Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe

If you’re searching for a playfully nostalgic dessert that wraps up classic comfort in every bite, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies will steal your heart (and maybe the show at your next potluck). This treat blends gooey marshmallows with the creamy, dreamy flavor of banana pudding mix, crispy cereal, and the gentle crunch of vanilla wafers in each bar. It’s everything you love about Southern banana pudding reimagined into a no-bake, shareable square—perfect for parties, lunchbox surprises, or, honestly, just because you crave something truly special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Pudding Rice Krispies comes from their simplicity—each ingredient is essential and brings its own texture, flavor, or nostalgia. Don’t skip or substitute too much; having the right elements really makes this treat pop!

• Rice Krispies cereal: This is your base and crunch—use fresh cereal for the best snap and texture.
• Instant banana cream pudding mix (dry): Trust me, using the mix dry infuses that unmistakable banana pudding flavor right into every bite.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt down soft and sticky, binding everything together with their sweet gooey magic.
• Unsalted butter: It adds richness and helps everything melt smoothly; unsalted lets you control the flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash for warm aroma and extra “pudding” notes.
• Crushed vanilla wafer cookies: Adds the classic pudding vibe and subtle crunch; a must-have layer of flavor.
• White chocolate chips (optional): For a sweet, creamy twist—let them melt in just a bit for ribbons of flavor or keep them intact for added bites.
• Banana chips or extra wafer pieces (optional garnish): These make your bars look bakery-worthy and bring an extra hit of banana or crunch right on top.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This step is key—no one wants their gorgeous Banana Pudding Rice Krispies stuck to the pan! Set it aside so you’re ready to transfer the mixture as soon as it comes together.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows

In a large pot over medium heat, melt your butter first. Once melted, add in the mini marshmallows, stirring constantly until you get a smooth, glossy pool of melted sweetness. Take your time here—slow, gentle melting keeps things velvety instead of sticky or burnt.

Step 3: Add Banana Pudding Flavor

Remove the pot from the heat and immediately add the dry banana pudding mix and vanilla extract. Stir briskly! The warm marshmallow mixture helps dissolve the powder, infusing every swirl with that unmistakable banana pudding taste.

Step 4: Fold in Cereal and Wafers

Add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers to your pot. Using a big, strong spatula, gently fold everything together until every piece is coated in banana-marshmallow goodness and flecked with those classic cookie bits.

Step 5: Stir in White Chocolate and Press Down

If you’re feeling fancy, let the mixture cool just for a minute, then fold in the white chocolate chips so they don’t melt completely. Next, quickly press the mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a greased spatula or wax paper. Firm, even pressure makes neat, bakery-style squares!

Step 6: Garnish and Set

Sprinkle the top with banana chips or extra vanilla wafer pieces for a pretty (and tasty) finish. Let your pan sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes—this helps the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies set up into neat bars that are easy to cut and lift.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Garnishes

Garnishing matters! A few banana chips or a shower of crushed vanilla wafers on top creates a dessert that’s both eye-catching and true to that Southern banana pudding spirit. You can also drizzle a touch of melted white chocolate or scatter a pinch of sea salt for an extra fancy finish.

Side Dishes

These bars make an excellent standalone treat, but if you’re setting up a dessert table, pair them with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness and tartness balance out the chewy sweetness of the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the pan! Cut your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies into small squares for lunchbox treats, or try using cookie cutters for fun shapes at a birthday party. Layer bite-sized pieces in mason jars with whipped cream and sliced fresh bananas for parfaits that are as cute as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure the lid is tight—this keeps them perfectly chewy and prevents any staleness from creeping in.

Freezing

Want to make them ahead? These freeze surprisingly well! Stack the bars with parchment paper between layers and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. Pull them out and thaw at room temp for a grab-and-go snack that tastes nearly as fresh as the day you made them.

Reheating

While they’re designed to be enjoyed at room temperature, you can revive that gooey texture by microwaving a square for about 5 seconds. Don’t overdo it, though—a quick zap is all you need to bring a little warmth and softness back to your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies.

FAQs

Can I use regular marshmallows instead of mini?

Absolutely! Just chop them into smaller pieces so they melt evenly and combine as smoothly as the minis. The flavor and texture will be just as dreamy.

How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan or my hands?

Lightly greasing your baking dish, spatula, and even your hands with a bit of butter or nonstick spray helps prevent stickiness. Wax paper is also a handy tool for pressing the mixture into the pan neatly.

What’s the best way to crush the vanilla wafers?

Place the wafers in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass to gently crush them—aim for a mix of fine crumbs and larger pieces. That way, you get flavor in every bite and some pockets of crunch!

Can I add fresh banana?

Fresh banana adds flavor but can make the bars too wet and shorten their shelf life. For the classic taste and best texture, stick to banana pudding mix and banana chips as a garnish.

Are Banana Pudding Rice Krispies gluten-free?

Standard Rice Krispies cereal and many vanilla wafers contain gluten, but you can easily swap in certified gluten-free cereal and cookies. Just make sure to check all ingredient labels if serving to someone with celiac or a gluten allergy!

Final Thoughts

Ready to fall in love with Banana Pudding Rice Krispies? These delightful, no-bake bars have won over everyone I’ve shared them with. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself (and your friends) to a dessert that tastes like a warm hug and a flashback to summer days. I can’t wait for you to try this out and make it your new favorite crowd-pleaser!

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