Have you ever craved a dessert that perfectly blends creamy banana flavor with a crispy, gooey bite? If you’re anything like me, you love a quick homemade sweet that wows a crowd without keeping you tied to the kitchen. That’s exactly what these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies deliver—a no-bake, kid-friendly treat inspired by the classic Southern dessert we all know and love.

Picture the comforting taste of banana pudding paired with the satisfying crunch of Rice Krispies, all wrapped up in a marshmallowy, melt-in-your-mouth square. Whether you need a crowd-pleaser for a family gathering or a fun snack for the kids, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So, grab your mixing bowl—it’s time to whip up a dessert that’ll blow your mind and satisfy every sweet tooth in the room!

Key Benefits:

Why will these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies blow your mind? Let me tell you—you’re about to fall in love with this dessert for so many reasons. Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or someone who prefers easy, no-fuss recipes, this treat has you covered.

Here’s what makes this recipe a standout:

No-Bake Simplicity: No need to preheat your oven—this is a quick, stovetop dessert that comes together in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those busy days when you still want something homemade.
Creamy Banana Goodness: The instant banana pudding mix infuses every bite with a rich, nostalgic flavor, taking classic Rice Krispies Treats to the next level.
Crispy, Gooey Perfection: That satisfying crunch from the Rice Krispies, balanced with the soft, marshmallowy gooeyness—it’s a texture match made in dessert heaven.
Kid-Approved and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making them for a school bake sale, a potluck, or just a sweet family snack, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Customizable for Extra Indulgence: From a white chocolate drizzle to crushed vanilla wafers on top, you can easily make this treat your own.

Bonus: They store well, making them ideal for make-ahead planning or prepping sweet lunchbox surprises.

Once you try them, you’ll see—this recipe isn’t just a snack; it’s a dessert experience. Ready to dive in? Let’s check out what you’ll need to bring this magic to life!

Ingredients:

Before we get cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies. Don’t worry—most of these ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the best part is, you probably already have most of them on hand!

Here’s what you’ll need:

5 cups Rice Krispies cereal – The classic base of this treat. The crispy texture is essential for that satisfying crunch.
1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies – These add a delicious, subtle banana pudding flavor and a little extra crunch. You can easily crush them by placing them in a bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin!
1/4 cup instant banana pudding mix – This is where the magic happens. The banana pudding mix gives the dessert its creamy, rich banana flavor.
1/4 cup unsalted butter – For melting with the marshmallows and creating that gooey texture we all love.
1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows – These will melt into a gooey, marshmallowy base, making everything stick together in the best way.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract – A little hint of vanilla brings out the sweetness in the marshmallows and pudding.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional) – For an indulgent drizzle on top, though you can skip them if you’re looking to keep things lighter.
1 banana, sliced (for garnish, optional) – Fresh banana slices are a perfect finishing touch to make these treats look as delicious as they taste!

Pro Tips for Ingredient Prep:

Crush the vanilla wafers well: You don’t want large chunks in the bars, so crush them finely to mix evenly with the Rice Krispies.
Use high-quality marshmallows: A good marshmallow can make all the difference in getting that melt-in-your-mouth gooey texture.
Banana slices are optional: You can add them after the bars cool for a fresh garnish or skip them for a simpler look.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the fun part—making these tasty Banana Pudding Rice Krispies!

Instructions:

Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to bring these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies to life! Don’t worry; this step-by-step guide is as easy as it gets. Trust me, you’ll have a delicious treat ready in no time.

