If you’re looking to fall in love with a dessert that brings together comforting bananas and the delightful crunch of vanilla wafers, this Banana Wafer Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a moist, tender cake bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the nostalgic crunch of crushed wafers, creating a charming and utterly satisfying treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe combines familiar ingredients in a way that feels both classic and exciting—perfect for any occasion where you want a little slice of homemade happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Banana Wafer Cake Recipe come together simply but are essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture—each element plays a special part, from the creamy butter to the fragrant vanilla.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 1/2 cups): Use bananas that are perfectly ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings subtle molasses notes and moistness to the cake.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides richness and a silky texture.
- Large eggs (4): Bind everything together and add structure.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that holds the cake together.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise and stay light.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the banana’s acidity for lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and tenderness to the crumb.
- Vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (1 box, 11 oz): Adds crunch and a delightful vanilla flavor.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup, optional): For a nutty crunch that complements the cake beautifully.
How to Make Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Get your oven warmed up to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This initial step sets the stage for a perfectly baked cake with no sticking, so your hard work shines through with a clean release.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a tender, airy texture in the final cake.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Bananas
Now add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that lightness. Mix in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract—they bring the star flavor and aromatic notes that make this cake so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This ensures that leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving the cake a consistent rise without any uneven spots.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture in portions, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This alternating method helps achieve a smooth batter without overmixing, which keeps your cake tender.
Step 6: Fold in Vanilla Wafers and Nuts
Finally, fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and the chopped nuts if you’re using them. The wafers add a subtle crunch and a hint of that classic vanilla cookie flavor, making every bite a little more exciting.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and spread it out. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before slicing, so it sets beautifully and slices cleanly.
How to Serve Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to add a special touch, try topping it with a smear of cream cheese frosting for tangy richness, a dollop of whipped cream for light sweetness, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Wafer Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate it to dessert perfection. Fresh berries on the side can also provide a lovely, refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, bake the cake in two 9-inch round pans and layer it with whipped cream and banana slices to create a show-stopping layered dessert. You could also cut it into bars for a portable treat or serve individual portions in pretty ramekins with a wafer garnish on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Banana Wafer Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to three days, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. Use an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
If you prefer your Banana Wafer Cake Recipe warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a low-temperature oven. This will revive the softness and make the flavors pop, especially if you add a little butter or syrup on top.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this cake?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Banana Wafer Cake Recipe because they are sweeter and mash easily, which enhances both flavor and moisture.
Do I have to use nuts in the recipe?
No, the nuts are optional. They add a lovely crunch and flavor, but the cake is just as delicious without them, making it great for those with nut allergies.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
While butter provides a rich, creamy texture, you can substitute oil if you prefer. Just note that the flavor and crumb will be slightly different but still tasty.
Is it necessary to crush the vanilla wafers manually?
It’s best to crush vanilla wafers by hand or in a food processor for an even texture, ensuring that little crunch bits remain to give the cake its characteristic texture.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the Banana Wafer Cake Recipe stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend shelf life but may dry out the cake.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Wafer Cake Recipe is one of those wonderfully nostalgic desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. It’s simple, flavorful, and comforting, with a perfect balance of moist banana goodness and the sweet crunch of vanilla wafers. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just discover your new favorite dessert to share with loved ones or enjoy all on your own.
Print
Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Banana Wafer Cake combining ripe mashed bananas and crunchy vanilla wafer cookies, perfect for a delightful Southern-inspired dessert. This easy-to-make cake features a tender crumb enriched with nuts and can be enhanced with cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3–4 bananas)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies (crushed)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the base for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure proper emulsification.
- Mix in Bananas and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas and vanilla extract until fully combined, infusing the batter with moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture alternately with the whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Wafers and Nuts: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies and chopped pecans or walnuts, if using, adding texture and crunch.
- Transfer and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Enhance with optional toppings like cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or powdered sugar.
Notes
- Top with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
- 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 to maintain freshness.
