Banana Pudding Rice Krispie

There are some desserts that feel like a big warm hug from childhood. Banana pudding is one of those classics. It’s soft, creamy, filled with layers of flavor, and topped with that signature vanilla wafer crunch. On the other hand, Rice Krispie treats are a different kind of nostalgic favorite—chewy, marshmallowy, and super easy to make. But what if you could combine the best parts of both into one crave-worthy dessert? That’s where these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats come in.

This recipe takes the gooey charm of traditional Rice Krispie treats and levels it up with the familiar comfort of banana pudding. The key to that banana flavor isn’t actual bananas, but instant banana pudding mix—which makes these bars smooth, sweet, and irresistibly delicious without any mushiness. Crushed vanilla wafers throughout add texture and a crunchy contrast to the chewiness of the cereal and melted marshmallow base. The best part? These bars come together in less than 20 minutes and are practically foolproof.

The first time I made these, I was trying to use up leftover marshmallows from a camping trip. I also had a half-used box of banana pudding mix sitting in the pantry and figured, “Why not?” One experiment led to another, and suddenly, I had a tray of golden, chewy, banana-scented treats that disappeared before they even cooled completely. My kids couldn’t stop asking for more, and even my husband—who’s not a big dessert person—went back for seconds. Since then, they’ve become a go-to for potlucks, bake sales, and weekend movie nights.

So whether you’re reminiscing about banana pudding from Sunday dinners at grandma’s house or just need a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Simple, flavorful, and filled with joy in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert rotation. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need to turn on the oven or use any fancy tools. All you need is one pot, one bowl, and one pan. That’s it. So even if you’re short on time or patience, this recipe has your back.

But ease doesn’t mean it lacks depth. The combination of banana pudding mix with melted marshmallows creates a luxurious texture—soft and chewy with just the right amount of goo. The pudding mix adds a smooth, mellow banana flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. It’s sweet but not too sweet, and it manages to capture that banana pudding vibe perfectly.

The addition of crushed vanilla wafers is another winning element. These cookies don’t just add crunch—they bring nostalgia. They remind you of those layered banana puddings at family picnics or school functions, with every bite packed with creamy banana and cookie goodness. Some of the wafers melt slightly into the marshmallow mixture, while others stay crispy on top for a little textural contrast. It’s the kind of combination that keeps you coming back for another square.

Another reason you’ll love this recipe? It’s versatile. Want to make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free cereal and cookies. Need a dairy-free option? Choose vegan butter and dairy-free marshmallows. Hosting a party? Double the batch and use a larger pan. These bars are just as home on a fancy dessert platter as they are in a lunchbox.

Most importantly, they bring joy. There’s something about the smell of marshmallows melting with pudding mix that instantly makes your kitchen feel cozier. And the way people’s eyes light up when they try one? Pure magic.

Health Benefits

While Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are definitely a dessert, there are still some silver linings in the nutrition department. Let’s take a closer look at a few of the ingredients and how they might offer some benefits, especially when enjoyed in moderation.

First up is the Rice Krispies cereal base. These puffed rice grains are typically low in fat and contain essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins, which are often added through fortification. Because the cereal itself is relatively plain, it acts as a blank canvas for flavor without adding too many extra calories or sugar. Compared to many other dessert bases, this one is quite light.

Marshmallows, although mostly sugar, are fat-free and lower in calories per serving than many other confectionery items like chocolate or frosting. And when you melt them down with just a bit of butter and pudding mix, they stretch out quite a bit—meaning each treat only contains a small amount of sugar per square.

The banana pudding mix, in addition to delivering flavor, is generally made with cornstarch, which is gluten-free and easier on digestion than heavy cream or traditional dairy fillings. By using only half the packet, you get just the right amount of flavor without going overboard.

If you choose to drizzle the treats with a homemade glaze, you can control exactly how sweet or creamy it is—plus you can skip it altogether or replace it with alternatives like nut butters or dark chocolate for a richer, more antioxidant-packed finish.

For those looking to keep portions in check or offer a treat that satisfies without overindulgence, these squares are great. Cut them smaller for snackable bites, or include them as part of a dessert platter with fruit and nuts to balance things out.

At the end of the day, this isn’t a health food—but it is a treat you can feel good about making and sharing.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

One of the things that makes these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats a favorite in my household is how incredibly quick they are to whip up. They’re the kind of dessert you can start after dinner and still enjoy while the evening movie is rolling.

