Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Posted on May 15, 2025

Creamy Banana Pudding Meets Classic Rice Krispie Treats

If you’re looking for the ultimate no-bake dessert mashup, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are about to be your new obsession! Think creamy banana pudding flavor paired with that iconic marshmallowy crunch—plus a golden vanilla wafer twist. They’re quick, nostalgic, and irresistibly good. Whether you’re prepping for a party, school snack, or just a weekday treat, these bars bring together comfort and fun in every bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are everything you want in a dessert: simple, sweet, and bursting with banana-vanilla flavor. They’re made with just a handful of pantry staples and come together in under 20 minutes—no baking involved! The crushed vanilla wafers add that classic banana pudding vibe, while the marshmallows and cereal bring the chewy-crispy magic. Perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or satisfying a sudden craving, this treat is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to whip up these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. Most of them might already be in your pantry!

6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (just the dry mix)
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (plus extra for topping)
1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for a sweet touch)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are super easy to make—no oven, no fuss. Just melt, mix, press, and enjoy!

Prep your pan:
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Melt the butter and marshmallows:
In a large pot over low heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until completely melted and smooth.
Add flavor:
Remove from heat and quickly stir in the dry banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
Mix in the cereal:
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers to the pot. Stir until everything is evenly coated and combined. (If using, fold in the white chocolate chips now.)
Transfer to pan:
Press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan using a spatula or wax paper (lightly greased to prevent sticking).
Top it off:
Sprinkle a few extra crushed vanilla wafers on top and gently press them in.
Let it set:
Allow the treats to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

These treats are great when you need a quick dessert that feeds a crowd without a lot of effort.

Servings: Makes about 9–12 squares, depending on how big you cut them.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Perfect for parties, picnics, bake sales, or just a little something sweet after dinner!

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats? Here are some fun twists and helpful tips:

Make it extra banana-y: Add a few drops of banana extract for a stronger flavor kick.
Add slices of real banana: For a fresh twist, press thin banana slices between layers—but note, this shortens shelf life.
Try it with other cereals: Swap Rice Krispies with Golden Grahams or Corn Flakes for a fun texture change.
Drizzle it up: Melt white chocolate or caramel and drizzle on top before it sets for added sweetness and visual appeal.
Mix in crushed freeze-dried bananas for extra crunch and fruity punch.
Make it dairy-free: Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter.
Add a crunch: Fold in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Storage

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats store beautifully, making them perfect for make-ahead snacking!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge—they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. Just let them sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving so they soften up a bit.
Freezer: You can freeze them! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini ones?
Yes! Just chop them up for easier melting. Use about 40 regular-sized marshmallows.

2. Do I prepare the pudding mix first?
Nope! You’re just using the dry instant pudding powder—don’t mix it with milk.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and gluten-free vanilla wafers.

4. How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Line the pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

5. Can I add bananas into the mixture?
Fresh bananas can be added, but they’ll reduce the shelf life. Best for same-day enjoyment.

6. What can I use instead of vanilla wafers?
Try graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even banana-flavored cookies.

7. How can I make them extra gooey?
Use a little less cereal (about 5 1/2 cups instead of 6) for a softer, gooier texture.

Conclusion

If you love banana pudding and Rice Krispie treats, this dreamy dessert brings the best of both worlds into one easy, no-bake bar. With just a few pantry staples and a whole lot of nostalgic flavor, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are sure to steal the show at your next gathering—or become your new favorite weeknight treat.