There's something magical about the combination of creamy banana pudding and the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies. This easy-to-make treat brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that's light, chewy, and packed with banana flavor.

I first made these when I had leftover pudding from a family gathering, and they were an instant hit. Now, they’ve become a staple in our household whenever we need a quick, no-bake dessert that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Why You'll Love This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies offer a fun twist on the classic marshmallow treat, making them an irresistible favorite.

First, they’re incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a batch ready to enjoy in no time.

They also bring the perfect balance of textures. The crispy cereal blends beautifully with the creamy banana pudding flavor, creating a treat that's both chewy and crunchy in every bite.

Budget-friendly and kid-approved, this recipe is perfect for parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dessert. No need for fancy equipment—just a pot, a spatula, and a baking dish!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies comes from a few carefully chosen ingredients that ensure the best flavor and texture.

Rice Krispies cereal is the foundation of this treat. Its light, airy texture gives that signature crunch while staying perfectly balanced with the other ingredients.

Banana pudding mix is the key to the rich banana flavor. Instant pudding works best here, as it blends smoothly with the melted marshmallows without making the mixture too thick.

Mini marshmallows provide the essential chewiness that holds everything together. Melting them with a little butter helps create a smooth, gooey base that evenly coats the cereal.

Butter adds richness and helps prevent the marshmallows from sticking. Unsalted butter works best so the dessert doesn’t become overly salty.

Vanilla wafers bring an extra layer of crunch and a hint of classic banana pudding flavor. Crushed and sprinkled throughout, they add a subtle sweetness that complements the marshmallow mixture.

How To Make This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

Making these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a perfectly chewy and flavorful treat.

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until completely smooth. The key here is to keep the heat low enough to prevent the marshmallows from burning.

Once the marshmallows are fully melted, remove the pot from heat and quickly stir in the banana pudding mix. Work fast to ensure the pudding is evenly distributed throughout the marshmallow mixture before it thickens too much.

Immediately fold in the Rice Krispies cereal, stirring until all the cereal is well coated. The mixture may be sticky, but a buttered spatula or greased hands can help press it together more easily.

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, gently mix in crushed vanilla wafers before pressing the mixture into a greased baking dish. Press everything down evenly but not too firmly—you want the bars to remain light and airy.

Let the mixture cool for about 30 minutes before slicing into squares. If you're feeling extra indulgent, top with a drizzle of melted white chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra banana pudding-inspired touch.

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if needed. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain their texture and flavor.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though they may become slightly firmer. To soften them, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Avoid freezing, as the cereal can become too hard and lose its signature crunch when thawed.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is super versatile, allowing for plenty of creative twists. Here are some fun variations to try:

If you want to enhance the banana flavor even more, try adding a few slices of dried banana or a drizzle of banana extract to the marshmallow mixture before stirring in the cereal.

For a chocolatey twist, mix in some white chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.

If you prefer a nuttier texture, fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for vegan butter and use a plant-based pudding mix to keep the recipe allergy-friendly.

No matter how you customize them, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this fun, no-bake treat!