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
Scale
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.
