When you first take a whiff of these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch, you are instantly transported to a sunny kitchen filled with the rich, creamy aroma of ripe bananas mingling with velvety fudge. These delightful squares are not just a treat for the taste buds; they create a visual feast too! Creamy yellow goodness topped with a generous sprinkle of crunchy Nilla wafers makes for an unforgettable dessert that catches the eye and tempts the palate.

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 remember the first time I made these fudge squares for a family picnic. People couldn’t resist asking for seconds, and I revelled in the joy of sharing something so simple yet utterly delightful. With the summer sun shining bright, these fudgy squares are perfect to whip up for gatherings with friends, festive occasions, or just for those moments when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you find yourself in the mood for a nostalgic treat or simply want to impress your friends, you’ll love making these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch! So, let’s get started.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You’ll need just about 15 minutes of hands-on time and a little chill to set. Perfect for last-minute desserts!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy banana pudding and rich fudge is a heavenly match, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant yellow fudge topped with crunchy Nilla wafers creates a charming and impressive dessert.
Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion—snacks, parties, or even a fun breakfast treat!
Diet-Friendly Options: Consider gluten-free options for the Nilla wafers, and you can use dairy-free chocolate for a vegan twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Almond Bark (20 Ounces, chopped): This is your base for that creamy fudge texture. You can substitute with white chocolate if almond bark isn’t available, but keep an eye on melting times as they vary.
Banana Cream Pudding (1 Box, 3.4 ounces): Adds depth and that iconic banana flavor. Make sure to use regular pudding mix; instant won’t work as well.
Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 Can, 14 ounces): Provides the sweetness and creaminess that binds everything together; there’s no perfect substitute, but you can try coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Nilla Wafers (20 pieces): These bring a satisfying crunch. If you need a gluten-free option, look for similar vanilla-flavored cookies or crush nuts instead.

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

Prepare the Pan: Start by lining an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This small step ensures your fudge squares come out seamlessly without a mess.

Heat the Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, pour in the sweetened condensed milk. Heat it in the microwave in 20-second intervals for about 1 minute, stirring each time until it’s hot but not boiling. This will make it easier to whisk in your pudding mix smoothly.

Mix the Pudding: Once the condensed milk is hot, whisk in the banana pudding mix until everything is fully combined and there are no lumps. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, delivering that delightful banana flavor right from the start.

Melt the Almond Bark: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped almond bark. Microwave on high for around 3½ minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until it’s melted and smooth. Make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overheating and ruining that creamy consistency!

Combine Fudge and Pudding: Now, quickly add your pudding mixture to the melted chocolate. Stir it together thoroughly to combine, working fast as the mixture begins to thicken. The colors should blend beautifully, leaving you with a luscious fudge base that makes the kitchen smell heavenly.

Spread Into the Pan: Using a rubber spatula, scrape the fudge mixture into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top to ensure your squares will have a nice surface for garnishing later. Don’t forget to lick your spatula—share the joy!

Crush the Nilla Wafers: In a small bag, place the Nilla wafers and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or the bottom of a mug. You’re aiming for a mixture of larger chunks and crumbs for that great texture.

Sprinkle and Press: Evenly sprinkle the crushed wafers over the top of your fudge mixture. Gently press them down so they stick properly; this crispy topping is what will take your banana pudding fudge to the next level.

Chill to Set: Cover the pan and pop it in the fridge overnight. This is essential for letting the fudge set completely. The longer it chills, the better the texture; take this time to think about how delicious it will be!

Slice and Serve: Once fully set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the hanging parchment paper edges. Slice it into squares and get ready to dig in. Each bite is like a little piece of heaven waiting to be enjoyed. Share with your family and friends or savor them solo!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch, keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to savor them longer, refrigerate for up to a week, again in a sealed container. You can even freeze these squares for up to three months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy again, simply thaw in the fridge for a few hours. Note that while the texture remains delightful, the chocolate may lose some gloss. A few minutes at room temperature will help refresh the flavor!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be careful not to overheat the almond bark; it’s better to melt in short bursts to maintain the right texture.
If your fudge is a bit too thick to spread easily, try warming it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds before spreading.
Use a sharp knife to slice the fudge; this prevents dragging and helps maintain clean edges.
Feel free to experiment by adding in extras like mini marshmallows or chopped nuts for a unique twist.
If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to crush and add the Nilla wafers until you’re ready to serve for the freshest crunch.

You’re going to love making these Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch! They’re simple to prepare, make great leftovers, and are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you whip them up for your family or a potluck, they’re bound to impress with their deliciousness.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark?

Absolutely! While almond bark is great for a smooth finish, you can substitute it with white chocolate. Just make sure to melt it carefully, as chocolate can sometimes seize up if overheated.

How do I know when the fudge is set properly?

The fudge is set when it feels firm and has a slight bounce to the touch but isn’t sticky. If you gently press it and it springs back, you’re golden!

Can I add other flavors to the fudge?

Of course! You can mix in peanut butter, caramel, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. Just be sure that whatever you add complements the banana flavor.

How long does the fudge last, and how should I store it?

The fudge can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for about a week. If you wish to save it for longer, freezing is a great option for up to three months. Just wrap it well!

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Easy Banana Pudding Fudge Squares with a Nilla Wafer Crunch

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Author: Nadia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: N/A
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: About 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 packed with creamy banana flavor and crunchy texture. Simple to make and perfect for any occasion, they are a delightful treat that stands out. Whether for a picnic or a cozy evening at home, this dessert is sure to please everyone!

Ingredients

Scale

20 ounces Almond Bark, chopped
1 box (3.4 ounces) Banana Cream Pudding
1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk
20 pieces Nilla Wafers

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Instructions

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the sweetened condensed milk in 20-second intervals until hot.
Whisk in the banana pudding mix until smooth and creamy.
Melt almond bark in a separate bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Combine the pudding mixture with the melted almond bark and mix thoroughly.
Spread the mixture evenly in the lined pan.
Crush the Nilla wafers and sprinkle over the fudge, pressing them in lightly.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight to set.
Once set, lift out of the pan using parchment paper, slice into squares, and serve.

Notes

Use white chocolate as a substitute for almond bark if needed.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the Nilla wafers with similar cookies or nuts.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.