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If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies with the creamy, comforting flavor of banana pudding, you’re about to fall head over heels for these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats. They’re a fun twist on a classic snack, featuring the delightful sweetness of banana pudding mixed right into the marshmallow melt and bundled up with crunchy vanilla wafers. Perfectly chewy yet with little bursts of crispy texture and that smooth banana essence, these treats will brighten any snack time or dessert table with their sunny, inviting flavors.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully to create a uniquely delicious treat. Each one plays a vital role in giving the Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats their signature taste and texture, from the crispy cereal base to the luscious banana pudding blend and the sweet vanilla glaze on top.

Rice Krispies Cereal (4 ½ cups): The classic crispy foundation providing perfect crunch and lightness.
Vanilla wafer cookies (24 total): Adds sweetness and that unmistakable banana pudding cookie flavor, with some added for topping.
Butter (4 tablespoons): Helps bind everything together while adding rich buttery notes.
Marshmallows (10 ounces): The gooey binder that melds all the ingredients into soft, chewy treats.
Instant banana pudding mix (½ of a 3.4-ounce box): Imparts that bright banana flavor, infusing the marshmallows with creamy goodness.
Powdered sugar (⅓ cup): Used in the vanilla glaze for a delicate sweet finish.
Heavy whipping cream or milk (1 tablespoon plus more if needed): Makes the glaze smooth and drizzle-worthy.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by adding warm, fragrant notes.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment and Ingredients

Start by greasing an extra-large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or non-stick baking spray. This prevents sticking and helps your treats come out cleanly and in perfect shape. Measure out your Rice Krispies cereal and get your vanilla wafers ready by breaking 14 cookies into pieces to mix in and reserving 10 for topping. Preparation is key to smooth sailing in this recipe.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows with Banana Pudding Mix

Set a medium-large saucepan over low heat and place your butter into it, allowing it to melt gently. Add the marshmallows once the butter begins to soften, then sprinkle in the banana pudding mix. Stir frequently—about every few minutes—until about 75% of the marshmallows have melted. Removing the pan from heat and stirring further helps the residual warmth fully melt the marshmallows without overheating, which keeps your treats nice and soft.

Step 3: Combine Cereal, Cookies, and Melted Mixture

Pour the luscious banana pudding marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies and cookie pieces in the mixing bowl. Stir well, ensuring every bit of cereal and cookie gets coated with that creamy marshmallow blend. This step is where the magic happens, transforming simple ingredients into a cohesive, irresistible treat.

Step 4: Press and Decorate

Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan and gently press it evenly. Be careful not to press too hard or the treats will become dense and tough instead of delightfully chewy. Right after pressing, take the remaining vanilla wafer cookie pieces and press them onto the top for a crunchy, beautiful finishing touch. Let your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats rest for 30 minutes to set up.

Step 5: Make and Drizzle Vanilla Glaze

While the treats are resting, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk until smooth. If the glaze feels too thick to drizzle, add more cream or milk a little at a time until perfect. Once your treats have set, cut them into 12 rectangles or 16 squares and drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top. Let the glaze firm up for another 30 minutes—then they’re ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Decorating Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is a blast—try adding a few fresh banana slices on top just before serving for an extra fresh pop, or sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafer crumbs or even mini chocolate chips to amp up the texture contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming finishing touch that elevates presentation.

Side Dishes

These treats pair wonderfully with simple accompaniments like fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream to balance their sweetness. For a more indulgent spread, offer alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some creamy banana pudding cups, reinforcing that luscious banana theme. Coffee or lightly brewed tea also complement the flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the typical square cut by using cookie cutters to shape your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats into fun shapes for parties or kids’ snacks. Stack them into layered parfaits with banana slices and whipped cream in clear glasses, or serve them on colorful plates lined with banana leaves for a tropical vibe. The playful banana pudding flavor makes presentation extra fun to experiment with.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats keep their fresh flavor and chewy texture when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keeping them sealed tightly prevents them from drying out or becoming stale, making them easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

Freezing these treats is a great option if you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers. Wrap each treat individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, still wrapped, to keep them moist and delicious.

