If you’re looking for a dessert that’s bursting with nostalgic flavor and effortless charm, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are your new best friend. Combining the classic flavors of banana cream pudding and the irresistible chewiness of Rice Krispie treats, this dessert brings a delightful twist to a childhood favorite. Every bite delivers that creamy banana essence paired with the satisfying crunch of cereal and hints of vanilla from crushed wafers.
Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a simple weekday treat, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats come together in just minutes with no baking required. They’re customizable too—you can toss in extra white chocolate chips or even layer slices of fresh banana for an added burst of flavor. Soft, sweet, and brimming with comfort, these treats are destined to be your go-to quick dessert!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
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1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
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1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
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1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
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Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
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In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
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Remove from heat and quickly stir in the banana cream pudding mix, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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Gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal until evenly coated.
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Mix in the crushed vanilla wafers and optional white chocolate chips.
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Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
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Allow the treats to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 16 squares
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a beautiful marriage between two beloved desserts—classic Southern banana pudding and nostalgic Rice Krispie treats. Combining the creamy, dreamy essence of banana pudding with the chewy, marshmallowy goodness of cereal bars creates a sweet treat that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. This recipe has captured the hearts of dessert lovers because it blends comforting, recognizable flavors with the ease and simplicity of a no-bake preparation.
The concept of Rice Krispie treats dates back to the 1930s, created by Kellogg’s home economists as an easy fundraiser idea. Since then, the treat has evolved with countless variations—each reflecting a little personality and creativity. Banana pudding, on the other hand, is a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, traditionally made with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and creamy vanilla or banana-flavored pudding. It’s a dessert that evokes comfort, memories of family gatherings, and the warmth of homemade traditions. Marrying these two dishes results in an irresistible treat that’s both playful and steeped in nostalgia.
What makes these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats especially brilliant is how easily they capture the key flavors of banana pudding while offering the handheld convenience of a bar. The addition of crushed vanilla wafers echoes the signature cookie layer in traditional banana pudding, while banana cream pudding mix infuses the treats with authentic banana flavor without the need for fresh fruit, making them more shelf-stable and portable. Optional white chocolate chips bring an extra dimension of creamy sweetness that makes each bite even more indulgent.
Why This Recipe is Truly the Best
- Incredibly Easy and Quick:
This recipe takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish. There’s no need to bake, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment—just a pot, a spatula, and a baking dish. It’s the perfect last-minute dessert for parties, potlucks, bake sales, or when you simply want to whip up something delightful without turning on the oven. - Flavor Explosion:
The banana flavor isn’t faint or artificial-tasting—it’s rich, velvety, and authentic thanks to the pudding mix. Combined with the buttery marshmallow base, crunchy cereal, and sweet vanilla wafers, every bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. - No Baking, No Fuss:
Especially during warmer months, no-bake desserts like these are a lifesaver. You get to enjoy a luxurious dessert without heating up the kitchen, making it ideal for summer gatherings, pool parties, and busy weeknights. - Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser:
Children adore the fun texture and sweetness of Rice Krispie treats, and adults appreciate the nostalgic nod to banana pudding. This recipe bridges generations and tastes, ensuring that everyone at the table finds something to love. - Customizable:
You can easily make small tweaks based on preference or dietary needs. Want an even more decadent bar? Add caramel drizzle or a layer of whipped topping. Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free crisped rice cereal and certified gluten-free vanilla wafers. Prefer a more pronounced banana flavor? Fold in a handful of banana chips for extra crunch. - Portable and Convenient:
Unlike traditional banana pudding, which is typically served in bowls and can be messy, these bars are perfectly portable. They hold their shape beautifully, making them ideal for lunchboxes, picnics, road trips, or dessert tables. - Beautiful Presentation:
These treats slice cleanly and stack beautifully on a platter, making them look just as appealing as they taste. If you want to elevate the presentation even more, you can drizzle melted white chocolate over the top or add a light dusting of crushed vanilla wafers for a professional finish.
Nutritional and Feel-Good Benefits
While Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are undoubtedly a dessert and meant to be enjoyed in moderation, they do offer a few perks beyond their delicious taste:
- Portion Control:
Cutting them into small squares allows you to indulge in a sweet treat without going overboard. - Satisfies Cravings:
The combination of textures—crispy, gooey, creamy—helps satisfy multiple cravings at once, preventing the need to reach for several different snacks. - Mood Booster:
Bananas are naturally high in mood-boosting vitamins like B6, and while this recipe uses banana pudding mix rather than fresh bananas, just the familiar scent and flavor of banana can trigger happy memories and positive emotions. - Energy Boost:
Thanks to the rice cereal and marshmallows, these treats can offer a quick burst of energy—perfect for kids after school, a midday pick-me-up, or a quick snack during busy afternoons.
The Perfect Occasions for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
There’s truly no wrong time to enjoy these bars, but here are some perfect moments to serve them:
- Backyard BBQs and summer parties
- Birthday parties and children’s events
- Bake sales and school functions
- Baby showers and family reunions
- Casual weeknight desserts
- Movie nights and sleepovers
- Holiday dessert tables (they add a fun twist among classic pies and cookies)
Final Thoughts
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats aren’t just another dessert—they’re a celebration of cherished memories and simple joys. They’re the kind of treat that brings a smile to your face with every bite, transporting you back to childhood summers, family kitchens, and moments of pure, uncomplicated happiness. Easy, fun, flavorful, and customizable, this recipe is a must-have in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a party or just because you want to treat yourself, you’ll find that these little bars pack a whole lot of love into every square.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are the perfect combination of nostalgic flavors and modern simplicity. By blending the creamy sweetness of banana pudding with the irresistible chewiness of classic Rice Krispie treats, this recipe delivers a dessert that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and loved by all ages. Whether you’re preparing them for a casual get-together, a festive celebration, or a cozy night at home, these treats bring comfort, joy, and a playful twist to any occasion. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a go-to favorite whenever you need a quick and crowd-pleasing dessert. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this delicious mash-up of two classic sweets.