Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are my absolute weakness at family gatherings. You ever stand around the dessert table wishing you could snag a bite of every classic without looking greedy? I do it all the time. That’s where these bars come in handy. It’s pretty much banana pudding and Rice Krispie treats falling in love and having a super snackable baby. And believe me, if you like experimenting with fun spins on nostalgic goodies (oh! like this deliciously easy banana bread recipe healthy your family will love), or you want something even the picky kids will inhale, these are a wild hit. If you’re not feeling bananas (ha), try my current cozy fave for dinner: deliciously creamy smothered chicken rice for a cozy dinner.
What ingredients do I need to make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats?
Okay, let’s keep it zero-stress, zero-snootiness. Here’s what you’ll grab from your pantry.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- One bag (10 oz) mini marshmallows
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix (yep, just the dry stuff)
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal (or your store-brand variety, I won’t judge)
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafer cookies (the secret crunch – don’t skip)
- Optional: extra marshmallows or a handful of white chocolate chips for, you know, pizazz
Simple, right? No need to track down rare ingredients or get flustered at the store. I mean, anyone who says special-ordering vanilla beans online is required might need to relax a bit.
Are There Any Ingredient Alternatives?
Look, I get it. Sometimes the cupboard comes up short and there’s zero interest in running to the store for just one item. Here’s how you can still join the Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats party.
If you’re short on regular marshmallows, the jumbo ones work too – just chop them a little. No banana pudding mix? Try vanilla and stir in a touch of banana extract or even mashed banana, but go easy or it’ll get soggy. For gluten-free, grab gluten-free vanilla cookies and cereal. Heck, you could probably get away with using Golden Grahams instead of vanilla wafers if you’re desperate, but just know you might have purists shaking their heads. In my house, nobody complains when there are sweet treats around. Taste before pressing into the pan. Always.
And hey, if you wanna get a little wild, swap white chocolate for milk or dark, or sprinkle in a handful of freeze-dried bananas. My cousin did that once and it was… weird but not the worst thing ever.
“These were SO easy and my kids basically fought over the last piece. The banana flavor is amazing, but the vanilla cookie crunch might be my favorite part!” — Maria B., real-life treat fan
How Long Does it Take to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats?
You know what I love? A sweet treat that’s not an all-day project. These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats whip up in about 15 minutes, maybe a bit less if you hustle and don’t get distracted sneaking bites (guilty!). Give them 20-30 minutes to set up at room temp, or pop them in the fridge if you are super impatient like me. That’s right: dessert gratification in under an hour.
Kids can totally help with these, too. I mean, except for the hot butter-melting part. You don’t want someone crying because they touched the saucepan. Otherwise, it’s almost as relaxing as baking cookies together—without all the sticky hands everywhere. Well, maybe just a little sticky.
How to Make Banana Pudding-Flavored Rice Krispie Treats
Ready? Here’s the scoop—step by step (with zero fancy talk):
- Line a square 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment or wax paper.
- In a big ol’ pot, melt butter on low. Toss in marshmallows and stir until it’s one smooth, gooey mess.
- Sprinkle in that dry banana pudding mix. Stir until blended—smell that? It’s bananas, for real.
- Dump in Rice Krispies and crushed vanilla wafers. Fold gently till everything’s coated.
- Add extra marshmallows or chips if you like. Quick stir.
- Press the mixture gently (don’t crush those puffs!) into your pan. Tip: Use greased hands or the back of a spoon.
- Let ’em sit for 30 minutes before slicing. I know it’s hard, but don’t skip, or you’ll have a mess.
Best to watch for that moment when the marshmallow starts pulling into strings; that’s when you know you’re nailing the gooey factor.
Want to keep the fun rolling? Check out this deliciously sweet banana upside down cake for any occasion if you need another banana-themed crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Top Tips
So, you made a batch—and for, like, 5 seconds there were leftovers. Not a problem. If you do have some extras (how?), here’s what to do:
- Store treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Layer wax paper between them if stacking, to avoid sticking.
- Want to jazz them up again? Microwave a square for just 5 seconds and they’re gooey all over.
- Freezer tip: You can freeze them! Just pop the cut pieces in a baggie and thaw whenever the craving hits.
For picnics or lunchboxes, wrap treats individually. Or display on a jazzed-up tray for, you know, “fancy” dessert energy. Either way, these rice krispies are a total conversation starter.
Common Questions
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Not really recommended for this. The instant pudding powder is what flavors the marshmallow mix! Homemade will throw off the texture.
Will these taste artificial with the pudding mix?
Surprisingly, no! The vanilla wafers round it out and you end up with a flavor that tastes nostalgic (think grandma’s banana pudding at church potlucks).
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, just use vegan marshmallows and a butter substitute. Double check your pudding mix is non-dairy.
What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
Let them cool fully. Use a big sharp knife and wipe with a damp towel between slices. I try but let’s be honest, mine often look like wonky rectangles.
How do I keep them from getting hard?
Don’t overheat the marshmallows. And eat them soon! They’re best the first two days.
You Gotta Try These Now
Here’s the bottom line. If you want easy, crowd-pleasing treats that bring together banana pudding vibes and Rice Krispie nostalgia, these are it. Plus, mixing in those vanilla wafers is honestly a five-star restaurant move. Next time you’re at a bake sale or just stuck with extra bananas, know that this fun upgrade exists. Want to branch out? I found more amazing ideas for Flavored Rice Krispie Treats and this fun take on Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats—totally worth a browse if you’re equally snack-obsessed. Let me know what mix-ins you try, and don’t blame me when you’re left with sticky fingers and a tray of crumbs.
Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats
Ingredients
Method
- Line an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan with parchment or wax paper.
- In a large pot, melt butter on low heat.
- Add marshmallows and stir until melted and smooth.
- Sprinkle in the dry banana pudding mix and stir until fully integrated.
- Add Rice Krispies and crushed vanilla wafers; fold gently until everything is coated.
- Stir in optional ingredients like extra marshmallows or white chocolate chips, if desired.
- Press the mixture gently into the pan using greased hands or the back of a spoon.
- Allow the mixture to set at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing.
