Indulge in the luscious, creamy delight of Banana Fudge, a uniquely sweet treat that brings the tropical essence of banana into a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth confection. Perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings, this fudge blends buttery creaminess with subtle banana flavor to create a truly memorable dessert experience.
This banana fudge combines the richness of white chocolate and marshmallow fluff, making it irresistibly soft and creamy. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment, this recipe ensures a delightful balance of flavor and texture that’s sure to impress.
- The perfect balance of creamy white chocolate and natural banana flavoring makes it irresistible.
- Simple ingredients create a luxurious, smooth texture without complicated steps.
- Ideal for sharing or gifting, with an optional Nilla wafer garnish adding a subtle crunch.
Ingredients
- Banana flavoring: Adds a natural and fruity banana aroma that defines the fudge’s unique taste, enhancing sweetness perfectly.
- Yellow food color gel: Provides a vibrant hue to the fudge, making it visually appealing and inviting without affecting flavor.
- Salted sweet cream butter: Delivers rich creaminess and a slight saltiness, contributing to the smooth texture and balanced sweetness.
- Half and half: A blend of milk and cream that adds richness and tenderness to the fudge’s consistency.
- Heavy cream: Boosts the fudge’s lusciousness, making it ultra creamy and velvety on the palate.
- Clear vanilla flavoring: Provides a subtle vanilla undertone that complements the banana and enhances overall flavor depth.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fudge and helps create the classic smooth texture as it dissolves during cooking.
- White baking chips: Melts into the mixture, enriching the fudge with creamy white chocolate flavor and smoothness.
- Marshmallow fluff: Adds lightness and chewiness, creating a soft and irresistible chewy texture.
- Crushed Nilla wafers (optional garnish): Offers a mild crunch and a buttery flavor contrast when sprinkled on top.
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing extra paper over the edges for easy removal. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. This setup ensures effortless removal and clean edges once the fudge sets.
- Mix Banana Flavor and Yellow Color
In a small glass bowl, combine the banana flavoring with the yellow food color gel. This pre-mix makes it easier to incorporate evenly into the fudge, ensuring consistent banana flavor and appealing color throughout.
- Melt Butter and Creams
Place salted sweet cream butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium while stirring continuously until the butter fully melts. This step creates a smooth, warm base for dissolving sugar and melding flavors.
- Add Sugar and Simmer
Gradually stir in the granulated sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over 6-7 minutes, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Allow it to simmer for an additional 3 minutes. This ensures sugar melts fully and the mixture thickens slightly for the right fudge texture.
- Melt White Baking Chips
Remove the saucepan from heat, add the white baking chips, and cover. Let it rest for 3-4 minutes so the chips can soften and melt gently, maintaining the creamy consistency sought in fudge.
- Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff
Stir in marshmallow fluff thoroughly until it is fully combined and the mixture is smooth. The fluff helps create a tender, chewy texture and adds a subtle sweetness without graininess.
- Add Color and Flavor Mixture
Mix in the previously prepared banana flavor and yellow color blend. Stir until evenly distributed to achieve the signature banana taste and vibrant color for a stunning appearance.
- Pour and Garnish
Evenly spread the fudge mixture into the prepared baking dish using a spatula. Sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers on top if using, for a delightful textural contrast. Cover with aluminum foil to protect the fudge while it sets.
- Set the Fudge
Let the fudge sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to slightly firm before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours. This extended chilling ensures the fudge develops the perfect firmness for cutting and serving.
- Cut and Serve
Lift the fudge out of the baking dish using the parchment paper edges and place it on a cutting board. Slice evenly into 25 bite-sized pieces for easy serving and sharing your delicious banana fudge creations.
- Make sure the butter is fully melted before adding the sugar to avoid grainy texture.
- Use high-quality white chocolate baking chips for a richer and smoother fudge flavor.
- The crushed Nilla wafers garnish is optional but adds a pleasant crunch that complements the soft fudge.
Storage Tips
Store leftover banana fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. Properly stored, it lasts up to 1 week while retaining its creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy banana fudge as a decadent snack or paired with afternoon tea or coffee. It also makes a charming dessert for parties, gift boxes, or festive occasions.
- For even better flavor, let the fudge rest overnight in the fridge before cutting to enhance taste and texture.
- Ensure continuous stirring while heating to prevent scorching and ensure smooth, even melting.
- Adjust the banana flavor to your preference, but avoid over-adding as it can overpower the delicate fudge balance.
FAQs
- Can I use fresh bananas instead of banana flavoring?
Fresh bananas have high moisture and will alter the fudge consistency, so banana flavoring is recommended for authentic texture and flavor.
- What if I don’t have yellow food color gel?
You can omit it; the fudge will be paler but still delicious. Yellow gel provides appealing color but does not affect the taste.
- Can I store fudge at room temperature?
Fudge with dairy ingredients should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and maintain optimal texture.
- How do I avoid grainy fudge?
Make sure all sugar dissolves during heating and avoid overcooking the mixture to prevent crystallization.
- Can I substitute white baking chips?
Use white chocolate bars chopped finely if chips are unavailable; avoid flavored or colored varieties to keep the classic fudge taste.
- Is this fudge suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this banana fudge uses no animal gelatin and is perfect for a vegetarian diet.
- Can I double the recipe?
Yes, double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust chilling time if necessary.
Banana Fudge
Equipment
- 1 9x9-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper
- 1 heavy-bottomed saucepan
- 1 small glass bowl
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons banana flavoring
- 1/2 teaspoon yellow food color gel
- 3/4 cup salted sweet cream butter
- 1/2 cup half and half
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
- 3 cups granulated sugar plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 3/4 cups white baking chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 2 tablespoons crushed Nilla wafers optional garnish
Instructions
- Line a 9x9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the sides, and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix banana flavoring and yellow food color gel; set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, half and half, heavy cream, and vanilla flavoring; stir continuously until the butter melts.
- Add granulated sugar and stir as the mixture comes to a simmer, about 6-7 minutes; then simmer for an additional 3 minutes before removing from heat.
- Add white baking chips to the saucepan, cover, and let sit for 3-4 minutes; stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the banana flavoring and yellow food color mixture until the color is uniform.
- Pour the fudge mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish; sprinkle crushed Nilla wafers on top if desired, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Let the fudge set at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
- Once set, lift the fudge out using the parchment paper and cut into 25 pieces.
Notes
- Ensure butter is fully melted before adding sugar.
- Use high-quality white chocolate chips for richer flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
