If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly captures the nostalgic bliss of a classic banana split with a rich, creamy twist, the Banana Split Fudge Recipe is exactly what you need. This decadent treat combines luscious white chocolate, sweet pineapple, ripe bananas, and those iconic maraschino cherries to deliver a fudge experience bursting with flavor and fun. Each bite offers the perfect balance of fruity freshness and creamy indulgence, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this Banana Split Fudge Recipe might feel fancy, the ingredients are surprisingly simple, and each plays a vital role in the final flavor and texture. These basics work together to create a smooth, creamy fudge that’s loaded with bursts of fruity surprise and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Butter: Softened to create a creamy base that brings everything together smoothly.
- Sugar: Adds classic sweetness and helps with that perfect fudge texture.
- Vanilla: A flavor enhancer that lifts all the ingredients beautifully.
- Flour: Gives structure and helps the fudge set just right.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
- White chocolate almond bark: Brings creamy richness and a hint of nuttiness.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a silky texture that’s absolutely dreamy.
- Pineapple tidbits: Infuses juicy bursts of tropical sweetness.
- Banana flavored pudding mix: The secret to that unmistakable banana flavor that ties the fudge together.
- Maraschino cherries: Classic banana split icons that add color and a cherry-on-top touch.
- Hot fudge: Drizzled on top for rich chocolatey decadence.
- Colored sprinkles: For that playful, festive finish.
How to Make Banana Split Fudge Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by spraying a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your fudge won’t stick and will come out perfectly clean and easy to cut.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla
In your stand mixer’s bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla, mixing until smooth. This creamy base begins the magic, blending sweetness with rich buttery goodness.
Step 3: Heat the Flour
Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it until warm, about 1 minute and 30 seconds. Warm flour helps the fudge set and melds beautifully with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Flour and Salt
Add the warmed flour and salt to your mixing bowl, stirring until the mixture is silky and smooth, setting the stage for the fudge’s structure.
Step 5: Melt the White Chocolate
Melt the white chocolate almond bark in the microwave in short 10-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid burning. This makes sure your fudge will have that dreamy creamy white chocolate flavor.
Step 6: Mix in the Sweetened Condensed Milk
Stir the sweetened condensed milk into the melted white chocolate until completely smooth and combined—this luscious mixture adds to the fudge’s sweet, velvety texture.
Step 7: Blend Chocolate Mixture into the Batter
Pour the melted white chocolate mixture into your stand mixer bowl and mix on low speed until fully incorporated, creating a gorgeous, smooth fudge batter.
Step 8: Add Banana Pudding Mix
Sprinkle in the banana flavored pudding mix and gently mix it in. This step infuses the fudge with that iconic banana flavor that makes this recipe uniquely delicious.
Step 9: Fold in Pineapple and Cherries
Gently mix in the pineapple tidbits and chopped maraschino cherries, giving your fudge those classic banana split fruit bursts that are both fun and flavorful.
Step 10: Press Fudge Into Pan
Pour the fudge mixture evenly into your prepared pan. Press it down gently with a spatula or the back of a large spoon so the surface is smooth and even—this helps it set beautifully.
Step 11: Add Toppings
Drizzle hot fudge over the top and sprinkle with colorful sprinkles to bring playful flair and an extra touch of sweetness to your fudge masterpiece.
Step 12: Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours, allowing it to firm up properly. This chilling time is crucial to get that satisfying fudge texture every bite deserves.
Step 13: Slice and Serve
Cut the fudge into 1 to 2-inch squares, topping each piece with a maraschino cherry for that classic banana split finish, then serve proudly to your eager friends and family.
