If you’re craving a sweet treat that brings together the nostalgic taste of banana pudding and the irresistible crunch of cereal bars, you’re in for a real thrill with these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies! Imagine gooey marshmallow, creamy banana flavor, buttery vanilla wafers, and that signature snap of Rice Krispies all packed into one no-bake dessert. This is the dessert you’ll want to whip up for every potluck, picnic, or lazy weekend at home — it’s pure comfort with a playful twist that adults and kids can’t help but adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Banana Pudding Rice Krispies is how easy they are to make, and each ingredient brings something special to this dreamy treat. From the iconic snap of Rice Krispies to the lush sweetness of banana pudding mix, every component layers on rich flavor or perfect texture.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides that melt-in-your-mouth, rich base for the marshmallow mixture.
- Mini marshmallows (1 package, 10 oz): The heart of any Rice Krispies treat for that gooey, stretchy texture we love.
- Instant banana cream pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 oz, dry): Delivers that unmistakable, creamy banana pudding flavor with zero fuss.
- Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): Brings a light, crispy backbone to every single bite.
- Crushed vanilla wafers (1 cup): Adds a buttery crunch and classic banana pudding nostalgia.
- Mini marshmallows (1 cup, optional): Extra goo factor for those who love the inside of their treats gooey and pillowy.
- White chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Gives creamy pockets of sweetness and a fun surprise in every square.
- Banana slices or banana chips for garnish (optional): Top off your treats with fresh or crunchy banana for a stunning finish and added flavor.
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Step 1: Melt Butter & Marshmallows
Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s all sunny and melted, toss in all 10 ounces of mini marshmallows. Stir continuously until the marshmallows are silky smooth and completely melted with the butter. Keeping the texture smooth and even is key to dreamy bars later!
Step 2: Stir in Banana Pudding Mix
Now’s the magic moment — sprinkle in your dry banana cream pudding mix right into the warm, glossy marshmallow mixture. Stir well until every bit of the pudding powder disappears and the mixture looks wonderfully creamy yellow and smells like the best banana dessert you’ve ever encountered.
Step 3: Add Rice Krispies and Vanilla Wafers
Remove your pan from the heat right away and pour in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers. Work quickly, folding and mixing until everything is thoroughly coated in banana-marshmallow goodness. Speed is your friend here for even distribution and the best texture.
Step 4: Fold in Goodies (Optional)
At this point, if you want extra gooeyness, gently fold in a handful of additional mini marshmallows. For creamy bits, add white chocolate chips. Both are optional, but they make your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies just a bit more magical.
Step 5: Press and Cool
Scrape the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. For less mess, use a buttered spatula or a piece of wax paper to press the mixture down evenly. Let everything cool completely – about 30 minutes – until set. Don’t rush this step; it helps the bars keep their perfect shape.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, dress up your bars with fresh banana slices or banana chips for a pretty, playful finish that really drives home that banana pudding flair. Then cut your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies into squares and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely crushed vanilla wafers, a few banana chips, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar take these treats over the top. For parties, I adore laying a thin slice of fresh banana right on each square — but remember to add these just before serving to keep things fresh. The little details make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies look extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies alongside a big pitcher of cold milk for an old-school vibe, or offer them with iced coffee or lemonade for afternoon gatherings. If it’s a dessert spread, pair them with chocolate-dipped strawberries or a simple vanilla bean ice cream for irresistible flavor variety.
Creative Ways to Present
These bars are just as fun cut into novelty shapes with cookie cutters — stars, hearts, you name it! Stack them on tiered trays for baby showers, or wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with a ribbon for party favors. Banana Pudding Rice Krispies even look stunning layered in a glass trifle dish with whipped cream and extra banana slices if you’re going for a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies at their best, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to three days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house because everyone goes back for “just one more.”
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze these bars! Cut them into portions and wrap well in plastic wrap, then tuck into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to a month — just let them thaw at room temp before diving in.
Reheating
If your Banana Pudding Rice Krispies firm up a bit too much after a couple days or straight from the freezer, simply pop a square into the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds for that warm, gooey, just-made delight. Don’t overheat or they’ll get chewy instead of soft, though!
FAQs
Can I use homemade banana pudding instead of the instant mix?
The instant banana pudding mix is what gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispies their signature bold, nostalgic flavor while keeping things simple and no-bake. Homemade pudding adds extra moisture and doesn’t mix in as seamlessly, so stick with the dry mix for best results.
How do I keep my bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking dish well with butter or nonstick spray, and use either a buttered spatula or wax paper to press the mixture in — it’s a lifesaver! If you want super easy cleanup, line the pan with parchment, then lift the whole slab out to slice.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in gluten-free Rice Krispies cereal and gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies. Double-check your pudding mix and marshmallows to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a treat everyone can enjoy.
How can I boost the banana flavor even more?
For a punchier banana taste, use banana-flavored marshmallows (if you can find them) or tuck fresh banana slices between two layers of the Rice Krispies mixture before pressing into the pan. A little banana extract stirred in with the marshmallows does wonders, too!
Do Banana Pudding Rice Krispies travel well for parties or lunchboxes?
Yes! Once cooled and cut into bars, they’re sturdy enough to stack in containers or wrap individually for grab-and-go treats at bake sales, picnics, and birthdays. Just be wary of hot days if you’re using fresh banana as a garnish – banana chips will hold up best in the heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re trying to impress at the next potluck or just want to spoil yourself with an easy, no-bake dessert, Banana Pudding Rice Krispies deliver sweet, nostalgic comfort every single time. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if your whole family begs for an encore!
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious combination of banana pudding and Rice Krispies with this easy-to-make no-bake dessert. Perfect for a sweet treat or snack, these banana pudding Rice Krispies squares are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 package (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana cream pudding mix (dry mix only)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for extra gooeyness)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- banana slices or banana chips for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in the dry banana pudding mix until fully combined. Remove from heat and quickly mix in the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed vanilla wafers until evenly coated.
- If using, gently fold in extra mini marshmallows and white chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Garnish with banana slices or banana chips if desired before serving.
Notes
- For added banana flavor, you can layer banana slices between two layers of Rice Krispies mixture or use banana-flavored marshmallows.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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