Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly simple and always crowd-pleasing, you cannot go wrong with Banana Wafer Cake. Imagine the irresistible aroma of ripe bananas mingling with the nostalgic sweetness of vanilla wafers, all baked into a soft, buttery cake that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, potluck, or just because, this delightfully old-fashioned treat always steals the spotlight thanks to its unique blend of textures, easy prep, and rich banana flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Banana Wafer Cake comes from its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one serves a specific purpose, building layers of flavor, texture, and beautiful golden color that make every bite memorable.
- Mashed ripe bananas: For ultimate flavor and moisture, choose bananas with plenty of brown speckles—they’re the key to the cake’s rich taste.
- Granulated sugar: Provides essential sweetness and helps the cake achieve its soft crumb.
- Light brown sugar: Adds lovely caramel notes for extra depth and a hint of chewiness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Ensures a tender, rich cake; always use softened butter for easier blending.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances both banana and wafer flavors for that classic homemade aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, creating structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Lifts the batter and yields a delightfully airy crumb.
- Baking soda: Teams up with the bananas to add lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Just a bit balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture – don’t skip it, or the cake won’t be nearly as luscious.
- Vanilla wafer cookies (crushed): The secret ingredient! These create a fantastic buttery crunch and infuse every bite with cookie goodness.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): For those who love a little crunch and nutty flavor, these are a delightful finishing touch.
How to Make Banana Wafer Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This step ensures your Banana Wafer Cake comes out clean, so it’s well worth those extra seconds!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This simple step sets the foundation for a soft, tender cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Bananas, and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, then blend everything until smooth. The bananas should fully combine, leaving you with a gorgeous, aromatic banana base.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these separately ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter and helps avoid any unpleasant pockets of dry ingredients in your finished Banana Wafer Cake.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
Now, add your dry mixture to the banana mixture in thirds, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients for a cake that’s delicate without being dense. Mix gently and only until incorporated to keep your cake wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Fold in Vanilla Wafers and Nuts
Gently fold in your crushed vanilla wafer cookies, along with the chopped pecans or walnuts if you’re using them. The wafer cookies melt into the cake as it bakes, creating an ultra-moist texture with pockets of cookie flavor throughout.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Pour the finished batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing—this helps it set and makes clean pieces easier to cut.
How to Serve Banana Wafer Cake
Garnishes
There’s something magical about dressing up your Banana Wafer Cake just before serving. Try a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting or a cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you prefer to keep it simple, a dusting of powdered sugar does the trick, lending a classic, elegant finish.
Side Dishes
This cake practically begs to be the star of dessert hour, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries for a pop of color and tartness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside offers a dreamy cold and creamy contrast to the cake’s cozy warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, slice the Banana Wafer Cake into neat squares and stack them for a charming, bakery-style presentation. Transform it into a layer cake by baking in two 9-inch rounds and filling with cream cheese frosting between and on top—the extra height is stunning on a cake stand. Or, for a fun twist, cut into bite-sized cubes and skewer with fruit for a unique dessert platter at your next party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Banana Wafer Cake will stay moist and fabulous for days. Simply cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so leftovers are never a disappointment!
Freezing
If you want to bake ahead, Banana Wafer Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your cake warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you’ve frozen your Banana Wafer Cake, let it thaw completely first, then warm as desired. A brief reheat revives the cake’s soft crumb and makes it extra inviting with a scoop of ice cream.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vanilla wafers with graham crackers or another cookie?
You can experiment with different cookies, but the classic vanilla wafers provide a distinctive flavor and texture that really sets this Banana Wafer Cake apart. Graham crackers will work in a pinch, but expect a less sweet, more crumbly result.
Does the cake need to be refrigerated?
The cake does not require refrigeration if eaten within a few days and stored covered at room temperature. If you frost the cake with cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is a good idea for food safety, especially in warm weather.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Try swapping the all-purpose flour and vanilla wafers for your favorite gluten-free versions. Just keep an eye on texture, as some gluten-free blends absorb more moisture and may need a touch more milk.
Is it possible to add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Yes! Banana and chocolate are a wonderful combination, so stirring in a handful of chocolate chips or white chocolate morsels is always a crowd-pleaser. Dried fruit or toasted coconut also add extra flair without overpowering the classic cake.
How ripe should my bananas be?
For the richest banana flavor, choose bananas that are generously speckled or even mostly brown. The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Wafer Cake will be.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something nostalgic, outrageously delicious, and bursting with homemade comfort, let Banana Wafer Cake be your new favorite. It’s simple, soul-satisfying, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to have a slice. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this moist and flavorful Banana Wafer Cake. With a perfect balance of ripe bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and optional nuts, this cake is a sure crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture alternately with milk, folding in crushed vanilla wafers and nuts, if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Top with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
- This cake can also be baked in two 9-inch round pans for a layered presentation.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