Reheating

Unlike more dense desserts, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled. If you prefer them a bit warmer, gently microwave each treat for 5-7 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the ideal chewy texture intact. The warmth will soften the marshmallow a bit, enhancing that gooey sensation.

FAQs

Can I use a different pudding flavor instead of banana?

Absolutely! While banana pudding is the star here, vanilla or butterscotch pudding mixes can also work well if you want to switch things up. Just keep in mind it will change the signature flavor of the Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats.

Do I have to use vanilla wafer cookies?

Vanilla wafers add that classic banana pudding vibe, but if you’re out, substitute with any simple vanilla cookie or shortbread cookie you love. The texture is important since the cookies add crunch and sweet bursts in every bite.

Can I make this recipe without butter?

Butter is key for flavor and helps bind the marshmallows properly, but you could try substituting with margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different, but still tasty!

Is there a microwave method for making these treats?

Yes! You can melt the butter, marshmallows, and banana pudding mix together in a greased microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute, then let it rest for 3 minutes in the microwave before stirring to melt completely. Repeat microwaving in short bursts if needed but avoid overheating to keep treats soft.

How do I prevent my treats from getting too hard?

The secret is to avoid overheating the marshmallow mixture. Melt slowly over low heat (or carefully in the microwave) and stir off-heat until fully melted. Also, don’t compact the mixture too firmly when pressing into the pan—gentle pressure keeps them chewy and light.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a fun, nostalgic treat with a flavorful twist, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are an absolute must-try. Their sunny banana essence combined with marshmallow gooiness and crispy cookie bits makes for a snack that’s irresistibly good and perfect any time you want a little dessert cheer. Go on, whip up a batch and watch your family’s faces light up with every scrumptious bite!

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Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 22 reviews

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crispy marshmallow treat with a delicious banana pudding flavor twist and crunchy vanilla wafers, finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for a fun and nostalgic dessert with a creamy banana pudding flair.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 rectangles or 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Stovetop melting and mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Banana Rice Krispie Treats

4 ½ cups Rice Krispies Cereal
24 vanilla wafer cookies
4 tablespoons butter
10 ounces marshmallows
1.7 ounces (½ of a 3.4 ounce box) instant banana pudding mix

Vanilla Glaze

⅓ cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk, plus 1-2 teaspoons more if needed
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Pans: Grease an extra large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.
Combine Cereal and Cookies: Pour Rice Krispies Cereal into the mixing bowl. Break 14 vanilla wafer cookies into pieces and toss them into the cereal. Reserve the remaining 10 cookies broken into pieces for topping later.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Cut butter into small pieces, place in a medium-large saucepan and melt over LOW heat. Once melted, add marshmallows and sprinkle the banana pudding mix on top. Stir to combine.
Cook Marshmallow Mixture: Stir every few minutes until about 75% of marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring using residual heat until fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent hard treats.
Combine with Cereal Mixture: Pour melted banana marshmallow mixture over cereal and cookie pieces, stirring until well combined.
Press into Pan: Spread the mixture into the prepared pan evenly without pressing too hard to maintain soft texture.
Add Topping: Immediately press the reserved cookie pieces onto the top of the treats for added crunch and texture.
Rest Treats: Let treats rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to set.
Make Vanilla Glaze: Stir together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk until smooth. Add more cream or milk ½ teaspoon at a time if glaze is too thick to drizzle.
Cut and Glaze: Cut the treats into 12 rectangles or 16 squares. Drizzle the glaze over the top evenly.
Set Glaze: Allow glaze to firm up for about 30 minutes before serving for best texture.

Notes

Microwave Method: Melt butter, marshmallows, and banana pudding mix in a greased large microwave-safe bowl on high for 1 minute. Let rest inside microwave for 3 minutes, then stir vigorously. Repeat short 10-15 second heats as needed until melted, avoiding overheating.
Large Batch: For a 9×13 inch pan, use: 8 tablespoons butter, 20 ounces marshmallows, 9 cups Rice Krispies, 48 vanilla wafers, 3.4 ounces instant banana pudding mix, ⅔ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Follow the same preparation method.
Storage: Store treats in an airtight container up to 5 days or freeze in a zip-top bag up to 3 months.