Banana Fudge is one of those magical treats that instantly sweeps you back to childhood with every soft, creamy bite. Imagine the luscious sweetness of ripe bananas melting into dreamy white chocolate, with just a hint of vanilla coaxing out all those nostalgic flavors. Studded with crunchy nuts if you like, this easy no-bake fudge is my go-to whenever I crave something playful, comforting, and a little different from the expected—a fudge that’s as perfect for a cozy night in as it is for wowing friends at your next get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create Banana Fudge that’s rich, silky, and utterly delightful. Each item really carries its weight, adding character to the finished fudge—whether it’s the banana’s creamy sweetness or the white chocolate’s velvety texture.
- White Chocolate Chips (2 cups): These melt into a silky base and keep the fudge beautifully pale, letting the banana flavor shine.
- Mashed Ripe Banana, about 1 medium (1/2 cup): The ripest bananas add both natural sweetness and that signature banana aroma; the darker the peel, the better!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (1/2 cup): Lends creaminess and a caramel richness that’s impossible to resist.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Just a splash warms up all the flavors, making each bite feel extra special.
- Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip this—the tiniest bit makes the sweetness pop.
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (1/4 cup, optional): For a bit of crunchy contrast; totally optional but so good if you love nuts in your fudge.
How to Make Banana Fudge
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by lining an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on all sides—this will act like little handles later, so you can lift your set fudge out without a fuss. Trust me, this tiny prep step saves you so much headache when it’s time to slice and serve!
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate and Sweetened Condensed Milk
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Stir gently but constantly; the low heat ensures you get a smooth, glossy mixture with zero risk of scorching. Watching the chips melt into the milk is so satisfying, and your kitchen will start to smell delicious!
Step 3: Mix in the Banana, Vanilla, and Salt
Once your base is smooth, stir in the mashed ripe banana, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Keep stirring until everything’s fully combined and the mixture looks silky and uniform. The banana will blend right in, infusing the fudge with that unmistakable, homey sweetness.
Step 4: Fold in Nuts (Optional)
If you love a little crunch, now’s the time to fold in your chopped walnuts or pecans. They add a subtle, nutty note that pairs perfectly with the creamy banana fudge, but feel free to skip if you prefer your fudge smooth as silk.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Pour the fudge mixture into your lined pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the refrigerator and let it set for at least 3 hours, or until it feels firm—you want it to slice cleanly into dreamy squares. The wait is the hardest part!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
When your Banana Fudge is set, lift it out by the parchment handles and place on a cutting board. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices. Now, it’s officially time to enjoy!
How to Serve Banana Fudge
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate instantly dresses up each square. If you added nuts to your fudge, a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts or pecans on top makes for a beautiful, professional finish. Sometimes I even top mine with banana chip crumbles for double the banana fun!
Side Dishes
Banana Fudge is a star on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes things to a whole new level. A fresh fruit salad alongside adds a lovely, juicy contrast, and an espresso or mug of hot cocoa balances out the sweetness perfectly for a dessert-night vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Banana Fudge at a party? Try cutting it into tiny cubes for a sweet snack board, stacking pieces in mini cupcake liners for a grab-and-go treat, or arranging the fudge in gift boxes tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade present. This fudge loves a decorative platter almost as much as it loves to be eaten.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Fudge keeps beautifully in an airtight container tucked away in the fridge for up to a week. Layer parchment or wax paper between pieces to prevent sticking and to keep each square looking as perfect as the day you made it.
Freezing
Good news: Banana Fudge freezes well, so you can make a batch in advance! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. When those sweet cravings hit, let a piece thaw in the fridge for an hour or two for best texture—still creamy and lovely.
Reheating
This treat is meant to be enjoyed chilled, but if you want your Banana Fudge a tad softer, let a piece sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes. Heating it up isn’t necessary; the fudge stays velvety and luscious straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use milk or dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Although white chocolate lets the banana flavor shine brightest in Banana Fudge, you can experiment with milk or dark chocolate if you like! Just know the color and overall taste will shift, making for a richer, more complex fudge.
Can I leave out the nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely! The nuts are wholly optional, so feel free to skip them for a perfectly smooth and nut-free Banana Fudge. If you’re craving crunch, try a sprinkling of seeds or toffee bits as an alternative.
Why does my fudge look a little gooey?
Banana Fudge has a soft, creamy texture—think banana cream pie in fudge form! If it feels too gooey, it may need longer to set in the fridge, or perhaps your banana was extra large, adding extra moisture. Just pop it back in the fridge to firm up.
How do I make the fudge extra banana-y?
Use the ripest banana you can find (the more brown spots on the peel, the better the flavor), and you can bump up the banana content a bit if you don’t mind a softer set. Add a few banana chips on top or even a drop or two of natural banana extract for a big banana punch.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Don’t forget to line it well and chill for a bit longer to make sure your larger batch of Banana Fudge sets up beautifully all the way through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s fuss-free, fun to make, and sure to delight everyone, I can’t recommend Banana Fudge enough! It’s a sweet little hug in every bite, and I hope you enjoy every creamy, banana-packed square as much as I do.
Print
Banana Fudge Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of Banana Fudge, a delightful and easy-to-make no-bake dessert that combines the flavors of white chocolate and ripe bananas.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together white chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk until melted and smooth. Stir in mashed banana, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Nuts: If using, fold in chopped nuts. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until firm. Once set, lift out of the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- The texture is soft and creamy, similar to banana cream pie filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
