These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect mix of creamy banana pudding flavor and gooey marshmallow crunch. If you love the best banana pudding recipe but want something even easier, this no-bake dessert will become your new favorite. It tastes like banana pudding and marshmallow squares had a sweet little baby. Whether you’re packing lunchboxes, hosting friends, or just craving something sweet, these bars are the kind of treat that makes everyone smile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick banana pudding flavor: All the creamy taste without the long chilling time.
- No-bake magic: You can make these in 20 minutes flat, no oven required.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Everyone loves the chewy crunch of gourmet Rice Krispie Treats with a banana twist.
- Perfect for parties: Serve them as banana pudding bars or wrap them individually for easy gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Rice Krispies cereal: The classic base that gives every bite its crispy crunch.
- Butter: For richness and that buttery flavor we love in the best Rice Krispie Treats recipe.
- Mini marshmallows: These melt into the perfect sticky base—plus a handful reserved for extra gooey texture.
- Banana pudding mix: Use instant pudding for convenience. It gives that creamy banana flavor without extra steps.
- Milk: Helps blend the pudding into the melted marshmallow for a silky finish.
- Vanilla wafers: Crushed and sprinkled for that banana pudding recipe from scratch flavor everyone knows and loves.
- Sliced bananas (optional): Add them just before serving for a fresh, creamy layer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt the butter and marshmallows
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and glossy. Keep the heat low to prevent burning.
Step 2: Stir in the banana pudding mix
Once the marshmallows are melted, whisk in the dry banana pudding mix and milk. Stir until creamy and combined.
Step 3: Add the Rice Krispies cereal
Remove the pot from heat and quickly fold in the Rice Krispies cereal. Mix gently until the cereal is evenly coated with the banana pudding mixture.
Step 4: Press into a pan
Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and press the mixture evenly into it using a greased spatula. Don’t press too hard—keep them light and airy.
Step 5: Add toppings and chill
Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers on top. Chill for 20 minutes to set before cutting into squares.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- For extra banana flavor, drizzle melted white chocolate and sprinkle freeze-dried banana chips on top.
- Use chocolate pudding instead of banana for a banana pudding brownies twist.
- If you’re short on time, skip the chilling step and enjoy them warm for that freshly mixed, gooey texture.
- For a gourmet Rice Krispie Treat look, dip half of each bar in melted chocolate and let it harden before serving.
Serving & Storage
These bars are best served slightly chilled or at room temperature. They’re perfect for picnics, school events, or cozy movie nights. I love serving them alongside coffee or tea for grown-ups and milk for the kids. You can also enjoy them after a summer meal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
To store, keep the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If adding fresh bananas, eat within 24 hours for best texture. To soften chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add mini marshmallows and stir until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk in the dry banana pudding mix and milk. Stir until creamy and fully combined.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan using a greased spatula. Do not compact too tightly.
- Sprinkle crushed vanilla wafers over the top. Chill for 20 minutes before cutting into squares.
- Optional: Top with sliced bananas just before serving.
Notes
- For extra banana flavor, drizzle melted white chocolate or sprinkle freeze-dried banana chips on top.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Add fresh bananas only before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of instant mix?
Absolutely. A homemade banana pudding recipe gives these treats a rich, authentic flavor. Just make sure it’s thick and cool before mixing it into the marshmallows.
What’s the secret to making the best Rice Krispie Treats recipe?
The trick is low heat and patience. Melt the marshmallows slowly so they stay soft and stretchy. Press gently into the pan so the bars stay light and chewy, not dense.
Can I make these into Banana Pudding Bars for a party?
Yes! Just press them into a lined baking dish, chill, and cut into neat squares. Wrap each in parchment for a clean, easy grab-and-go dessert. They’re a hit at potlucks and family gatherings.
How do I make Rice Krispie Treats variations with other pudding flavors?
Try swapping banana for vanilla, coconut, or chocolate pudding for fun Rice Krispie Treats variations. Each flavor changes the vibe—vanilla is classic, coconut tastes tropical, and chocolate feels rich and indulgent.
Can I make a quick banana pudding version without cereal?
Sure thing. Skip the cereal and layer pudding, crushed wafers, and whipped cream for a quick banana pudding dessert. But once you try it with Rice Krispies, you’ll see why this combo works so beautifully.
Final Thoughts from Ama
Some desserts just make you happy, and this one does it every time. The first bite of creamy banana, buttery crunch, and sweet marshmallow feels like childhood in the best way. Even if it isn’t perfect, it will still taste wonderful. So don’t wait for a special occasion, whip up a batch tonight. Around here, it’s the little things like this that make ordinary days feel special.
Simple food, big heart.