If you love the nostalgic crunch of Rice Krispies combined with the creamy, sweet flavor of banana pudding, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are your new go-to dessert. Bursting with banana flavor and soft, marshmallow goodness, this recipe transforms a simple childhood classic into an irresistible adult-friendly treat. Perfect for weeknight dessert ideas, party food, or easy family snacks, these treats are quick to make but packed with flavor and texture.

Imagine biting into a treat that’s crispy, chewy, and creamy all at once—the vanilla and banana notes mingling perfectly with a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. They’re not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying to eat, making them perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, or even as an after-school snack for the kids. Adding fresh banana slices or a dollop of whipped topping elevates the treats, making them look and taste like a bakery-worthy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and prep.
Family-friendly – Kids love the fun textures and sweet banana flavor.
Party-perfect – Easy to serve and sure to impress at gatherings or potlucks.
Chewy and crunchy – Perfect texture balance between Rice Krispies and marshmallow.
Banana-forward flavor – Instant pudding and fresh slices enhance the dessert’s creaminess.
Customizable – Add whipped topping, chocolate drizzle, or extra bananas for variety.

Ingredient Breakdown

Rice Krispies Cereal: Provides the iconic crunch and light texture that makes these treats classic.
Mini Marshmallows: Melt down to create the gooey, chewy binding that holds the cereal together.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and prevents the marshmallows from burning while melting.
Banana Pudding Mix: Gives the treats a sweet, creamy banana flavor, amplifying the dessert’s signature taste.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, rounding out the sweetness with aromatic notes.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the other flavors.
Fresh or Dried Bananas: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a soft texture inside the treats.
Whipped Topping (Optional): Incorporates extra creaminess for a softer, more indulgent bite.
Additional Banana Slices: Perfect for garnish and an extra touch of freshness.

Pro Tips

Melt marshmallows slowly – Use low heat to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
Grease your hands and spatula – Makes pressing the mixture into the pan easier and cleaner.
Add bananas last – Folding in fresh banana slices at the end prevents them from becoming mushy or overly soft.
Cool completely before cutting – Helps the treats hold their shape and prevents crumbling.
Adjust sweetness – Taste the mixture before pressing; you can add a touch more vanilla or banana pudding for extra flavor.

Ingredient Swaps or Variations

Different Puddings – Swap banana pudding for chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch for a new flavor twist.
Nutty Addition – Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or peanut butter for added texture.
Chocolate Drizzle – Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for a decadent finish.
Gluten-Free – Use a certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal to make the treats safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Fruit Mix-In – Add dried strawberries or blueberries along with bananas for a fruity variation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats on a colorful platter for parties, or individually wrapped for lunchboxes and on-the-go snacks. They pair beautifully with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a hot cup of coffee for adults. For an elevated presentation, top each square with a banana slice and a swirl of whipped cream or caramel drizzle. These treats also make excellent bite-sized appetizers for dessert bars at gatherings.

Make Ahead + Storage Tips

Prepare the treats ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days; this also keeps the bananas from browning too quickly. You can freeze the treats in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to a month—just thaw at room temperature before serving. If adding whipped topping, only do so right before serving to maintain texture.

Cultural or Historical Notes

Rice Krispie treats have been a beloved American classic since the 1930s, originally created as a simple dessert for kids and families. By incorporating banana pudding, this recipe blends traditional cereal treats with a Southern dessert favorite, creating a nostalgic yet modern hybrid. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a perfect representation of American comfort food innovation—easy, sweet, and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use regular-sized marshmallows?
Yes, but mini marshmallows melt more evenly and quickly, creating a smoother mixture.

Can I substitute instant pudding with homemade pudding?
Yes! Make your banana pudding in advance and cool it slightly before folding it into the marshmallow mixture.

Can I make these vegan?
Substitute vegan butter, plant-based marshmallows, and a dairy-free pudding mix to make a vegan-friendly version.

How do I prevent bananas from browning?
Toss fresh banana slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the mixture to maintain color.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-banana twist without altering the texture significantly.

Is it okay to use dried bananas?
Yes, dried bananas provide a chewy texture and intensified banana flavor but may slightly alter the softness of the treats.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans to maintain thickness and proper setting.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Emily