If you are on the hunt for a nostalgic treat with a fun twist, these Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are exactly what you need. Combining the crispy, airy crunch of classic Rice Krispies with the creamy, dreamy flavor of banana pudding, plus the delightful texture of vanilla wafer cookies both inside and on top, this dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and satisfying. Every bite bursts with delightful banana flavor, a subtle vanilla warmth, and that unmistakable marshmallow hug that makes Rice Krispie treats so irresistible.

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats requires just a handful of simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the mix. From the crunchy cereal that forms the base to the luscious banana pudding flavor that sets these treats apart, every component is essential.

Rice Krispies Cereal: The light and crispy foundation that gives these treats their signature crunch.
Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Adds sweet, crunchy chunks inside the treats and as a lovely topping.
Butter: Provides richness and helps melt the marshmallows smoothly.
Marshmallows: The sticky, gooey glue that holds everything together in a soft, chewy texture.
Instant Banana Pudding Mix: Infuses the treats with that iconic creamy banana flavor in every bite.
Powdered Sugar: Used to create the sweet vanilla glaze topping.
Heavy Whipping Cream or Milk: Balances the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor complexity.

How to Make Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients

Begin by greasing a large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Pour your Rice Krispies cereal into the bowl, then break 14 vanilla wafer cookies into pieces and toss them in. Save the remaining 10 cookies for decorating the top later.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Marshmallows with Banana Pudding Mix

In a medium-large saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter first. Once melted, add the marshmallows and sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix on top. Stir continuously as the marshmallows melt, aiming to have about 75% melted before removing the pan from heat. Keep stirring off heat until fully melted to avoid overheating, which can make the treats too hard.

Step 3: Combine and Mix

Pour the melted banana pudding marshmallow mixture over your cereal and vanilla wafer cookie pieces. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every bit is coated and delicious.

Step 4: Press and Top

Transfer the mixture to your greased pan and gently press it into an even layer. Avoid pressing too hard, or the treats might become too dense and tough. Immediately press the reserved cookie pieces into the top to add a beautiful, crunchy finish.

Step 5: Let the Treats Set

Allow your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This lets them firm up just enough before adding the vanilla glaze.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream or milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add cream or milk in small increments until it’s perfectly drizzle-worthy. Cut the treats into 12 rectangles or 16 squares, then generously drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze firm up for an additional 30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats

Garnishes

Enhance your Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats with fresh banana slices, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or even a light dusting of cinnamon for a subtle warmth. These garnishes add an extra layer of texture and make the presentation pop.

Side Dishes

Pair these treats with a cold glass of milk or a creamy vanilla ice cream scoop to complement the banana pudding flavor. A cup of tea or coffee also works beautifully for a cozy snack time.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the treats in individual mini mason jars layered with whipped cream and banana chunks for a fun parfait twist. Alternatively, cut them into bite-sized cubes, skewer them on decorative sticks, and arrange them on a party platter for easy, crowd-pleasing finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out and keeps that perfect chewy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these treats longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature for about an hour.

Reheating

Since these treats are best enjoyed soft and chewy, there’s no real need to reheat. But if you prefer warm treats, pop a piece in the microwave for about 10 seconds to restore some gooey goodness without melting the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use a different cereal instead of Rice Krispies?

Rice Krispies offer the perfect light crunch, but you can experiment with other puffed rice cereals or crisped rice varieties. Just keep in mind texture may vary slightly.

Is the banana pudding mix necessary?

The banana pudding mix is essential for that authentic banana flavor. Without it, the treats won’t have the same creamy, fruity note that makes this recipe unique.

Can I make these treats gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, use certified gluten-free Rice Krispies and gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies. Just double-check labels to keep these treats safe for gluten sensitivity.

How long do Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats last?

Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, these treats usually stay delicious for about three days before texture starts to degrade.

Can I skip the vanilla glaze?

Yes, the treats are tasty without the glaze, but the glaze adds a lovely smooth sweetness and an attractive finishing touch. It also enhances the banana vanilla flavor even more.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats are truly a special spin on classic comfort food, bringing together playful textures and nostalgic flavors. Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a fun snack, or just because you crave something sweet and banana-licious, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Delightful and nostalgic Banana Pudding Rice Krispie Treats combine the classic crunchy texture of Rice Krispies with the creamy sweetness of banana pudding and vanilla wafer cookies. These treats are topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, making them a perfect dessert or snack that’s both fun to make and irresistible to eat.

Author: rami
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 rectangles or 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: No-Bake, Stove-top Melting
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

4 1/2 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
24 vanilla wafer cookies
1.7 ounces (half of a 3.4 ounce box) instant banana pudding mix
1/3 cup powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter
10 ounces marshmallows
1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream or milk, plus 1-2 teaspoons more if needed
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Tools and Ingredients: Grease an extra large mixing bowl and an 8-inch square non-stick baking pan with butter or baking spray to ensure the treats don’t stick.
Combine Cereal and Cookies: Pour Rice Krispies cereal into the greased mixing bowl. Break 14 of the vanilla wafer cookies into pieces and add them to the cereal, saving the remaining 10 cookies to use as a topping later.
Melt Butter and Marshmallows: Cut the butter into small pieces and place in a medium-large saucepan over LOW heat. Allow butter to melt gently before adding the marshmallows on top. Sprinkle the instant banana pudding mix over the marshmallows and stir to combine.
Stir until Marshmallows Melt: Continuously stir marshmallows every few minutes until about 75% have melted. Remove from heat and continue stirring until completely melted to prevent overheating which can make treats too hard.
Mix Melted Marshmallow Mixture with Cereal: Pour the melted banana pudding marshmallow mixture over the cereal and cookie pieces. Stir thoroughly until everything is coated evenly.
Press Treats into Pan: Spread the mixture into the prepared 8-inch pan and gently press it down into an even layer without compacting it too hard to maintain a soft texture.
Add Cookie Topping: Immediately press the reserved 10 cookie pieces onto the top of the treats to create a crunchy decorative layer.
Let Treats Set: Allow the treats to rest for 30 minutes at room temperature to firm up slightly.
Make Vanilla Glaze: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream or milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more cream or milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a drizzle-able consistency.
Cut and Glaze Treats: Cut the rested treats into 12 rectangles or 16 squares. Drizzle the vanilla glaze over the treats evenly.
Final Setting: Let the glaze firm up for about 30 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set perfectly.

Notes

Press the mixture gently to avoid making the treats too dense and hard.
Do not overheat the marshmallow mixture as it will cause the treats to become tough instead of soft and chewy.
You can substitute milk for heavy whipping cream in the glaze for a lighter option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to retain freshness.
For a stronger banana flavor, consider adding a few drops of banana extract to the glaze.