I make this banana fudge when I want something creamy, sweet, and a little nostalgic. It has a smooth, buttery texture with a rich banana flavor, and I love finishing it with a light crunch of crushed Nilla wafers on top.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 teaspoons banana flavoring
½ teaspoon yellow food color gel
¾ cup salted sweet cream butter
½ cup half and half
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1¾ cups white baking chips
7 ounces marshmallow fluff
2 tablespoons crushed Nilla wafers
Directions
I start by lining a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure it covers all sides, then lightly spray it with nonstick spray and set it aside.
In a small bowl, I mix the banana flavoring with the yellow food color gel and set that aside as well.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, I combine the butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. I stir continuously until the butter melts completely.
Next, I add the granulated sugar and keep stirring as the mixture comes to a simmer, which usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. Once it starts simmering, I continue stirring for another 3 minutes before removing it from the heat.
I then add the white baking chips, cover the pan, and let it sit for about 3 to 4 minutes. After that, I stir until everything is smooth and melted.
I mix in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated, then stir in the banana flavoring mixture until the color is even throughout.
I spread the fudge evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula, sprinkle the crushed Nilla wafers on top, and cover it with foil.
I let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours until fully set. Once firm, I lift it out using the parchment paper and cut it into squares.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 25 servings from this recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Calories: 230 kcal per piece
Variations
I sometimes switch things up by adding chopped nuts for extra texture or swirling in a bit of peanut butter before it sets. If I want a stronger banana flavor, I slightly increase the banana extract. For a different topping, I replace the Nilla wafers with crushed graham crackers or even toasted coconut.
Storage/Reheating
I store the fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it firm and fresh. It usually lasts up to a week this way. If I want a softer bite, I let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. I do not reheat it since fudge is best enjoyed chilled or slightly softened.
FAQs
How do I know when the fudge mixture is ready?
I watch for a steady simmer and make sure I stir constantly. Once it has simmered for a few minutes and thickened slightly, I know it is ready to move to the next step.
Can I skip the food coloring?
Yes, I sometimes skip it when I do not mind a more natural color. The flavor stays the same.
What can I use instead of white baking chips?
I can use white chocolate chips as a substitute, and they melt just as well.
Why is my fudge too soft?
If my fudge turns out too soft, it may not have cooked long enough or needs more time to chill in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze banana fudge?
Yes, I freeze it in an airtight container for up to a couple of months. I thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
I find this banana fudge to be a fun and flavorful twist on traditional fudge recipes. It is easy to make, rich in texture, and always a hit when I share it. Whether I prepare it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, it never disappoints.
📖 Recipe:
Print
Banana Fudge
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
No reviews
- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, smooth banana fudge with a rich buttery texture and nostalgic flavor, topped with a light crunch of crushed Nilla wafers.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons banana flavoring
½ teaspoon yellow food color gel
¾ cup salted sweet cream butter
½ cup half and half
⅓ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
3 cups granulated sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1¾ cups white baking chips
7 ounces marshmallow fluff
2 tablespoons crushed Nilla wafers
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring it covers all sides, then lightly spray with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the banana flavoring with the yellow food color gel and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely.
- Add the granulated sugar and continue stirring as the mixture comes to a simmer, about 6 to 7 minutes. Once simmering, stir for an additional 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add the white baking chips, cover, and let sit for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Mix in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated, then stir in the banana flavoring mixture until evenly colored.
- Spread the fudge evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
- Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers on top and cover with foil.
- Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.
- Lift out using parchment paper and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
Add chopped nuts or swirl in peanut butter for extra texture and flavor.
Increase banana extract slightly for a stronger banana taste.
Substitute crushed graham crackers or toasted coconut for the topping.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Let sit at room temperature briefly before serving for a softer texture.
Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