How to Serve Banana Split Fudge Recipe
Garnishes
This fudge is already adorned with cherries and sprinkles, but feel free to add extra whipped cream dollops or finely chopped nuts on top for added texture and visual appeal, making every bite feel like a sundae celebration.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Split Fudge alongside a cold scoop of banana or vanilla ice cream to double down on those banana split vibes, or offer fresh banana slices and pineapple chunks for a fresh touch that complements the fudge perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the fudge squares on a colorful platter and add little paper umbrellas or striped straws for that nostalgic ice cream parlor look. Wrapping individual pieces in wax paper or gift boxes makes them wonderful homemade gifts or party favors too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Split Fudge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Proper storage will maintain the fudge’s creamy texture and keep the fresh fruit flavors vibrant for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to save your fudge for longer, freeze it in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve that perfect texture and taste.
Reheating
This fudge is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Let it come to room temperature if you prefer it less firm, but keep in mind the refreshing cold helps highlight its rich flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh bananas instead of pudding mix for the banana flavor?
While fresh bananas add natural flavor, the banana pudding mix offers a stronger, more consistent banana taste and helps with the fudge’s texture, so it’s best to stick with the pudding mix for authentic results.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free butter and white chocolate alternatives, but the condensed milk and pudding mix may not have suitable substitutes. Adjustments will require some trial and error for best texture.
How long does this fudge stay fresh?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, the fudge stays fresh for up to 7 days, maintaining its lovely chewiness and burst of fruity flavors.
Can I skip the sprinkles and still enjoy the fudge?
Absolutely! Sprinkles add a festive look, but the fudge’s rich taste and classic banana split ingredients shine through even without them.
Is this fudge suitable for a party or large gathering?
Definitely! This Banana Split Fudge Recipe yields 24 squares, making it perfect for sharing at celebrations, potlucks, or simply enjoying with family and friends.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Banana Split Fudge Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to bring the joy of a banana split into a fun, easy-to-make fudge that everyone will adore. Whether you’re treating yourself, hosting a get-together, or gifting a homemade sweet, this fudge combines nostalgic flavors and creamy goodness in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be smiling with every delicious square!
Print
Banana Split Fudge Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Banana Split Fudge recipe is a creamy, no-bake dessert inspired by the classic banana split sundae. Loaded with sweet pineapple tidbits, banana-flavored pudding, white chocolate, and topped with cherries, hot fudge drizzle, and colorful sprinkles, it’s a fun and delicious treat that’s easy to prepare and perfect for parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 stick of butter – softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Chocolate and Condensed Milk Mixture
- 2 cups white chocolate almond bark
- 1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 can pineapple tidbits (drained)
- 1/2 package Jello banana flavored pudding mix
- 14 maraschino cherries
- Hot fudge sauce – to drizzle on top
- Colored sprinkles – for the top
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Spray a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the fudge.
- Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla: In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Flour: Place the flour in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave it for about 1 1/2 minutes until it becomes hot to help with the texture of the fudge.
- Add Flour and Salt: Add the hot flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Melt White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate almond bark in the microwave in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine with Condensed Milk: Stir the Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk into the melted white chocolate until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Blend Chocolate Mixture: Pour the white chocolate and condensed milk mixture into the mixer bowl and mix on low speed until everything is well blended.
- Add Banana Pudding Mix: Sprinkle in the banana flavored pudding mix and fold it into the fudge mixture until evenly distributed.
- Mix in Pineapple and Cherries: Add the drained pineapple tidbits and most of the maraschino cherries into the bowl, mixing gently to combine without breaking up the fruit.
- Press Fudge into Pan: Pour the fudge mixture into the prepared pan and spread it evenly, pressing it down firmly with a spatula or back of a large spoon.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle hot fudge sauce over the top and sprinkle the colored sprinkles evenly across the surface for a festive touch.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the fudge for at least 2 hours or longer until it is firm and set.
- Cut and Serve: Remove the fudge from the pan using the parchment paper, cut it into 1 to 2 inch squares, top each piece with a maraschino cherry, and serve on a platter. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to fully drain the pineapple tidbits to prevent excess moisture in the fudge.
- Use parchment paper lining for easy removal and clean edges when cutting.
- If you don’t have white chocolate almond bark, substitute with regular white chocolate but adjust melting time carefully to avoid burning.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week.
- The fudge can be customized with other fruit add-ins or different pudding flavors for variety.
