These bars are super soft, thanks to a secret ingredient—banana pudding mix—and they get a little crunch and vanilla flavor from chopped Nilla Wafers mixed right in. Plus, the marshmallow-to-cereal ratio is extra gooey, because let’s be honest, that’s how Rice Krispie treats should be.
Why You’ll Love These Treats
- No-bake & fast – Just melt, mix, press, and chill!
- Loaded with banana pudding flavor
- Crunchy, gooey, creamy – All the textures you crave
- Perfect for parties or lunchboxes
- Customizable – Add whipped topping, banana chips, or drizzle with white chocolate!
Prep Time and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories per serving: ~180
- Carbs: 28g | Fat: 6g | Protein: 1g
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows (about 5½ cups)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (dry powder only—don’t prepare it!)
- 1 cup chopped vanilla wafers (Nilla Wafers or similar)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: banana chips, white chocolate chips, or Cool Whip topping
Ingredient Notes:
- Make sure you’re using instant banana pudding mix (not cook & serve).
- Want extra banana flavor? Add ¼ tsp banana extract.
- Use gluten-free cereal and cookies to make it gluten-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan
- Line a 9×9-inch pan (or 9×13 for thinner bars) with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it. Set aside.
2. Melt the Marshmallows
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until fully melted and starting to foam.
- Stir in marshmallows and continue stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat.
3. Add Flavor
- Quickly stir in the dry banana pudding mix and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- It will thicken slightly—don’t worry!
This is where that creamy banana pudding magic comes in!
4. Stir in the Cereal & Cookies
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and gently fold until everything is coated in the marshmallow mixture.
- Fold in the chopped vanilla wafers.
Add the wafers last so they keep a little crunch for texture!
5. Press Into the Pan
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
- Use a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands to gently press it into an even layer. Don’t press too firmly or they’ll be hard instead of soft and gooey.
6. Optional Toppings
- While still warm, sprinkle with banana chips, white chocolate chips, or a few extra crushed Nilla Wafers for a pretty (and tasty) finish.
7. Cool & Slice
- Let the bars cool at room temp for 30 minutes (or chill in the fridge if you’re in a rush).
- Slice into squares and serve!
How to Serve
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are party-ready but also perfect for:
- Picnics and potlucks
- Lunchboxes
- Kid birthdays
- “I need a sweet snack” moments
- Layered dessert bars with whipped topping and banana slices
Want to get fancy? Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel.
Tips for Treat Perfection
- Use fresh marshmallows – They melt better and make a gooier treat.
- Don’t overheat the marshmallows – Low and slow for a soft texture.
- Press gently – Firm enough to hold shape, but not compacted into a brick.
- Cool before cutting – For clean, non-sticky slices.
- Store in a sealed container – Keeps them soft and fresh for days!
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Banana Version – Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle with melted chocolate.
- PB & Banana – Stir in ¼ cup peanut butter with the marshmallows.
- Tropical Twist – Add chopped dried pineapple and coconut flakes.
- Frosted Top – Spread with Cool Whip or banana-flavored buttercream.
- Dairy-free – Use vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter.
Storage & Freezing
Store:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 3–4 days.
Freeze:
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Let thaw at room temp for 20–30 minutes before eating.
FAQ
Can I use regular banana pudding instead of instant?
Nope—you need the dry instant pudding mix. Cook & serve won’t work here.
Can I add real bananas?
It’s not recommended—fresh bananas make the bars soggy and reduce shelf life.
Are these super sweet?
They’re sweet like classic Rice Krispie treats, with a banana twist. You can reduce marshmallows by ½ cup if you prefer less sweetness.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double everything.
Conclusion
These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are everything you didn’t know you needed—gooey, crunchy, sweet, and packed with banana pudding flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for you, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
No bake. No fuss. Just pure banana pudding joy in bar form.
Tag me if you make them—I want to see those perfect, golden squares and your own creative toppings!
Print
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
- Total Time: 40 min
Description
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a fun and delicious twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat! Combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the creamy goodness of pudding and the crispy crunch of Rice Krispies, these treats are indulgent, easy to make, and perfect for a snack or dessert.
Ingredients
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6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
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3 cups mini marshmallows
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1 tbsp butter
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½ cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ripe banana, mashed
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½ cup whipped cream or Cool Whip (optional for topping)
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Sliced bananas (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the treats later.
2️⃣ Make the pudding mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mini marshmallows, banana pudding mix, and milk. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and mashed banana.
3️⃣ Combine with Rice Krispies: Immediately pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the marshmallow-banana mixture. Stir gently until the cereal is fully coated and combined.
4️⃣ Press into the pan: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch dish. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly greased) to press the mixture evenly into the pan.
5️⃣ Chill (optional): Let the treats cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For extra firmness, you can place them in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
6️⃣ Serve: Once the treats are set, slice into squares. Optionally, top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and garnish with sliced bananas for an extra touch of banana pudding goodness.
Notes
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Banana Pudding Flavor: For an extra creamy flavor, use banana-flavored marshmallows or add more mashed bananas.
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Topping Ideas: Feel free to top with crushed vanilla wafers for added crunch, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
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Storage: Store these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 5 min