Description
This Banana Wafer Cake is a no-bake, creamy, and delicious dessert featuring layers of ripe bananas, vanilla wafer cookies, and a luscious vanilla pudding whipped cream filling. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent treat, it requires minimal preparation and chilling time to meld flavors and soften the wafers to cake-like perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Banana Wafer Cake
- 3–4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (about 12 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh banana slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and granulated sugar. Follow the package instructions to allow the pudding to thicken properly. Once thickened, stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon if using. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will add a light and fluffy texture to the cake layers.
- Assemble the Cake: In a large 9×13-inch serving dish, start with a layer of vanilla wafer cookies arranged evenly on the bottom.
- Add Bananas and Pudding: Place a layer of sliced bananas on top of the wafer layer. Then spread a portion of the vanilla pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Pudding: Gently fold the whipped cream into the remaining pudding mixture until combined, and then spread this creamy mixture over the pudding layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafer cookies, followed by sliced bananas, and then top with the combined pudding and whipped cream mixture.
- Chill and Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling process allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- For a firmer texture, chill the cake overnight instead of 4 hours.
- Substitute low-fat milk and light whipped topping for a lighter version, but the texture may be less creamy.
- If you want extra cinnamon flavor, dust the top of the cake with ground cinnamon right before serving.
- This cake is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparation when stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
