Banana Pudding Rice Krispies: A Dreamy No-Bake Treat You’ll Want on Repeat!
First of all, thank you so much for stopping by! If you’ve got a soft spot for banana pudding and a nostalgic love for Rice Krispies treats, you’re in for something seriously special today. This Banana Pudding Rice Krispies recipe is one of those blissful mashups that brings the best of two beloved classics together in a chewy, creamy, banana-kissed square of joy.
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Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares 1x
Description
A dreamy no-bake mashup of banana pudding and Rice Krispies treats with vanilla wafers, whipped topping, and a nostalgic twist.
Ingredients
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (dry—do not prepare)
- 1 cup crushed Nilla wafers (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Fresh banana slices (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add marshmallows and stir until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the dry banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Rice Krispies cereal and crushed Nilla wafers. Stir until fully combined. Fold in white chocolate chips if using.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a buttered spatula or wax paper.
- Once mostly cool, spread whipped topping across the top. Sprinkle with extra crushed wafers and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
- Cut into squares and top with banana slices just before serving.
Notes
Don’t overheat the marshmallows. Chill before cutting. Add banana slices only before serving to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: banana pudding, rice krispies, no-bake dessert, kid-friendly, whipped topping
Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are your new favorite no-bake dessert—easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and gone in minutes once they hit the table. You’ll want to keep this one in your dessert rotation all year long.
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What Are Banana Pudding Rice Krispies?
Imagine this: the signature snap of puffed rice cereal, enveloped in marshmallow gooeyness, laced with banana pudding flavor, layered with crushed vanilla wafers, and crowned with whipped topping. Sounds indulgent? That’s because it is! But it’s also light, creamy, and incredibly fun.
This no-bake treat takes the flavor of Southern-style banana pudding and folds it into the playful texture of Rice Krispies bars. It’s a dessert with charm, comfort, and plenty of personality—just like your favorite potluck dish, but reimagined.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
No oven required. Perfect for warm weather, busy weeks, or just when you don’t feel like baking.
Quick to make. You’ll be done in under 30 minutes!
Kid and adult-approved. It’s familiar but unique enough to be a conversation starter.
Customizable. Swap, mix, and add your own twist easily.
What Does It Taste Like?
In a word: nostalgic. You get the caramelized crunch of vanilla wafers, the soft banana pudding flavor coming through every bite, and that irresistible marshmallow pull. Each square is a balance of sweet, creamy, crunchy, and chewy—anything but boring!!
Benefits of Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Minimal ingredients.
Great for gatherings, picnics, and potlucks.
Travels well and holds up beautifully at room temperature.
Kid-friendly and allergy-flexible (can be made nut-free or gluten-free!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your grocery list for banana pudding Rice Krispies bars:
6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
1 (10 oz) bag mini marshmallows
3 tbsp unsalted butter
1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (dry—do not prepare)
1 cup crushed Nilla wafers (plus more for topping)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended!)
1½ cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), for layering or topping
Fresh banana slices (optional for garnish—best added just before serving)
Tools You’ll Need
9×9-inch square baking pan
Large saucepan
Silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Non-stick spray or parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Banana flavor extract can boost banana intensity if you want it really bold.
Gluten-free cereal and wafers make this celiac-friendly.
Chocolate chips or butterscotch chips add a fun twist.
Real mashed banana can be folded in with caution (too much can make it soggy).
Cream cheese swirl in the whipped topping layer = decadence!
How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Lightly grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bars so much easier.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Marshmallows
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add in the marshmallows and stir constantly until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in the Flavor
Remove from heat and stir in the dry banana pudding mix, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The smell? UNREAL.
Step 4: Fold in the Cereal and Cookies
Add the Rice Krispies cereal and crushed Nilla wafers. Stir until fully combined. If using white chocolate chips, fold them in last when the mixture has cooled slightly.
Step 5: Press Into Pan
Use a buttered spatula or wax paper to press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan.
Step 6: Layer on Whipped Topping
Once the bars are mostly cool, spread whipped topping across the top. Sprinkle with extra crushed wafers and chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Cut into squares and top with banana slices just before serving, if desired. Devour and repeat.
What to Serve with Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
A tall glass of milk or iced coffee.
Vanilla ice cream for a dreamy double-dessert moment.
Fresh fruit on the side (think strawberries or raspberries for a color pop).
Tips for Perfect Bars Every Time
Don’t overheat the marshmallows—they’ll get stiff.
Press gently into the pan to avoid compacting them too much.
Chill before cutting for clean, tidy squares.
Add banana slices just before serving to prevent browning.
How to Store Banana Pudding Rice Krispies
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re skipping the whipped topping and bananas, you can keep them at room temperature for 2 days. They can also be frozen—wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cooked banana pudding?
Nope! Use the dry mix only—it’s what gives the flavor without turning the bars into mush.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use plant-based butter, dairy-free marshmallows, and coconut whipped topping.
What if I don’t have Nilla wafers?
Try graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or even golden Oreos!
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch pan and double everything.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are everything we love about nostalgic Southern desserts and playful kid snacks, all rolled into one easy-to-make, no-bake bar. Whether you’re making them for a party, a picnic, or just because your sweet tooth whispered banana in your ear, they’re bound to be a hit.
They’re creamy, crunchy, sweet, and utterly unforgettable. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
More Peachy and Pudding-Inspired Recipes to Try:
Peach Cobbler Cookie Bars
No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake Cups
Peach & Cream Rice Krispies Squares
Banana Bread Pudding with Caramel Drizzle
🍌 Share the Love!
Tried this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a review or sharing your beautiful bars on Pinterest—tag me so I can see your banana pudding creations!
Nutritional Information (Per Square, Approx.)
Calories: 180
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 1g
Sugar: 17g
Fiber: 0g