan, then use a spatula or wax paper to press it down evenly. Be firm but gentle to keep the treats tender. Set the pan aside to cool at room temperature—no fridge required. Once fully set, slice into generous squares. If you’re feeling fancy, add a swirl of whipped cream and a couple of banana slices for the finishing touch.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Topping your treats with freshly sliced bananas and a cloud of whipped cream will transform them from casual snack to show-stopping dessert. For special occasions, sprinkle over a few extra crushed vanilla wafers or shave some white chocolate on top—this little extra brings out the best in your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats.

Side Dishes

For a playful dessert platter, pair these treats with fresh berries, lemon bars, or chocolate brownies. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats love a little contrast, so pair them with tart or chocolatey sides for a satisfying dessert medley at parties or picnics.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for birthdays, or stack mini-squares high on a cake stand for a brunch buffet. For a grab-and-go twist, wrap individual treats in parchment and tie with twine—a sweet favor that’s as good-looking as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any extras in an airtight container at room temperature, and your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats will stay fresh for up to three days. If possible, wait to add any whipped cream or banana garnish until just before serving to keep things perky and delicious.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these bars freeze surprisingly well. Slice the treats first, then layer them between sheets of wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep their chewy texture for up to two months—just let them come to room temp before indulging.

Reheating

No need to reheat, but if you’re looking for a super gooey bite, zap individual bars in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. This softens the marshmallow and brings each Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treat back to that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Chop up large marshmallows if needed and melt them as directed. Just keep in mind that mini marshmallows tend to melt a bit quicker and more evenly.

Do I need to prepare the pudding first?

Nope, use the dry instant banana pudding mix directly. That’s the secret to infusing maximum banana flavor into the marshmallow mixture without altering the texture.

Are there gluten-free options for these treats?

Yes! Make sure your Rice Krispies are certified gluten-free and pick gluten-free vanilla wafers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats accessible for many guests.

Can I add real bananas into the mixture?

For best results, stick with fresh banana slices as a garnish. Mixing fresh banana into the bars can make them soggy over time and shorten the shelf life considerably.

What’s the best way to cut clean squares?

Let the bars cool completely before slicing, and use a sharp knife—lightly greasing the blade can help prevent sticking and leave every square looking bakery-ready.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to impress at your next get-together or just add a little sunshine to your day, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing spin on two beloved desserts. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over—it’s that irresistible! Give them a try soon, and get ready to share.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

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4.9 from 29 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 this easy and no-bake dessert recipe. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are perfect for any occasion and will surely be a hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 (10-ounce) bag mini marshmallows
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant banana pudding mix (dry, not prepared)
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
whipped cream and banana slices for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the dry banana pudding mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
If using, fold in white chocolate chips while the mixture is still warm but not hot (to prevent melting).
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula or wax paper.
Let cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. Top with whipped cream and banana slices just before serving, if desired.