Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats | Desserts Made With Cereal

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats: the no-bake treat that tastes like banana pudding in every bite

Banana pudding meets crispy cereal magic in Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats, and the result feels like a dessert shortcut that should have existed all along. The first bite lands with creamy banana flavor, buttery marshmallow chew, and little pops of vanilla wafer crunch. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats taste playful, nostalgic, and just different enough to make people ask what is in them.

That is the charm. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats take everything people love about banana pudding and turn it into a handheld square that travels well, stacks neatly, and disappears fast. They feel familiar, but they do not feel ordinary. That is exactly why Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats deserve a spot in your dessert rotation.

There is also something very satisfying about a treat that gives you big flavor without turning on the oven. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats come together quickly, use simple ingredients, and still look like something you planned ahead for. They fit right in with the best Desserts Made With Cereal, but they also bring a little Southern dessert energy to the table.

These bars are the answer to a lot of dessert questions at once. They work for parties, potlucks, after-school snacks, holiday trays, and those moments when you want What To Make With Pudding to feel exciting instead of predictable. They also land squarely in the world of Desserts With Banana Pudding, only with a crisp, chewy twist.

Why you will love Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats give you a lot of texture in one bite. You get soft marshmallow chew, crunchy cereal, and cookie pieces that bring in the classic banana pudding flavor people expect. That mix keeps every square interesting.

They also feel fun without being fussy. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are a great example of Desserts Using Cereal that do more than just sweeten cereal and marshmallows together. They borrow from a beloved pudding dessert and turn it into something portable and party-ready.

The banana flavor matters here, too. In the right amount, banana pudding mix gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats that familiar creamy sweetness without overpowering the whole batch. It tastes like dessert, not like a flavor experiment gone too far.

And the vanilla wafers are a smart move. They give Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats a little nod to the classic layered dessert, which makes the flavor feel more complete. That detail is part of why these bars work so well for anyone who loves Banana Treats Desserts and wants something a little more interesting than the usual treat bar.

This recipe also belongs on the short list of Things To Make With Rice Krispies when you want something that feels fresh. It is playful, quick, and easy to package up. That makes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats especially useful for bake sales, lunchbox surprises, and last-minute dessert trays.

The Key Ingredients (and Why You Need Them)

Below I break down the main ingredients for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats so you can see what each one does. The printable recipe card has the exact measurements, but this section helps explain how the recipe works and how to tweak it with confidence.

• Rice Krispies cereal – This gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats their light, crisp structure and keeps the bars from feeling too dense.
• Vanilla wafer cookies – These add the classic banana pudding flavor and give the treats a cookie-like bite.
• Butter – Butter brings richness and helps the marshmallows melt into a smooth, glossy base.
• Marshmallows – These create the chewy texture that holds Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats together.
• Instant banana pudding mix – This is the flavor star. It gives the bars their banana pudding identity and turns them into true Banana Pudding Mix Recipes territory.
• Powdered sugar – This forms the base of the glaze and adds a sweet finishing touch.
• Heavy cream or milk – This loosens the glaze so it can drizzle cleanly.
• Vanilla extract – Vanilla rounds out the banana flavor and adds warmth to the glaze.

That ingredient list is also why these bars sit so neatly beside Pudding Rice Krispie Treats and other cereal desserts. The pudding mix changes the flavor in a way that feels familiar but new.

How to Make It

Making Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats is simple, but the method matters. The trick is to keep the marshmallows soft, the cereal evenly coated, and the pan press gentle.

1. Prep your pan and bowl.
   Grease an extra-large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square baking pan with butter or baking spray. This keeps Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Break the vanilla wafers.
   Set aside 10 cookies for the top. Break the remaining wafers into small pieces and add them to the cereal. That gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats little pockets of cookie flavor in every bite.
3. Warm the butter slowly.
   Cut the butter into pieces and place it in a medium-large saucepan over low heat. Let it begin to melt gently. Low heat matters here because it protects the marshmallows from overheating.
4. Add the marshmallows.
   Once the butter starts melting, pour in the marshmallows and toss them so they get coated in butter. This creates the soft base for Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats.
5. Add the banana pudding mix.
   Sprinkle the pudding mix over the marshmallows and stir it through. The mixture will start to smell like banana pudding right away, and that is exactly what you want.
6. Melt until mostly smooth.
   Stir every minute or so as the marshmallows melt. When about 75% of them have melted, remove the pan from the heat. The remaining heat will finish the job. This helps Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats stay chewy instead of turning hard.
7. Combine with the cereal and cookies.
   Pour the warm marshmallow mixture over the cereal and wafer pieces. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well mixed. You want every spoonful of Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats to carry both cereal and cookie bits.
8. Press into the pan gently.
   Transfer the mixture to the greased pan and spread it into an even layer. Press lightly. Do not pack it down hard, or the bars will turn dense.
9. Add the cookie topping.
   Right away, press the reserved vanilla wafer pieces onto the top. That gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats a pretty finish and a clear banana pudding look.
10. Let them set.
    Allow the treats to rest for about 30 minutes. Once they firm up, cut them into squares or rectangles.
11. Make the glaze.
    Stir together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream or milk until smooth. Add a little more liquid if needed until it drizzles in ribbons. The glaze gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats a polished finish.
12. Drizzle and finish.
    Spoon the glaze into a small bag, snip the tip, and pipe it over the cooled treats. You can also drizzle it with a spoon, but the bag keeps the lines neat. Let the glaze set before stacking or serving.