Let’s get started:

Prep your pan:
Start by greasing a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray. This will ensure your bars don’t stick and make for easier cleanup. Set it aside.
Melt the butter:
In a large pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning. Once melted, it’s time to add the marshmallows!
Melt the marshmallows:
Add the mini marshmallows to the pot with the melted butter. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth. This should only take a couple of minutes. The mixture will be thick and creamy, which is exactly what we want!
Mix in the pudding and vanilla:
Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the instant banana pudding mix and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything is well combined and smooth. You’ll start to smell that amazing banana aroma!
Add the dry ingredients:
Now, fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Use a spatula or spoon to gently stir everything together until the cereal and wafers are evenly coated in the marshmallow mixture. Be careful not to crush the cereal—keep that crunch intact!
Press into the pan:
Once everything is well mixed, pour the sticky mixture into your prepared 9×9-inch pan. Use a buttered spatula to press it down evenly. This will help the bars hold together once they set. Make sure it’s packed firmly but not too tight.
Add the optional white chocolate drizzle:
If you’re using white chocolate chips, melt them in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the bars for that extra touch of sweetness.
Let it cool:
Allow the mixture to cool completely at room temperature. You can speed up the process by placing it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Slice and serve:
Once the bars are cool and set, slice them into squares. If you want to get fancy, garnish each square with a banana slice for a fresh, banana-forward touch.

Helpful Tips:

Be patient while the marshmallows melt: Stir often to ensure the mixture is smooth and doesn’t burn.
Press firmly but gently: You want the mixture to be compact enough to hold together but not too tight that it becomes hard.
Customize your toppings: Feel free to skip the white chocolate drizzle or swap it out with melted peanut butter, caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a twist.

And there you have it—simple, delicious Banana Pudding Rice Krispies that are sure to impress! Now that you’ve made this treat, it’s time to enjoy.

Pro Tips and Variations:

Want to make your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies even more irresistible? Here are some expert tips and creative variations to take this treat from great to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you want to add extra texture, flavor, or a fun twist, these suggestions will help you elevate your dessert game.

Pro Tips:

Make sure your marshmallows are fully melted: If you rush this step, you could end up with lumps in your bars. Keep stirring until the marshmallows are smooth and glossy. This ensures the perfect gooey texture.
Use fresh Rice Krispies: Fresh cereal will keep your bars crunchy. If your Rice Krispies have been sitting around for a while, they may lose some of that crispness.
Grease your spatula: When pressing the mixture into the pan, lightly grease your spatula with butter or nonstick spray to make sure it doesn’t stick to the gooey mixture.
Let the bars cool completely: Be patient! It may be tempting to dive in, but letting the bars set fully will ensure they hold their shape when cut.

Delicious Variations:

Caramel Drizzle: Want a richer, deeper flavor? Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving. It adds a sweet, buttery finish that pairs perfectly with the banana and marshmallow.
Peanut Butter Swirl: If you love the combination of banana and peanut butter, try swirling in a bit of melted peanut butter before pressing the mixture into the pan. It gives the bars a nutty kick.
Add Dried Banana Chips: For even more banana goodness, sprinkle dried banana chips on top before serving. They add a nice crunch and extra banana flavor.
Try Different Pudding Flavors: While banana pudding is the star, you can experiment with other instant pudding flavors. Try vanilla or butterscotch for a twist, or even mix in some crushed cookies for an added texture.
Chocolate Chips: For the chocolate lovers, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips over the top for a double-dessert combo. They’ll melt slightly and add a burst of chocolatey goodness with every bite.

Fun Customizations:

Vegan or Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for dairy-free margarine and use dairy-free marshmallows to make this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Nut-Free: If you’re preparing this for a crowd with nut allergies, just skip the peanut butter and stick to the basic ingredients for a safe and equally delicious treat.

With these pro tips and easy variations, you can customize your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies to suit any occasion or flavor preference. So go ahead—have fun with it and make this recipe your own!

Serving Suggestions:

Now that your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are ready to go, it’s time to think about how to serve and enjoy them. Whether you’re preparing for a party, a family snack, or just a sweet treat to keep on hand, here are some fun and creative serving ideas to help elevate your dessert experience.

