There’s something magical about the scent of banana pudding wafting through the kitchen, especially when it’s layered with the buttery crunch of marshmallow-coated Rice Krispies. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are gooey, golden, and packed with that comforting banana-vanilla flavor everyone loves.

I first made these on a whim when I had an extra box of vanilla wafers and a few overripe bananas on the counter. What started as a weekend experiment has now become my go-to dessert for potlucks and birthday parties—and there's never a crumb left behind.

Whether you’re a longtime banana pudding lover or just looking to shake up your Rice Krispies routine, this mashup is going to hit the sweet spot. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Get ready to meet your new favorite no-bake dessert. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are everything you love about banana pudding, with the chewy, crispy magic of classic Rice Krispies Treats.

First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make. No oven needed, no fancy tools—just a saucepan, a spatula, and about 20 minutes of your time. They're perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or surprise guests.

They’re also wonderfully budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—think marshmallows, cereal, pudding mix, and bananas. You probably have half of them on hand already!

Kids and adults alike will go wild for the familiar flavors. You’ve got the creamy sweetness of banana pudding, the nostalgic crunch of vanilla wafers, and that irresistible marshmallow pull with every bite.

Best of all, these treats are highly portable and party-perfect. Slice them into squares, pack them up for school lunches, or serve them at your next backyard BBQ. They hold up beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Once you try them, you’ll be dreaming up your own pudding-Rice Krispie mashups in no time.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these Banana Pudding Rice Krispies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient has a purpose—from the marshmallows that bring the chew to the banana pudding mix that gives that unmistakable flavor.

Let’s start with the Rice Krispies cereal. Go with the name brand if you can—it tends to hold up better and give that signature crisp. You’ll need about 6 cups to get that perfect ratio of crunch to gooeyness.

The heart of the flavor comes from the banana cream instant pudding mix. Don’t skip this! It adds a punch of banana flavor that’s much more concentrated than using bananas alone. Be sure to grab the instant kind, not cook-and-serve.

Of course, what’s banana pudding without vanilla wafers? Crush them just slightly—not into dust, but into bite-sized pieces—so you still get little cookie surprises in every bite.

For that classic Rice Krispie chew, you’ll use mini marshmallows and unsalted butter. The mini size melts faster and more evenly. If you want to level it up, toss in a handful of whole marshmallows at the end for some gooey pockets.

Optional but highly recommended: sliced banana. Just a few thin slices stirred in at the end give an extra layer of freshness. Just keep in mind they reduce shelf life, so if you're storing these for later, you might want to skip the fresh fruit.

You don’t need anything fancy to pull this together—just a large saucepan or pot, a sturdy spatula, and an 8x8 or 9x13 pan depending on how thick you want your bars.

How To Make These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies

Making these treats is a total breeze—no baking required and very little mess. Just a few steps, and you're on your way to snack-time heaven.

Start by preparing your pan. Lightly grease an 8x8 or 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set this aside so it’s ready when your mixture is still warm and pliable.

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to foam slightly. Add your mini marshmallows and stir continuously until they melt into a glossy, smooth mixture. This takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat once everything is fully melted.

Now for the flavor boost—quickly stir in the banana cream pudding mix while the marshmallow mixture is still hot. It will dissolve right in and infuse that wonderful banana flavor throughout the mixture. You’ll immediately notice the sweet, nostalgic aroma filling your kitchen.

Working quickly, fold in your Rice Krispies cereal and stir until everything is evenly coated. This part gets a little sticky, so use a buttered spatula or lightly greased hands if needed. Once everything is combined, gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and, if using, a few thinly sliced bananas.

Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it down gently. Don’t compact it too tightly or you’ll lose that soft, chewy texture. Let the pan sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to set before slicing into squares.

The whole process from start to finish takes under 30 minutes, and the result is a pan full of golden, gooey, banana-scented squares that are impossible to resist.

Storage Options

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispies are best enjoyed fresh, but they do store quite well if you have leftovers—though I doubt that’ll be an issue.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you added fresh banana slices, eat them the same day for best texture and flavor.

To extend their life, especially if you're skipping the banana slices, you can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving so they’re soft and chewy again.

If you really want to make them last, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temp for a quick treat anytime.

To reheat (if you're into warm Rice Krispies—yes, it's a thing!), microwave for about 5-10 seconds to soften them up. They'll taste like they just came out of the pot.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Once you’ve got the base down, you can make it your own in so many fun ways.

Want to skip the pudding mix? Try using banana extract instead. A teaspoon or so mixed into the melted marshmallows will still give that banana vibe, just a little less creamy.

Not a fan of banana? Swap in vanilla or butterscotch pudding mix for a twist that’s equally delicious. It becomes more of a classic Nilla wafer treat with a hint of toffee flavor.

For added texture and a bit of indulgence, sprinkle in some white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips just before pressing the mix into the pan. They’ll melt slightly and make the bars even more decadent.

Need a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free crispy rice cereal and gluten-free vanilla cookies in place of standard Rice Krispies and Nilla wafers. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

And for the brave banana lovers out there, mash half a banana and stir it into the marshmallow mixture before adding the cereal. It gives the treats an extra-soft texture and amps up the natural banana flavor.

No matter how you tweak them, these bars are practically foolproof. Have fun playing with the flavors—you might just create your new favorite dessert!