Preparation Time
Total time from start to finish is approximately 20 minutes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes

• Cooling Time (optional): 5–10 minutes before slicing

Servings
This recipe yields about 16 small squares or 9 larger bars, depending on how generously you slice them. If you’re serving them at a party or event, you can easily double the recipe and use a 9×13-inch pan for a bigger batch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 16 Squares)

• Calories: ~140

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Sugars: 14g

• Protein: 1g

• Fat: 4g

• Saturated Fat: 2.5g

• Fiber: <1g

• Sodium: 110mg

These numbers are approximate and will vary depending on your exact ingredients. For instance, using European-style butter will add a touch more richness and calories, while dairy-free options may lower saturated fat. If you opt to add the optional glaze, factor in an additional 20–30 calories per piece.

Even with the glaze, though, these bars are lighter than most baked desserts and can easily be enjoyed as part of a balanced day. Plus, they’re perfect for portion control—you get all the flavor satisfaction in just a few bites.

In short, these treats are perfect for when you need something sweet, simple, and shareable—without the mess or stress.

Ingredients List

To make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, you only need a handful of ingredients—most of which you probably already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. But don’t let the short list fool you; each ingredient plays a key role in making these bars taste just like your favorite banana pudding.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal – This forms the base of the treat, providing that signature crispy texture. You can also use generic puffed rice cereal if that’s what you have on hand.

• 24 vanilla wafer cookies – Some get crushed and stirred into the mix, while others are reserved for topping. They add a familiar crunch and buttery flavor that mimics the cookie layers in banana pudding.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – For best results, use a high-quality butter. It helps melt the marshmallows smoothly and gives the treats a rich, creamy finish.

• 10 oz marshmallows – These are the glue that holds everything together. Mini marshmallows melt more quickly, but regular ones work just as well.

• 1.7 oz banana instant pudding mix (about half of a standard 3.4 oz box) – This is where the banana flavor comes from. Make sure to use the instant kind, not cook-and-serve. Using the full box can make the flavor overwhelming, so stick with half for balance.

• Optional vanilla glaze – If you want to take things over the top, mix up a simple glaze using powdered sugar, a splash of vanilla extract, and a few tablespoons of milk or cream.

Ingredient Tips:

• Don’t skip the wafers. Their texture and flavor are essential for achieving that banana pudding feel.

• Use fresh marshmallows. Old ones don’t melt as smoothly and can make the bars dry.

• Choose your pudding mix wisely. Some brands are sweeter than others, so if you’re sensitive to sugar, go with a lower-sugar option.

🔪 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe—just a little patience, the right balance of ingredients, and a gentle hand when it comes to melting the marshmallows. Here’s the full breakdown so you can make these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats like a total kitchen rockstar.

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🧈 Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before anything hits the heat, get everything prepped. It makes the process way smoother and helps you avoid overcooking that crucial marshmallow mixture.

You’ll Need:

• 4 ½ cups Rice Krispies cereal

• 24 vanilla wafer cookies, roughly broken (not crushed!)

• 4 tablespoons butter (European-style is great for flavor)

• 10 oz mini marshmallows (or large ones, chopped)

• ½ box (1.7 oz) banana instant pudding mix

• Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1-2 tablespoons cream or milk + ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

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🍪 Step 2: Break the Cookies

Set aside about 6–8 cookies for topping later. Take the rest and break them into quarters or large crumbles—nothing too fine. You want nice little bites of cookie throughout the treat for crunch and flavor.

Pro Tip: Try not to pulverize them into dust. We want chunks, not cookie powder.

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🥣 Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together your 4½ cups of Rice Krispies and the broken vanilla wafer pieces. This is your dry base, and it should be ready to go before you start on the marshmallow mix.

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🔥 Step 4: Melt Butter & Marshmallows (Low and Slow!)

In a large nonstick saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once it’s completely melted, toss in your 10 oz of marshmallows.

Stir continuously using a heatproof spatula, folding the mixture gently as it melts.

Once the marshmallows are almost fully melted (you’ll still see some puffy pieces), sprinkle in ½ box of banana pudding mix (about 1.7 oz) and stir it in until completely dissolved.

👉 Why low heat?
If the marshmallows get too hot, the sugars can crystallize, leaving you with tough or dry treats instead of soft and chewy ones. Low and slow keeps everything creamy and smooth.

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🥄 Step 5: Combine with Cereal & Cookies

Immediately pour the melted marshmallow mixture over your Rice Krispies + cookie bowl. Use a spatula to quickly—but gently—fold everything together.

It’ll be sticky and thick, but keep going! You want every piece to be well-coated.

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🧲 Step 6: Press Into Pan

Lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan with butter or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the cereal-marshmallow mix into the pan.

Lightly butter your hands or a spatula, then gently press the mixture into an even layer. Don’t pack it down too hard—this can make the treats dense instead of airy and chewy.

