Deep Fried Banana Pudding Bites (State Fair Madness)

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Close-up of deep-fried banana pudding bites on a striped paper tray, one bitten open to reveal steaming creamy banana custard with a banana slice inside and glossy salted-caramel and vanilla drizzles. Crumbled vanilla wafer crumbs, powdered sugar, fresh banana slices and a ramekin of extra custard sit on a rustic wooden counter with blurred string lights creating a warm carnival bokeh.

Yes — these are real, glorious, and exactly the kind of state-fair madness I live for: crispy golden balls hiding warm banana pudding and chunks of banana, drizzled with caramel and dusted with crushed vanilla wafers. Make them for a crowd, for yourself at 2 a.m., or to win a highly unofficial county fair snack-off.

Ingredients

  • For the banana pudding filling:
  • 1 (3.4 oz) packet instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed plus 6 thin slices for layering
  • For the batter & coating:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup cold club soda (or beer for extra bluster)
  • 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus extra for garnish)
  • Vegetable oil for deep frying (about 4 cups, 350°F target)
  • For finishing:
  • Salted caramel sauce or warmed vanilla custard
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Optional: flaky sea salt