Fun Ways to Serve Your Bars:

Platter Style for Parties: Arrange the cooled and sliced bars on a large dessert platter. You can garnish with extra banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added touch of elegance. It’s perfect for a party or family gathering!
Perfect Pairing with Ice Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve your bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a scoop of chocolate ice cream. The contrast between the warm, soft marshmallow center and the cold ice cream is pure dessert heaven.
Lunchbox Treats: These bars are the perfect size for kids’ lunchboxes. Slice them into smaller squares and wrap them in wax paper for an easy, on-the-go treat. They’ll love the banana flavor, and you’ll love how simple it is to pack.
Serve with Fresh Fruit: Pair your bars with a side of fresh fruit for a lighter, refreshing contrast. A few slices of fresh strawberries or grapes will complement the banana flavor beautifully while adding a juicy, fresh note.
Individual Portions: If you’re hosting a smaller event, serve each bar on individual dessert plates for a more polished presentation. Garnishing with a small mint sprig or an extra drizzle of white chocolate will give it a gourmet touch.

Sweet Tips for Serving:

Temperature Matters: For a softer, chewier texture, store your bars at room temperature. If you want them to be a bit firmer, try refrigerating them for an hour before serving.
Wrap Them Up: For an easy, portable option, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap or parchment paper. This makes them great for picnics, potlucks, or even a road trip snack.

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways to fit your event or personal style. So, go ahead, get creative with how you present them, and let the delicious banana flavor take center stage!

Conclusion:

And there you have it—Banana Pudding Rice Krispies that are as delicious as they are easy to make! This recipe combines the best of two beloved treats: the nostalgia of banana pudding and the crunchy goodness of Rice Krispies. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion, a quick snack, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, they’re sure to be a hit.

These bars are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, gooey, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly customizable, so you can make them your own with fun toppings or tweaks to the ingredients. Whether you keep it simple or get creative, the end result will always be a crowd-pleaser.

So next time you need a quick dessert that’s sure to impress, reach for this recipe and enjoy the perfect combination of creamy banana goodness and crispy texture. Share it with family and friends, and watch as these bars disappear in no time!

If you’re in the mood for more sweet treats, check out this irresistible Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe here, or try making Southern Cornbread Poppers for another mouthwatering dessert here. And for a savory option, this Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta is sure to be a hit here.

Enjoy, and happy baking!

FAQs

1. How do you get Rice Krispies to stick together?

To get Rice Krispies to stick together, the key is in the perfect ratio of melted butter and marshmallows. The marshmallows act as the glue, so make sure they’re completely melted and mixed with the butter before adding your cereal. It’s also important to press the mixture firmly into the pan—this helps everything hold together once it cools. If you want to ensure a firmer texture, let the bars set at room temperature or refrigerate them for about 30 minutes.

2. How to keep the bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?

Bananas naturally brown when exposed to air, but there are a few tricks to slow this down. To keep the banana slices fresh in your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies, you can sprinkle a small amount of lemon juice over the slices before adding them as a garnish. The acid in the lemon juice will help prevent browning without affecting the flavor. Alternatively, you can add the bananas just before serving to keep them looking fresh longer.

If you plan to store the bars for a while, it’s best to wait until serving to add the banana slices to avoid them turning brown in the fridge.

3. Can I make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies ahead of time?

Yes! You can make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies ahead of time. In fact, they hold up well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’ve added fresh bananas on top, I recommend waiting to add them until right before serving to avoid browning.

4. Can I substitute the banana pudding mix with homemade banana pudding?

While the instant banana pudding mix is convenient and provides that classic banana flavor, you can certainly make homemade banana pudding if you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold up in the bars. If using homemade, allow the pudding to cool and thicken before mixing it with the melted marshmallows and Rice Krispies.

5. Can I use other cereals instead of Rice Krispies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different cereals like Crispix, Cornflakes, or even Cheerios. While Rice Krispies are classic, the other cereals will offer their own unique textures and flavors to the bars. Just make sure they’re light and crispy for the best texture.