Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Okay, so these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats? Total game-changer. They’re soft, gooey, and taste just like banana pudding—but with that fun crispy crunch.

I made them on a lazy afternoon, and wow—they were gone in minutes. The mix of marshmallows, banana flavor, and vanilla wafers? So simple, so good.

No baking, no fuss. Just mix it up and press it in the pan. Let’s make ‘em together—you’re gonna love this twist on a classic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Meets Convenience: This dessert brings together the familiar taste of banana pudding and the ease of Rice Krispie treats. No layers, no baking, just mix, press, and chill.
• Textural Balance: The marshmallow gives the cereal a soft, chewy base while the crushed vanilla wafers add a delicate crunch. It’s not too firm and not too gooey—just the right bite.
• Flavor-Packed Without Overdoing It: The banana flavor comes from instant pudding mix, which blends into the marshmallow mixture seamlessly without overpowering the dessert.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are well-loved by both kids and adults. They’re great for classroom parties, casual potlucks, or family movie nights.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (including crushing cookies and melting ingredients)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (just enough to melt the butter and marshmallows)
• Cooling Time: About 30 minutes before cutting
• Total Time: Around 1 hour start to finish

Servings:
This recipe yields 16 square bars if cut evenly from a 9×13-inch pan. You can also cut them into smaller bite-sized cubes for a dessert table or party tray.

Difficulty Level:
Beginner-friendly. This is a no-bake dessert with only one pan on the stovetop. The only “tricky” part is stirring the marshmallows gently until melted and blending in the pudding mix evenly. Once that’s done, you’re just pressing the mixture into a pan and letting it cool.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before starting, gather everything so the process goes smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large saucepan or Dutch oven: You’ll melt the butter and marshmallows here. Make sure it’s big enough to stir in the cereal at the end.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring and folding the mixture.
• Large mixing bowl (optional): If your saucepan isn’t big enough to mix in the cereal, transfer the marshmallow base here before adding the cereal and cookies.
• 9×13-inch baking pan: For shaping and cooling the bars.
• Nonstick spray or butter: Grease the baking pan lightly so the treats don’t stick.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate proportions.
• Zip-top bag and rolling pin (or food processor): For crushing the vanilla wafers evenly.

Optional for glaze:

• Small bowl and whisk or spoon for mixing the glaze ingredients.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with how each ingredient contributes to the final flavor and texture:

Main Base:

• 4½ cups Rice Krispies cereal: This is the structural base. The puffed rice holds the melted marshmallow mixture while giving that signature Krispie texture.
• 24 vanilla wafer cookies: Crushed lightly, not finely powdered. These add that unmistakable banana pudding crunch and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter: Butter creates a smooth, rich base for the marshmallow melt and enhances overall flavor. Use unsalted to control the sweetness.
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows: These are melted with the butter to bind the cereal and cookies together. Mini marshmallows melt faster and more evenly than large ones.
• 1.7 ounces (about ½ a 3.4 oz box) instant banana pudding mix: This adds banana flavor and a creamy texture without needing milk or an actual pudding layer. It blends directly into the melted marshmallow mix.

Optional Glaze (for added sweetness and a professional finish):

• ⅓ cup powdered sugar: Gives the glaze its body.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (plus 1–2 tsp if needed): Thins the glaze so it can be drizzled easily. Cream gives a richer finish, but milk works fine too.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds extra depth and a soft aroma.

Variations for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

• Add Banana Chips: For more banana flavor and a bit of crunch, fold in crushed banana chips with the cereal.
• Use Flavored Marshmallows: Banana-flavored marshmallows (if available) add extra fruitiness without extra ingredients.
• Top with Crushed Wafers: Press a few crushed vanilla wafers over the top before the mixture sets for added crunch and visual appeal.
• Make it Creamier: Add 2 tablespoons of dry milk powder with the pudding mix for a creamier finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top after the bars are set for a sweet, decorative touch.
• Mini Treats: Use mini muffin pans to portion the mixture into bite-sized banana pudding cups.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Pan

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.

2. Crush the Vanilla Wafers

Place the vanilla wafers in a zip-top bag. Use a rolling pin to crush them into small chunks—not crumbs. You want texture, not powder.

3. Melt the Butter and Marshmallows

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, add the marshmallows and stir continuously with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and fully melted. This should take about 4–5 minutes. Don’t let it boil.

4. Stir in the Pudding Mix

Once the marshmallows are melted and smooth, remove the pan from heat. Immediately stir in the dry banana pudding mix. Stir quickly and thoroughly until no lumps remain. The mixture will thicken slightly.

5. Fold in Cereal and Cookies

Add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers to the pot. Stir gently but firmly, folding the mixture until everything is evenly coated in the marshmallow-pudding mix.

Tip: If your pot is too small, transfer the marshmallow mixture to a large mixing bowl before adding the dry ingredients.

6. Press into Pan

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Use a piece of wax paper, parchment, or lightly greased hands to gently press the mixture into an even layer. Don’t press too firmly—you want the bars to stay light and soft.

7. Let Cool

Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to set fully before cutting. You can also place the pan in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to speed things up.

8. Optional: Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s drizzle-ready.

9. Drizzle and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled treats using a spoon. Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes, then slice the bars into squares.

Serving and Decoration

These bars look great just as they are, but you can dress them up:

• Sprinkle Extra Crushed Wafers: Right after pressing the mixture into the pan.
• Banana Slice Garnish: Top with a thin banana slice before serving (best for immediate use).
• Party Presentation: Cut into small cubes and place them in paper cupcake liners for a clean, grab-and-go dessert.

These treats are best served at room temperature. They’re soft, chewy, and full of banana pudding flavor with every bite.

Storing Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

These treats store well and maintain their chewy texture for several days if kept properly:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them out of direct sunlight or heat to prevent melting.
• Refrigerator: If your kitchen is warm, place the container in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze them, the texture may change slightly. If you choose to freeze, wrap tightly in plastic and place in a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month.

Note: The optional glaze may firm up more in the fridge, so give it time to soften before eating.

Nutrition (per square treat, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	160 kcal
Total Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	10mg
Sodium	110mg
Total Carbohydrate	28g
Sugars	15g
Protein	1g

Values are estimated and will vary based on ingredient brands and glaze usage.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats FAQs

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows instead of mini?
Yes. You can substitute with large marshmallows—just be sure to measure by weight (10 ounces) and allow extra time for melting.

Does this recipe taste like real banana pudding?
Yes, it has the familiar flavor thanks to the banana pudding mix and vanilla wafers. It’s not a direct replacement for layered pudding, but it captures the same comforting taste in a bar form.

Can I add sliced bananas?
It’s not recommended. Fresh bananas release moisture and can make the bars soggy or spoil quickly. For banana flavor without the mess, stick with pudding mix or banana chips.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free crisp rice cereal and gluten-free vanilla cookies. Double-check that your pudding mix is certified gluten-free too.

How long do these treats stay fresh?
They’re best within the first 2–3 days. Store in an airtight container to maintain softness and flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a clever, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of a Southern classic in a quick and modern form. Whether you’re serving them at a party, packing them into lunchboxes, or indulging in a sweet snack at home, these bars offer rich banana flavor, satisfying texture, and a gentle sweetness in every bite. They’re proof that with a few simple ingredients, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen.