Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

There’s something nostalgic and comforting about the scent of banana pudding drifting through the kitchen—sweet, creamy, and unmistakably Southern. Now imagine that same beloved flavor packed into a chewy, gooey Rice Krispies treat. Yep, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.

this Recipe

I came up with this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe on a lazy Sunday afternoon when I couldn’t decide between making a classic banana pudding or my go-to marshmallow bars. One experiment led to another, and now this hybrid dessert is a must-have at potlucks, school parties, and even midnight snack attacks.

With layers of vanilla, banana, and buttery cereal crunch, these bars are everything you love about banana pudding—just handheld and way easier. Let’s dive into why this might just become your new favorite treat.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready for a no-bake dessert that hits all the right notes—sweet, crunchy, creamy, and irresistibly nostalgic. This recipe is a fun twist on two classic desserts, and trust me, everyone will ask for seconds.

First off, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make. We’re talking about a 15-minute prep time and zero oven usage. Perfect for when you need something sweet in a pinch or want to keep the kitchen cool.

It’s also budget-friendly. With just a handful of pantry staples—think cereal, pudding mix, marshmallows, and bananas—you can whip up a batch of these bars without breaking the bank.

These treats are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding a group of kids or a table full of adults, the familiar flavor of banana pudding wrapped in a crunchy, chewy bite wins every time.

And if you love make-ahead desserts, this one’s a gem. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and even tastes better after a few hours of chilling, when all the flavors have had time to mingle.

Next, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these bars so magical.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies lies in how a few simple ingredients come together to create something that tastes truly special. Each component brings its own texture and flavor to the party.

Rice Krispies cereal forms the crunchy, chewy base we all know and love. Its light crispness is the perfect contrast to the creamy pudding layer. Be sure to use fresh cereal for maximum crunch—nothing stale!

Mini marshmallows are melted down to bind the cereal and give these bars their signature gooey texture. I prefer mini marshmallows because they melt quickly and evenly, but regular ones work in a pinch.

Banana cream instant pudding mix is the secret to getting that classic banana pudding flavor without needing ripe bananas or stovetop custard. It infuses every bite with rich, creamy banana goodness.

Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed and sprinkled into the bars, echo the traditional banana pudding dessert. They add a touch of buttery vanilla flavor and a bit of extra crunch that takes these treats over the top.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, a real banana can be thinly sliced and layered on top before serving. Just be sure to add it fresh, as bananas tend to brown quickly.

No special equipment is needed here—just a large pot, a spatula, and an 8x8 or 9x13 baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Making these bars is as easy as melt, mix, and press. Let me walk you through it so you can get that perfect gooey-to-crunchy ratio every time.

Start by preparing your baking dish. Line it with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray. This will make removing and slicing the bars a breeze later on.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s fully melted, add the mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they’re completely melted and smooth. You want a glossy, gooey consistency—no lumps!

Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the banana pudding mix. You don’t need to prepare the pudding—just add the dry mix straight in. It will dissolve into the marshmallow and give everything that dreamy banana flavor.

Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal and a handful of crushed vanilla wafers. Stir quickly but gently to coat everything in the banana-marshmallow mixture. Work fast, as the mixture will start to set as it cools.

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and press it down gently with a spatula or clean hands (a little butter or wax paper helps keep it from sticking). Let the bars cool at room temperature for about 30–45 minutes until set.

Once cooled, slice into squares and, if desired, top with fresh banana slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or an extra sprinkle of crushed wafers for that full banana pudding effect.

From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour and requires minimal cleanup—making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies bars are surprisingly storage-friendly, making them ideal for prepping ahead or saving leftovers—if there are any!

At room temperature, you can store the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 days, though they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.

For longer storage, place the bars in a single layer in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 5 days. They’ll become a bit firmer in the fridge, but the flavor will stay spot on.

If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or two before serving.

To reheat (if you want that just-made gooeyness), pop a square in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds. Not too long, or it’ll get too melty!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious, and there are plenty of fun ways to switch things up depending on what you have on hand—or just to keep things interesting.

If you can’t find banana cream pudding mix, use vanilla pudding mix and add ½ teaspoon of banana extract. You’ll still get that lovely banana flavor with just a bit of tweaking.

Want a little chocolate twist? Toss in mini chocolate chips once the cereal mixture is slightly cooled (so they don’t melt too much). Banana and chocolate are a match made in dessert heaven.

Craving a nuttier bite? Add in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture and a little toasty flavor. They complement the sweetness beautifully and add a bit of crunch.

Make it dairy-free by swapping the butter for a vegan alternative and using dairy-free marshmallows. Some instant pudding mixes are also dairy-free, so just check the label.

Feeling adventurous? Layer the bars with whipped cream cheese or a drizzle of caramel sauce before chilling for an ultra-indulgent treat.

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