There’s something magical about desserts that combine the rich sweetness of bananas with creamy textures and crunchy components. Picture a smooth, luscious fudge that embodies all the flavors of classic banana pudding, topped with a delightful layer of crunchy Nilla wafers. Each bite melts in your mouth, creating a symphony of taste that instantly uplifts your mood. As you take a moment to savor these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch, you’ll find yourself drifting back to childhood afternoons, perhaps sharing a comforting banana pudding with family or friends. These moments are what make this dessert so special and why it deserves a spot in your kitchen.

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

Perfect for summer picnics, birthdays, or even a simple after-dinner treat, these squares are not just easy to make but incredibly rewarding. You can whip them together in no time, keeping your kitchen mess-free while still bringing joy to everyone who gets a taste. Trust me, once you make these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch, you’ll want to share them with everyone. So grab your apron and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip these fudge squares up in less than 15 minutes!
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the creamy blend of banana flavor and sweet vanilla with each bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The Nilla wafer crunch on top makes this treat a visual delight.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—snacks, parties, or a chilled treat at the end of the day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Want to mix things up? Substitute with gluten-free ingredients if needed for a tasty variation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 Ounces Almond Bark: A smooth, creamy base for your fudge. You can swap in white chocolate if preferred but almond bark gives a traditional taste.
1 Box Banana Cream Pudding (3.4 ounces): This is what makes the fudge so rich and banana-flavored. Instant pudding works best here.
1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk (14 ounces): Adds that perfect sugary sweetness and creamy texture. Make sure you use the full-fat version for the best results.
20 Nilla Wafers: These iconic cookies not only add crunch but also infuse that signature vanilla flavor. You can crush them slightly for a finer topping or leave them chunkier for a more textured finish.

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

Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, letting enough hang over the sides to aid in lifting your finished fudge. This step is crucial as it makes removing the fudge a breeze once it’s set. Set the pan aside for now.

Heat the Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave it in 20-second intervals for about 1 minute. Stir in between to ensure it heats evenly without boiling. You want it hot but not bubbling—this helps when you whisk in the pudding.

Whisk the Pudding: Once your condensed milk is hot, whisk in the banana pudding mix until it’s completely smooth. Take your time here; a well-mixed pudding base is key to achieving that creamy fudge texture.

Melt the Almond Bark: In another microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped almond bark. Microwave it on high for about 3½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent any overheating. You want it to be melted and silky smooth—don’t rush this part!

Combine Mixtures: Working quickly, stir the banana pudding mixture into the melted chocolate until it’s fully blended. It may thicken quickly, so do this as fast as you can for a creamy finish.

Spread the Fudge: Using a rubber spatula, spread the fudge evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top to make it look neat. This step allows for a perfect presentation once sliced. Make sure it reaches the corners and edges.

Prepare the Topping: Place the Nilla wafers in a small zip bag and crush them gently using a rolling pin or the bottom of a mug. You want a range of crumb sizes—some fine, some chunky—to create a delightful texture contrast on top of your fudge.

Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the crushed wafers evenly over the fudge, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they stick. This adds that incredible crunch that perfectly complements the creamy fudge beneath.

Chill and Set: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight to set completely. If you can, resist the urge to sneak a taste too early—the wait will be worth it!

Slice and Serve: Once the fudge has set, carefully lift it from the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, and enjoy this delightful treat that captures the flavors of both fudge and banana pudding!

Storing & Reheating

These Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch can be conveniently stored at room temperature for about 3 days if they’re not too warm. For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week. If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the pieces individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen fudge, simply thaw in the refrigerator or let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Note that the texture may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains delicious!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overheating the almond bark, as it can seize and lose its smooth texture.
Make sure the sweetened condensed milk is hot enough to easily incorporate the pudding mix for smoothness.
To get evenly sized squares, use a sharp knife and rinse it in warm water between cuts.
Enhance flavor by adding a splash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.
If making ahead for holidays or gatherings, prepare the fudge a day or two early, as it keeps well.

These Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch offer a delightful taste that you’ll remember fondly. This recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a canvas for creativity. Feel free to swap in local flavors or personal touches, like adding nuts or using different cookies. The simple joy of making and sharing food is what brings us closer together, so savor that experience with each square.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of pudding?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights banana pudding for its flavors, feel free to experiment with other flavors like vanilla or even chocolate. Just remember that the texture may change based on the type you choose, so adjustments might be necessary to maintain creaminess.

How do I know when the fudge is set?

The fudge will feel firm when pressed lightly and should hold its shape when cut. After refrigerating overnight, it will likely be well-set, but if you’re unsure, give it a few additional hours for complete firmness.

What can I do if my fudge is too soft?

If your fudge doesn’t set properly, it can be due to not mixing it enough or not cooling correctly. For soft fudge, consider refrigerating it longer or even placing it in the freezer for a short period. If preferred, you can also re-melt and add another layer of almond bark to firm it up.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Nilla wafers with a gluten-free cookie option. There are several delicious gluten-free vanilla cookie varieties available, which will still provide that classic crunch you love in this recipe without any worries.

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Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 16 squares 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American

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Description

These Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch are a delightful blend of creamy banana flavor and crunchy Nilla wafers. Perfect for any occasion, these squares are simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, making them a must-try for dessert lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Prepare a lined 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
Heat sweetened condensed milk in the microwave for about 1 minute.
Whisk in the banana pudding mix until smooth.
Melt almond bark in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds.
Mix the melted chocolate with banana pudding mixture quickly until blended.
Spread the fudge into the prepared pan evenly using a spatula.
Crush Nilla wafers in a bag and sprinkle them over the fudge; press gently to stick.
Chill in the refrigerator overnight to set.
Lift out and slice into squares to serve.

Notes

Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
To enhance flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture.