Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch are the embodiment of dessert nostalgia, blending the rich flavors of banana pudding with the creamy decadence of fudge, all topped with the classic crunch of Nilla wafers. Each bite is a delightful experience, where the buttery sweetness of the fudge meets the light, airy banana taste, creating a symphony of flavors that evoke childhood memories. The best part? You can whip these treats up in a flash and they’re sure to impress anyone who gets a taste.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

I first stumbled upon this easy dessert when I was looking to use up some ripe bananas. As soon as I made my first batch, I was hooked. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth fudge paired with the crunchy wafers takes me right back to family gatherings where banana pudding was always the star. Seriously, how could you resist something so delicious and simple? If you’re ready for a crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank or keep you in the kitchen for hours, let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Takes only 10 minutes to prep, and you can chill overnight.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy fudge with a vibrant banana taste that’s perfectly sweet.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The fun contrast of crunchy Nilla wafers on top makes it a showstopper.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an indulgent snack, a party hit, or a sweet after-dinner treat.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by swapping out the wafers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 ounces almond bark, chopped: This forms the creamy base of your fudge. You can substitute with white chocolate chips if desired, but almond bark gives the best results.
1 box banana cream pudding (3.4 ounces): Adds that delightful banana flavor to the fudge. Instant pudding is a must, as it ensures a thick texture when combined with the melted chocolate.
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): This is crucial for creaminess. Make sure to use full-fat for the richest taste, but lower-fat versions work in a pinch.
20 Nilla wafers: They provide the essential crunch and are a classic component in banana desserts. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free vanilla wafers.

How to Make Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some extra hanging over the sides. This little trick will make lifting the fudge out so much easier later on—trust me!

Heat the Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute, in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until hot but not boiling. This helps in dissolving the pudding mix effortlessly.

Mix Pudding: Whisk in the banana pudding mix until it’s perfectly smooth and well combined. The mixture may thicken slightly; that’s normal!

Melt Almond Bark: In another microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped almond bark. Heat on high for about 3½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat, or it can seize up and become grainy.

Combine Mixtures: Quickly stir the banana pudding mixture into the melted chocolate until it’s fully blended. Work fast here, as the mixture will begin to thicken.

Spread the Fudge: Use a rubber spatula to evenly spread the fudge into the prepared pan. Ensure it’s smooth and reaches all corners of the pan for an even texture.

Crush the Nilla Wafers: Place the Nilla wafers in a small bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a mug. You want a fine crumb that can really stick to the fudge.

Top with Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed wafers evenly over the top of the fudge, gently pressing them down so they adhere nicely. This will create a delightful crunch in every bite.

Chill to Set: Cover the pan and refrigerate the fudge overnight to set completely. Patience is key here—the wait will be worth it!

Slice & Enjoy: Lift the fudge out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice it into squares and prepare for the delightful reactions when friends and family take a bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store your fudge, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last about a week. If you want to freeze the fudge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight. The fudge may lose a bit of creaminess, but a quick microwave for about 10 seconds can freshen it up nicely.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overheating the almond bark; if it starts to thicken in the microwave, let it sit for a few moments before continuing.
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
Don’t skip crushing the Nilla wafers; this adds a satisfying crunch that really elevates the fudge.
For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the crushed wafer layer to enhance the sweetness and contrast the flavors.
If making ahead, consider doubling the recipe for an easy treat to have on hand.

Life is too short not to indulge in delicious sweets, and these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch are sure to hit the mark. Not only do they bring a nostalgic flavor profile that many of us remember fondly, but they also come together easily, making them the perfect option for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, follow along with the steps, and treat yourself!

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make these yummy fudge squares gluten-free by substituting regular Nilla wafers with gluten-free vanilla wafers. Just be sure to check the packaging for any cross-contamination warnings.

Can I add other flavors?

Absolutely! If you want to mix things up a bit, consider adding in mini chocolate chips or even a swirl of peanut butter into the fudge mixture for a richer taste. Experimenting with flavors can lead to some exciting variations!

How do I cut the fudge neatly?

To cut your fudge neatly, make sure it’s fully set and chilled before attempting to slice. Using a sharp knife can help, and you can warm the blade slightly under hot water for smooth cuts.

What if I don’t have almond bark?

If almond bark isn’t available, you can substitute it with white chocolate chips. However, be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize, making it more difficult to work with.

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Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 515 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Desserts
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch blend creamy pudding and crunchy wafers for a delightful treat. Quick to prepare, they are perfect for dessert enthusiasts looking for a sweet and simple homemade delight.

Ingredients

Scale

20 ounces almond bark, chopped
1 box banana cream pudding (3.4 ounces)
1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
20 nilla wafers

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Instructions

Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over the sides for easy lifting. Set aside.
Pour sweetened condensed milk into a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20-second intervals for about 1 minute, stirring each time until hot but not boiling.
Whisk in the banana pudding mix until smooth and well combined.
In another microwave-safe bowl, add chopped almond bark.
Microwave on high for approximately 3½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth, being careful not to overheat.
Quickly stir the pudding mixture into the melted chocolate until fully blended, working swiftly as it will thicken.
Spread the fudge evenly into the prepared pan with a rubber spatula.
Crush the Nilla wafers in a small bag using a rolling pin or the bottom of a mug.
Sprinkle the crushed wafers over the fudge, pressing them down gently to adhere.
Cover and refrigerate overnight to set completely.
Lift the fudge from the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy!