Description
Creamy banana pudding meets crispy Rice Krispies in these dreamy no-bake bars—perfect for potlucks, lunchboxes, or a sweet afternoon snack!
Ingredients
Scale
Cereal Base
- 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix (dry)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Marshmallow Mixture
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 10 oz mini marshmallows (about 5 cups)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
- Optional: sliced bananas
- Optional: melted white chocolate (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prep the Pan: Grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with butter or non‑stick cooking spray, ensuring the entire surface and edges are well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Rice Krispies cereal, dry banana pudding mix, and powdered sugar. Toss together until the pudding and sugar are thoroughly distributed among the cereal.
- Melt the Marshmallow Mixture: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the mini marshmallows. Stir constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Quickly pour the hot marshmallow mixture over the cereal mixture. Use a sturdy spatula to fold and stir until all the Rice Krispies are evenly coated and the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive.
- Add the Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers, distributing them throughout the mixture without over-mixing, to preserve some crunch.
- Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Using lightly buttered hands or a spatula, press it evenly into the pan without packing it down too firmly, which helps keep the bars tender and chewy.
- Add Optional Toppings: If desired, drizzle with melted white chocolate and/or gently press sliced bananas over the top to enhance the banana flavor.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool to room temperature in the pan. Once set, cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- For best texture, don’t compact the mixture too firmly in the pan.
- If using sliced bananas, serve the bars the same day to prevent browning.
- The bars keep best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (without fresh bananas).
- You can substitute banana pudding mix with other pudding flavors for fun variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg