If you have a sweet tooth and love combining nostalgic cereal treats with creamy, fruity flavors, you are going to absolutely adore this Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe. Imagine the classic, irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies mixed with luscious banana pudding flavor, layered with a smooth white chocolate drizzle and topped with fresh banana slices for a bright, fresh finish. These bars turn simple pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a treat to brighten your day.

A bright, clean flat lay of main ingredients for banana pudding Rice Krispies arranged neatly on a white marble surface. Six cups of golden, crunchy Rice Krispies cereal spread in a small clear bowl, a cluster of small, soft white mini marshmallows spilling gently nearby. A small wooden bowl holding three tablespoons of pale yellow unsalted butter cubes. Next to it, a sealed 3.4 oz box of instant banana pudding mix with bright yellow banana imagery on the packaging. A small glass ramekin filled with clear vanilla extract, shimmering under soft light. A tiny white dish holding a fine pinch of salt. A white ceramic bowl filled with smooth, glossy white chocolate chips, accompanied by a small metal measuring spoon with rich heavy cream. A tiny bottle of banana extract with a golden label casually placed. Fresh ripe bananas sliced into neat rounds, their creamy yellow and lightly spotted surfaces fanned out on a rustic wooden board, with a small squeezed lemon wedge nearby adding a pop of pale yellow. Soft natural light casts gentle shadows, emphasizing the varied textures: crunchy cereal, fluffy marshmallows, creamy butter, and juicy banana slices. Clean, minimalist styling with neutral linen napkin accents and delicate greenery sprigs for freshness. Overhead shot, top down view, flat lay photography, professional food styling --ar 1:1 --q 2 --s 750 --v 6.1

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe calls for ingredients that are straightforward yet essential to creating a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity goodness. Each one plays a unique role in building layers of flavor and texture that will delight your taste buds.

Rice Krispies cereal (6 cups): The crunchy base that provides the signature crisp texture.
Mini marshmallows (1 10-oz bag): The gooey binder that holds everything together with a sweet, melty touch.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
Instant banana pudding mix (1 box, 3.4 oz): Infuses that unmistakably creamy banana flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness and warmth.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
White chocolate chips (1 cup): For a luscious drizzle that pairs perfectly with banana.
Heavy cream or milk (1 tablespoon): Helps melt the white chocolate into a silky sauce.
Banana extract (½ teaspoon, optional): Boosts banana flavor in the drizzle.
Ripe bananas (1–2, sliced): Fresh topping that adds natural sweetness and freshness.
Lemon juice (a squeeze): Prevents the sliced bananas from browning quickly.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This will make it super easy to lift the bars out later. Give the parchment a light grease with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking—this small step saves a lot of frustration when removing your bars.

Step 2: Melt the Marshmallows

In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Once melted, toss in the mini marshmallows and stir constantly. Watch the magic happen as the marshmallows melt into a smooth, glossy mixture that will become your sweet, chewy glue.

Step 3: Add Banana Pudding Flavor

Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the dry banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This blend creates that signature banana pudding taste that’s creamy and comforting. You’ll notice the mixture thickens slightly as the pudding powder hydrates, which means you’re on the right track!

Step 4: Combine with Cereal

Pour the Rice Krispies into the marshmallow mixture and fold gently but thoroughly with a silicone spatula. Every crisp needs to be lovingly coated so that both crunch and flavor shine through in every bite.

Step 5: Press into Pan

Transfer the sticky mixture into your prepared pan. Use damp hands or a buttered spatula to press it down evenly but don’t pack it too tightly—you want to keep some chewiness alive while maintaining the bar shape.

Step 6: Make the Drizzle

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine white chocolate chips with heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is melted and luscious. If you’re using banana extract, fold it in here for an extra banana boost that your taste buds will love.

Step 7: Top and Chill

Drizzle the melted white chocolate evenly over the pressed cereal bars. Let it cool for a solid 5 minutes so it begins to set. Then arrange fresh banana slices on top and give them a light brush of lemon juice to keep those beautiful bananas from browning.

Step 8: Chill and Slice

Pop the bars into the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes until they’ve set nicely. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the block out of the pan and slice into 12 squares. Now your delicious Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of crushed vanilla wafer cookies or add a few mini chocolate chips for some extra crunch and visual appeal. A dash of toasted coconut on top can also add an unexpected tropical flair that complements the banana beautifully.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of coffee can help balance the sweetness when serving as part of a dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, arrange the bars on a decorative platter with edible flowers or banana leaves underneath for a playful, tropical vibe. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on skewers for a fun, easy-to-eat finger food option perfect for kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them a great grab-and-go snack or a quick dessert solution.

Freezing

If you want to save these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Frozen banana pudding Rice Krispies bars last up to a month. Just thaw in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer them slightly softened, leave them at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before digging in.

FAQs

Can I use regular pudding instead of instant banana pudding mix?

The instant pudding mix is what gives these bars their quick, concentrated banana flavor and texture; using regular pudding might introduce too much moisture and change the consistency. For best results, stick to the instant mix.

Is it okay to use fresh bananas only, or can I use frozen ones as well?

Fresh bananas work best as they retain their natural sweetness and texture without adding extra moisture that could make the bars soggy. Frozen bananas would release more liquid upon thawing and might affect the bar’s firmness.

Can I substitute white chocolate with milk or dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk or dark chocolate can bring a richer flavor that contrasts nicely with the banana. Just keep in mind that the white chocolate’s creamy sweetness complements banana pudding particularly well.

Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Definitely! These bars are a kid-friendly treat that combines fun textures and flavors without any artificial nasties. Just keep an eye on portions as they do contain sugar and butter.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can try substituting vegan butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan marshmallows. However, be aware that the banana pudding mix and white chocolate might contain dairy, so look for vegan alternatives or make your own banana-flavored drizzle to keep it plant-based.

Final Thoughts

There is something so comforting and nostalgic about the Banana Pudding Rice Krispies Bars Recipe that makes it a quick favorite to whip up for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’re only a short while away from a batch of sunny, chewy bars bursting with banana goodness and sweet, creamy surprises. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be a staple in your dessert rotation—so go ahead, give this recipe a try and share the joy with friends and family!