If you’re craving a delightfully creamy treat with a fun twist, this Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe is just what you need. It’s a sweet fusion of smooth fudge and nostalgic banana pudding flavors, perfect for potlucks, parties, or whenever you want a cozy homemade dessert that’s quick to whip up and even easier to love.
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In the Kitchen
This Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe combines the creamy dreamy texture of classic fudge with the sweet, mellow taste of banana pudding and the crunch of buttery Nilla wafers. I love it because it’s super simple, uses pantry staples, and comes together faster than you might expect for a homemade fudge. Making it feels special but isn’t intimidating, which means you can share it with friends or treat yourself any day of the week!
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: The sweetened condensed milk and instant pudding mix create a fudge that melts in your mouth with just the right creamy softness.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: The lightly crushed Nilla wafers add a beautiful golden crunch that perfectly balances the fudgy texture.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Almond bark, pudding, and wafer cookies turn into something extraordinary with minimal effort and no candy thermometer required.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: You can easily make this Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe after dinner and have a cool treat waiting by morning—or whip it up early for a party dessert.
Ingredients at a Glance
For this Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe, quality ingredients go a long way. Choose fresh, good-quality components to make sure every bite is decadent and flavorful. I always pick almond bark that melts smooth without burning and a dependable banana cream pudding mix for that authentic fruity touch.
- Almond Bark: Look for premium-quality almond bark or white chocolate coating for the creamiest melt and a smooth fudge texture.
- Banana Cream Pudding Mix: Instant pudding works best—avoid homemade puddings here to maintain the proper set and flavor concentration.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Use the canned variety that’s thick and sweet—it’s the magic that holds the fudge together perfectly.
- Nilla Wafers: Fresh and crunchy wafers give that classic banana pudding crunch when crushed on top.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements and a printable version of the full Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe are waiting for you down at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe
Step 1 — Prep Your Pan and Pudding Base
Start by lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a good overhang on the sides for easy fudge removal later. Next, pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium microwave-safe bowl and warm it up in the microwave for about a minute, stopping to stir every 20 seconds. It should be hot enough to dissolve the pudding mix fully, but don’t let it boil—that’ll keep your fudge smooth and silky.
Step 2 — Mix in the Banana Pudding
Once your condensed milk is warm, stir in the banana cream pudding mix until it’s completely dissolved and silky smooth. You’ll notice the aroma of banana and vanilla starts to come through—this is the cozy flavor base of your fudge right here. Set this aside while you melt the almond bark.
Step 3 — Melt Almond Bark to Velvet Smooth
Place your chopped almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat it on high in 30-second increments, stirring carefully between each. This usually takes about 3 minutes and 30 seconds total. The key is patience; don’t rush or the chocolate might seize. You want it glossy, smooth, and pourable.
Step 4 — Combine and Pour
Quickly fold the banana pudding mixture into your melted almond bark, stirring well as the blend will thicken quickly once cool. Then pour the velvet mixture into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a rubber spatula. This is where you’ll really see that luscious, creamy fudge start to take shape.
Step 5 — Add the Crunch with Crushed Nilla Wafers
Place your Nilla wafers in a zip-top bag and crush them gently using the bottom of a coffee cup or rolling pin. You want small chunks—not a powder—to keep some texture. Sprinkle these crumbs evenly over your fudge, then press down lightly with your fingers so they adhere nicely. The wafers will add that classic touch of banana pudding crunch to each bite.
Step 6 — Chill and Set Overnight
Cover the pan and pop it in the fridge overnight—or for at least 6 hours—to let the fudge fully set. Trust me, waiting is totally worth it for the perfect sliceable consistency. When ready, use the parchment overhang to lift the fudge out and cut into squares. Enjoy that beautiful blend of creamy, fruity fudge with a toasty cookie crunch.
Things to Remember
When I first made this Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe, the biggest learning was about timing and texture. Make sure not to overheat your almond bark or pudding base so the texture stays silky, and don’t skip chilling it properly — the fudge slices much cleaner that way.
- Doneness Cue: The fudge should be firm to the touch and cut cleanly without crumbling after chilling overnight.
- Temperature Trick: Stir often while melting almond bark to avoid hot spots and keep the chocolate smooth.
