Description
This Banana Fudge recipe offers a creamy, sweet treat infused with banana flavor and a hint of vanilla. Made with a blend of butter, cream, sugar, white baking chips, and marshmallow fluff, it’s a luscious dessert that sets into a smooth, rich fudge perfect for sharing or gifting. The optional crushed Nilla wafers topping adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Flavor and Coloring
- 2 teaspoons banana flavoring
- ½ teaspoon yellow food color gel
Dairy and Creams
- ¾ cup salted sweet cream butter
- ½ cup half and half
- â…“ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
Sugars and Sweeteners
- 3 cups granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1¾ cups white baking chips
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons crushed Nilla wafers, optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper extends up all four sides. Lightly spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking, and set the dish aside for later use.
- Mix Flavoring and Coloring: In a small glass bowl, combine the banana flavoring and yellow food color gel. Set this mixture aside; it will be incorporated later to add flavor and color to the fudge.
- Melt Butter and Creams: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the salted butter, half and half, heavy cream, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir continuously to ensure the butter melts fully and the mixture combines uniformly.
- Add Sugar and Simmer: Gradually add 3 cups of granulated sugar to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, which should take about 6-7 minutes, then continue simmering gently for another 3 minutes before removing the pan from the heat to prevent burning.
- Melt White Baking Chips: Add the white baking chips to the hot mixture, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it rest for 3-4 minutes. After resting, stir thoroughly until all the chips have melted completely, creating a smooth fudge base.
- Incorporate Marshmallow Fluff: Add the marshmallow fluff to the mixture and stir until fully combined. This gives the fudge a light, fluffy texture while enhancing its sweetness.
- Add Banana Flavor and Color: Pour the banana flavoring and yellow food color gel mixture into the fudge and stir well until the color and flavor are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour and Garnish: Spread the fudge evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the optional crushed Nilla wafers on top for added crunch and texture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to protect during setting.
- Set the Fudge: Let the fudge sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to begin firming up. Then transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours to set fully.
- Cut and Serve: Once the fudge has completely set, lift it out of the baking dish using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 25 equal pieces and serve or store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan ensures even heat distribution and prevents burning of the sugar mixture.
- Make sure to stir constantly when heating the butter and cream mixture to avoid scorching.
- The resting time after adding the white baking chips is crucial for melting without direct heat, preventing the chips from seizing or burning.
- For a more pronounced banana flavor, ensure your banana flavoring is high quality and natural.
- Crushed Nilla wafers are optional but add a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy fudge.
- Allow the fudge to set fully in the refrigerator for best slicing results without crumbling.