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🍪 Step 7: Top It Off

Take those reserved vanilla wafer cookies and gently press them onto the top of the treats while they’re still slightly warm. Try to space them out evenly for the best visual appeal (and to make cutting easier).

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🍮 Step 8: Let Cool

Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30–60 minutes, or until they’re fully set and easy to cut.

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🍯 Optional: Drizzle with Glaze

While your treats are cooling, whisk together:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tbsp cream or milk

• ¼ tsp vanilla extract

Drizzle over the top for extra sweetness and a bakery-style finish. Or, skip it and enjoy them as-is—totally up to you!

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🔪 Step 9: Cut and Serve

Once cooled, slice into squares (9 large or 16 small) and get ready to bite into banana pudding bliss.

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🍽 How to Serve

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute crowd-pleaser and honestly, they shine in just about any setting. Here are a few of our favorite ways to serve them:

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💛 Everyday Snacking

Cut into small squares and keep them in an airtight container on the counter. They’re perfect for a sweet midday pick-me-up or a school lunchbox treat.

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🎉 Party-Ready Dessert Table

Hosting a baby shower, brunch, or picnic? These are great on a platter surrounded by other banana-themed treats like mini banana muffins, or fresh fruit skewers with bananas, strawberries, and grapes.

Cut into mini bites and stick them with cute toothpicks for easy grab-and-go portions!

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🧁 Fancy Up Your Presentation

Serve each square in a mini cupcake liner, top with a drizzle of glaze, and maybe even a small dollop of whipped cream and a banana chip. Now you’ve got an elegant, no-bake treat that looks straight out of a boutique bakery.

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🍦 A La Mode, Anyone?

Warm one slightly in the microwave (just 5–7 seconds) and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean or banana ice cream. Add a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top for a nostalgic dessert bowl!

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🍽 Serve with Hot Drinks

Pair with a cozy drink like:

• Spiced chai tea

• Hot cocoa

• Vanilla almond milk latte

Perfect for that mid-afternoon coffee break or late-night sweet craving.

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🥤 Pairing Suggestions

Wondering what to sip or serve with your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats? Whether it’s a party spread or a cozy dessert at home, here are some drink and snack pairings that complement those creamy, banana-rich flavors.

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🍹 Drinks That Go Great

1. Vanilla Milkshake
Sweet on sweet? Yes please. The creamy vanilla helps highlight the banana flavor in a super nostalgic, diner-style way.

2. Iced Coffee or Cold Brew
The slight bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness beautifully. Add a splash of almond or oat milk for a creamy finish.

3. Sweet Tea or Lemonade
For that Southern banana pudding vibe, nothing beats a cold glass of sweet tea or tart lemonade to wash it all down.

4. Banana Smoothie
Okay, banana on banana sounds like a lot, but trust me—it works if you go light on the added sugar and use almond milk for balance.

5. Sparkling Water with a Citrus Twist
A simple, refreshing way to cleanse the palate between bites. Try lime or blood orange flavors.

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🧁 Snack Pairings

1. Fresh Strawberries or Blueberries
Add a pop of acidity and brightness to balance the richness of the treats.

2. Salted Popcorn
A crunchy, salty contrast to all the sweetness. Great if you’re setting up a snack board.

3. Peanut Butter Pretzels
For a nutty-salty-sweet trio that hits all the right notes.

4. Coconut Macaroons
For a tropical dessert spread—pair your banana treats with chewy coconut cookies for a vacation-in-a-bite moment.

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🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

These treats are best when they’re soft, chewy, and just a little gooey—but good news: they store beautifully and are super freezer-friendly too.

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🧺 Storing Leftovers

• Store Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• If you live somewhere warm or humid, keep them in the fridge, but bring them to room temp before eating for that perfect chewy texture.

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❄️ Freezing Instructions

Want to make a batch ahead of time? Totally doable.

1. Cut the treats into individual squares.

2. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper.

3. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe zip bag or container.

They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months in the freezer.

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🔁 Reheating Tips

While these don’t need to be reheated, if you want that warm, gooey, just-made texture:

• Pop a square in the microwave for 5–7 seconds.

• Don’t overdo it or they’ll get tough!

If you’ve frozen them, let them thaw at room temp for 1–2 hours before serving. You can microwave frozen treats for a few seconds to soften more quickly, but be cautious not to melt them.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are super easy to make, there are a few sneaky little traps that can trip you up if you’re not careful. Don’t worry—I’ve made enough sticky, too-dense, and overly banana-y batches to help you steer clear of the common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Overheating the Marshmallows

This is the number one mistake. It’s tempting to crank up the heat to speed things up, but high heat can make the marshmallow mixture stiff and brittle. Once that happens, your treats will be dry and crumbly instead of soft and chewy. Always melt the butter and marshmallows low and slow—patience pays off here!

2. Using Too Much Pudding Mix

A little banana pudding mix goes a long way. Stick to half of the 3.4 oz box (1.7 oz). More than that, and you’ll overwhelm the flavor and possibly dry out the mixture. It also tends to make the bars overly sweet or artificial-tasting. The goal is that subtle, creamy banana flavor—not a banana bomb.

3. Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead

This recipe moves fast once the marshmallows are melted, so have everything measured and ready to go. You don’t want the mixture sitting in the pot while you scramble to crush cookies or open the cereal box. That’s a fast track to setting too early and ending up with uneven bars.

4. Over-Pressing the Mixture

It might seem smart to really pack the treats into the pan so they hold their shape, but pressing too hard leads to dense, tough bars. Instead, use a greased spatula or lightly oiled hands to gently pat the mixture down just until it’s even. Soft and pillowy wins every time.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Let’s take your treats from great to next-level amazing with some tried-and-true pro tips. These are the little things that make a big difference—like your grandma’s secret ingredient or that hack you saw once and never forgot. Here’s how to treat yourself (pun intended!) to the very best results:

1. Use European-Style Butter for More Flavor

European-style butter has a higher butterfat content, which means richer flavor and a silkier texture in your melted mixture. It’s a small upgrade, but it really makes the banana and marshmallow shine.

2. Crush Some Cookies, Leave Some Whole

For that classic banana pudding feel, break some of the vanilla wafer cookies into quarters and mix them into the cereal, but reserve a handful of whole ones to press into the top of the bars. It creates that signature layered look and gives a little crunch contrast with every bite.

3. Add a Touch of Salt

Even sweet treats benefit from a little balance. Try sprinkling a small pinch of flaky sea salt over the top just before they set. It offsets the sweetness beautifully and makes all the flavors pop.

4. Glaze It, Don’t Drown It

The vanilla glaze is totally optional, but if you’re going for it, drizzle lightly. You want just a bit of extra sweetness and shine—not soggy treats. Use a fork or small spoon for a delicate finish.

5. Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting

I know, the wait is hard. But if you try to cut the treats while they’re still warm, they’ll stick and lose their shape. Let them sit at room temp for at least 30–45 minutes, or pop them in the fridge for 15 if you’re in a hurry.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve all got questions when it comes to new recipes—and even the classics! These are the most common ones I hear about these banana pudding Rice Krispie treats. Let’s clear things up so you can bake (er, mix!) with confidence.

1. Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the mix?

It’s best to stick with the instant pudding mix for this recipe. Homemade pudding has more moisture and could make the bars soggy or prevent them from setting up properly. The dry mix gives us just the right amount of banana flavor without adding liquid.

2. What kind of marshmallows work best?

Mini marshmallows are ideal because they melt faster and more evenly. But if all you have are the big ones, just chop them into smaller pieces first to help them melt quicker.

3. How long do these treats stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3–4 days. Any longer and they’ll start to harden a bit, but you can always microwave them for a few seconds to soften them up again!

4. Can I freeze them?

Yep! Freeze the cut bars in a single layer, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them thaw at room temp. The texture will be a bit chewier, but still tasty.

5. Can I add extra mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts?

Totally! Just keep it to about ½ cup of extras so you don’t mess with the structure of the treats too much. White chocolate adds creaminess, and chopped pecans or walnuts bring a fun crunch.

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🎉 Conclusion & Call to Action

If you grew up loving banana pudding—those creamy layers, soft cookies, and sweet banana flavor—then these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are going to hit you right in the nostalgia feels. They’ve got all the comfort of your favorite childhood dessert, with the easy, no-bake magic of classic cereal bars.

I love this recipe because it always surprises people. It looks familiar, but one bite and they’re like, “Wait—what’s in this??” That little twist of banana pudding mix gives such a dreamy flavor without overpowering everything. And those vanilla wafers tucked in? Pure genius. They soften slightly in the mix while still offering a tender crunch on top. It’s that sweet spot between chewy and crisp, familiar and fun.

Plus, the recipe is so forgiving. You don’t need a mixer, oven, or even a lot of time. Just a few pantry staples and a pot on the stove, and you’re off. This is a great one for kids to help with too—let them crush the cookies or press the cereal into the pan (with supervision, of course).

Now it’s your turn to give these a try! I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Do you make them with the glaze? Add some chocolate chips? Maybe swap in strawberry pudding for a fruity twist? Get creative and make them your own.

If you do make this recipe, snap a quick photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your versions and all the fun twists you come up with. And if you’ve got a question or a tip of your own, drop it in the comments below so we can all learn together.

Happy snacking, and enjoy every gooey, banana-kissed bite. You’ve got this. 💛

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