Pro tips for perfect Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

• Do not overheat the marshmallows. This is the most important rule. Too much heat causes the sugar to cook too far, and that makes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats hard instead of chewy.
• Keep the pan pressure light. Pressing too firmly compacts the cereal and ruins the texture. Gentle pressure keeps Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats soft and airy.
• Use a well-greased bowl and pan. Marshmallow mixtures stick fast, and a little butter or spray makes the whole process easier.
• Choose a pudding mix flavor you like. The recipe works best with banana pudding mix, but the amount matters. A full box can be too strong in a small batch, so this version keeps Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats balanced.
• Let the glaze set fully. That short wait makes the bars easier to stack and serve without smearing.

Variations to try

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats can go in a few fun directions.

Add chocolate drizzle instead of vanilla glaze if you want a richer dessert. That brings a little dessert-bar energy and makes the flavor feel more indulgent.

Use graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers if you want a different cookie note. It changes the texture slightly, but Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats still keep the banana pudding feel.

Add peanut butter to the glaze if you love banana and peanut butter together. That twist gives Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats a nutty finish and a more snack-like character.

Swap the butter for coconut oil if needed. That gives a slightly different flavor profile while still keeping the bars together.

You can also make a chocolate version by dipping or drizzling with melted chocolate. That variation pushes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats into a more decadent direction.

Best ways to serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

These bars work beautifully on dessert platters because they slice cleanly and hold their shape. Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats also look great stacked on a tray with extra wafer crumbs sprinkled around them.

Serve them chilled or at room temperature. At room temp, the marshmallow texture stays soft and the banana flavor comes through strongly. Slightly chilled, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats feel firmer and easier to pack for events.

They are also excellent for lunchboxes, bake sales, and party tables. Because they are handheld, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats travel well and do not need forks or plates.

For a more dressed-up presentation, drizzle them just before serving and let the glaze set. That little finish makes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats look bakery-ready.

Storage and leftovers

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats taste best on the day you make them, when the cereal still has its most satisfying crunch. Even so, they keep well.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment if you need to stack them.

To store them longer, freeze Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Let them come back to room temperature before serving so the texture softens again.

FAQs about Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Final thoughts

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats take two dessert favorites and merge them into one quick, no-bake treat that feels fun and familiar. They have the banana pudding flavor people love, the cereal crunch people expect, and the easy prep that makes them perfect for busy days.

They also fit neatly into the world of Desserts Made With Cereal and Desserts Using Cereal, but they stand out because they feel a little more playful than the usual bar dessert. That makes Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats especially useful when you want something different without making things complicated.

This is also a great answer for What To Make With Pudding when you want a dessert that feels clever and crowd-friendly. Between the banana flavor, the vanilla wafers, and the soft glaze, Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats land squarely in the sweet spot between nostalgic and new.

Once you make them, they will probably become one of your go-to Banana Treats Desserts. They are easy to share, easy to store, and easy to love. That is a strong finish for any dessert recipe.

Follow me on Pinterest for daily new recipes.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats | Desserts Made With Cereal

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats combine crispy cereal, banana pudding flavor, vanilla wafers, and a sweet vanilla glaze for a chewy no-bake dessert that tastes like banana pudding in bar form.

• Author: Irma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the treats

• 4 1/2 cups Rice Krispies cereal
• 24 vanilla wafer cookies
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 10 ounces marshmallows
• 1.7 ounces instant banana pudding mix, about half of a 3.4-ounce box

For the vanilla glaze

 

• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk, plus 1 to 2 teaspoons more if needed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Grease an extra-large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square nonstick baking pan with butter or baking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift out the finished treats.
2. Pour the Rice Krispies cereal into the greased bowl.
3. Break 14 of the vanilla wafers into small pieces and add them to the cereal. Break the remaining 10 cookies into pieces and set them aside for the topping.
4. Slice the butter into small pieces and place it in a medium-large saucepan. Set the pan over low heat.
5. Let the butter start to melt. Add the marshmallows to the pan, then sprinkle the banana pudding mix over the top. Stir so the marshmallows begin to coat with the pudding mix and butter.
6. Keep stirring every couple of minutes as the marshmallows melt. When about 75% of them have melted, take the pan off the heat. Keep stirring until the mixture turns smooth. The leftover heat will melt the rest without overheating the sugar. Do not overheat the marshmallows, or the treats may turn hard.
7. Pour the melted banana marshmallow mixture over the cereal and cookie pieces. Stir well until every piece is coated and the mixture looks evenly combined.
8. Transfer the mixture to the greased pan. Spread it out into an even layer, then press it down very gently. Do not pack it tightly, or the bars will become dense and tough.
9. Immediately scatter the reserved vanilla wafer pieces over the top and press them in lightly so they stick.
10. Let the treats rest for about 30 minutes so they can firm up.
11. While the bars set, make the glaze. Stir the powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon of cream or milk together until smooth. Add more cream or milk, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, if the glaze feels too thick to drizzle.
12. Once the treats have set, cut them into 12 rectangles or 16 squares. Drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze firm up for about 30 minutes before serving or stacking.

Notes

• Microwave method: Grease a large microwave-safe bowl with butter. Add the butter, marshmallows, and banana pudding mix. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then let the bowl rest in the warm microwave for 3 minutes. Remove it and stir briskly until smooth. If needed, heat in additional 10- to 15-second bursts, stirring after each one. Do not overheat.
• Large batch version: For a 9×13-inch pan, use 8 tablespoons butter, 20 ounces marshmallows, 9 cups Rice Krispies cereal, 48 vanilla wafers, 1 full 3.4-ounce box of banana pudding mix, 2/3 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk plus more as needed, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Follow the same method above.
• Storage: Keep the treats in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature, or freeze them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.