These chewy banana candy squares are a sweet and slightly tangy treat made from ripe bananas and sugar, cooked down to a thick, fudge-like consistency, and then cut into squares. They often have a slightly caramelized flavor and a soft, chewy texture, sometimes with a light sugary coating.
Ingredients:
- 4 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to the sweetness of the bananas)
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice (helps with color and adds a slight tang)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Powdered sugar, for coating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Banana Puree: Mash the very ripe bananas thoroughly until you have a smooth puree.
- Combine Ingredients: In a non-stick pan or a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
- Cook Down the Mixture: Place the pan over medium-low heat. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and burning. The mixture will initially be liquidy but will gradually thicken as the moisture evaporates.
- Continue Cooking: Continue cooking and stirring for a significant amount of time (typically 30-60 minutes or even longer, depending on the heat and the water content of the bananas). The mixture should become very thick and pull away from the sides of the pan, forming a soft, sticky mass. The color will also deepen to a brownish hue.
- Test for Doneness: To check if the candy is ready, you can try placing a small spoonful on a cold plate. It should set into a soft, chewy consistency and not remain too liquidy.
- Transfer to a Dish: Once the mixture is thick and chewy, transfer it to a lightly greased square or rectangular dish. Spread it out evenly to your desired thickness (usually about 1/2 to 1 inch).
- Cool and Set: Let the banana mixture cool completely at room temperature until it is firm enough to cut. This may take several hours. You can also speed up the process by refrigerating it.
- Cut into Squares: Once firm, cut the banana candy into small squares using a sharp knife.
- Coat (Optional): If desired, lightly coat the candy squares with powdered sugar to prevent them from sticking together.
- Store: Store the chewy banana candy squares in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain chewy for several days.
Tips and Notes:
- Ripe Bananas: Very ripe bananas are essential for sweetness and flavor.
- Non-Stick Pan: Using a non-stick pan is highly recommended to prevent sticking and burning.
- Constant Stirring: Continuous stirring is crucial throughout the cooking process.
- Cooking Time: The cooking time can vary greatly depending on the heat and the moisture content of the bananas. Be patient and cook until the mixture is very thick and chewy.
- Thickness: Adjust the thickness of the spread in the dish to determine the size and thickness of your candy squares.
- Variations: You can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg during the cooking process for extra flavor. Some recipes also include a small amount of oil or butter for a smoother texture.
Enjoy these homemade chewy banana candy squares!