- Make-Ahead Move: This fudge keeps beautifully for up to a week refrigerated, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid skipping the crushed wafers or pressing them lightly into the fudge—they add essential texture and prevent the topping from falling off.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I love dusting a tiny bit of powdered sugar or a few extra crushed Nilla wafers on top right before serving—it makes each piece feel extra special. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate or peanut butter over the fudge squares for more flair and flavor contrast.
Plays Well With
This fudge pairs beautifully with fresh berries or sliced bananas on the side to bring a juicy freshness. If serving at a gathering, a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream and a hot cup of coffee or tea balance the sweet richness perfectly.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Use a white or pastel-colored plate for a bright, appealing presentation. For a weekend brunch or special treat, arrange fudge squares on banana leaves or rustic wooden boards with extra cookies around. Garnish with edible flowers or mint for a pop of color and fresh aroma—it’s fun and easy to elevate this humble dessert.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Pudding Fudge in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it fresh and chewy. It should stay lovely for up to 7 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain its creamy texture and prevents the almond bark from becoming grainy.
Freezing Tips
This fudge freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight to keep the texture smooth. Avoid freezing for more than a month to prevent flavor degradation.
Reheating Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe Without Drying Out
If you want to soften the fudge a bit before serving, a quick zap in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds works wonders—just watch closely so it doesn’t melt too much. Alternatively, warming it gently in a low-temp oven (about 200°F) for a few minutes wrapped in foil keeps it soft without drying it out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, white chocolate chips can be used as a substitute, but almond bark is specifically designed to melt smoothly and set firmly without seizing, so your fudge may have a slightly different texture if you choose white chocolate instead.
The key is gentle melting of the almond bark and thorough stirring. Avoid overheating or rapid temperature changes, and make sure the pudding mix is fully dissolved in the hot condensed milk before combining everything.
Crushing the wafers adds a lovely crunch and helps them stick better to the fudge’s surface. Whole wafers won’t adhere as easily and might make serving tricky.
Overnight chilling—at least 6 hours—is ideal for the fudge to set firm enough for clean slicing without crumbling. If you’re short on time, 4 hours can work, but the texture won’t be quite as perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe has become a personal favorite whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss. Its creamy banana flavor and nostalgic crunch combine in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do—there’s something really special about offering a fudge that surprises folks with its playful banana pudding twist. Give it a try, and soon enough, it’ll be your go-to sweet fix too.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
Banana Pudding Fudge Recipe
This Banana Pudding Fudge combines creamy banana cream pudding with sweetened condensed milk and rich almond bark to create a luscious, no-bake treat topped with crunchy crushed Nilla wafers. It's a quick and easy dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a nostalgic banana pudding flavor in a fudge form.
- Total Time: 12 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 ounces almond bark, chopped
- 1 box banana cream pudding (3.4 ounces)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
- 20 Nilla wafers
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides for easy removal later. Set the pan aside.
- Heat Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk into a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds. The milk should be hot but not boiling.
- Mix Pudding: Stir the banana cream pudding mix into the hot sweetened condensed milk until completely combined and smooth.
- Prepare Almond Bark: Place the chopped almond bark into another medium microwave-safe bowl.
- Melt Almond Bark: Microwave the almond bark on high for 3 minutes and 30 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating or burning.
- Combine Mixtures: Quickly stir the banana pudding mixture into the melted almond bark while it is still warm to ensure everything blends before the chocolate thickens.
- Pour Into Pan: Immediately pour the combined mixture into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly using a rubber spatula or similar tool.
- Crush Nilla Wafers: Place the Nilla wafers in a sealed bag and crush them using a heavy object like the bottom of a coffee cup until they are in small pieces.
- Top Fudge: Sprinkle the crushed Nilla wafers evenly over the fudge and gently press them down with your hands so they adhere better.
- Refrigerate and Set: Cover the fudge and refrigerate overnight to allow it to fully set and firm up.
- Serve: Once set, lift the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper overhang, slice into desired pieces, and enjoy your banana pudding fudge.
Notes
- Make sure the sweetened condensed milk is hot enough to dissolve the pudding mix but not boiling to prevent curdling.
- Stir the almond bark frequently while microwaving to avoid burning and achieve a smooth melt.
- Work quickly after mixing pudding and chocolate as the mixture will thicken fast when cooling.
- Use a sturdy bag or container to crush the Nilla wafers evenly without making dust.
- For easier cutting, allow the fudge to chill fully overnight.
- This fudge is best stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
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