Addictive Banana Wafer Cake Recipe

Delicious No-Bake Banana Wafer Cake: A Sweet Treat for Everyone

Banana wafer cakes are a tasty mix of simple ingredients and new baking ideas.

These desserts bring together the sweet, moist taste of ripe bananas with the crunchiness of wafer layers.

People who love making sweets at home find them easy and fun to create.

The cake offers a perfect blend of flavors that both kids and grown-ups enjoy.

Soft banana-flavored layers meet crispy wafers for a unique taste adventure.

This dessert shows off creative baking skills by turning classic cake-making into something fresh and exciting.

Things That Go Well With Banana Wafer Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee: Brew a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee to complement the cake's sweet banana and nutty pecan flavors, creating a smooth, indulgent combination.
  • Match with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice, letting the cold creaminess contrast beautifully with the warm, textured cake.
  • Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Add a luxurious touch by pouring homemade caramel sauce over each slice, intensifying the dessert's richness and adding a decadent golden sheen.
  • Enjoy with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Moscato or late-harvest Riesling to harmonize with the cake's fruity and nutty undertones, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Different Ways To Try Banana Wafer Cake

  • Gluten-Free Banana Nut Cake: Replace Nilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour. Use gluten-free baking mix instead of regular flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Banana Wafer Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based sugar. Swap Nilla wafers with vegan vanilla cookies and replace pecans with walnuts for added nutrition.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of regular sugar. Choose whole grain wafers for added fiber and replace some butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce overall calories.
  • Nut-Free Banana Wafer Cake: Omit pecans completely and replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. This variation works well for those with nut allergies while maintaining the cake's delicious texture and flavor profile.

Banana Wafer Cake FAQs

  • Can I use different types of wafers for this cake?

Yes, you can substitute Nilla wafers with other vanilla or graham cracker-style wafers. The key is to choose a wafer that complements the banana flavor and provides a similar texture.

  • Is it necessary to use pecans in the recipe?

No, pecans are optional. If you have nut allergies or don’t enjoy pecans, you can simply omit them or replace them with another nut like walnuts or skip nuts entirely without affecting the cake’s overall structure.

  • How ripe should the bananas be for this cake?

Use very ripe, almost completely brown bananas. These provide the most intense banana flavor and natural sweetness, which helps create a moist and flavorful cake.

  • Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using gluten-free vanilla wafers and a gluten-free flour blend. However, the texture might slightly change, so experiment carefully and expect potential minor variations in the final result.

What’s Great About Banana Wafer Cake

  • Celebrate Quick Baking: Whip up this delightful banana wafer cake in under an hour, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Customize Creatively: Easily swap pecans for walnuts or add chocolate chips to personalize the recipe, allowing home bakers to make it their own signature treat.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: Combines classic banana bread flavors with crunchy Nilla wafers, creating a nostalgic dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting taste.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple mixing techniques and basic pantry ingredients, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a professional-looking and delicious bundt cake without complicated steps.

What Goes Into Banana Wafer Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter, Sugar, Eggs: Provide rich, sweet foundation and structure for the cake.
  • Mashed Bananas: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and distinct banana flavor.

Notes: Choose ripe, soft bananas for best flavor intensity.

Dry Ingredients:
  • Nilla Wafers, Pecans: Add crunch, texture, and nutty undertones to the cake.
  • Flour (implied in instructions): Gives cake its classic tender crumb.

Notes: Crush wafers to medium-fine consistency for best integration.

Preparation Ingredients:
  • Bundt Pan: Provides distinctive ring shape and even baking.
  • Cooking Spray or Grease: Ensures easy cake release after baking.

Notes: Use thorough greasing to prevent cake from sticking to pan.

How To Make Banana Wafer Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 10-inch bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend:
  • Softened butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Fold in ripe mashed bananas.

Step 3: Combine Crunchy Elements

Gently incorporate:
  • Crushed Nilla wafers
  • Chopped pecans

Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Step 5: Cool and Unveil

Remove from oven and let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes. Run a knife along the pan’s edges to loosen. Carefully flip onto a serving plate. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Smart Tips For Banana Wafer Cake

  • Crush Wafers Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even crumbs for a consistent texture throughout the cake.
  • Banana Ripeness Matters: Choose overripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor.
  • Prevent Sticking: Dust the greased bundt pan with flour or crushed wafer crumbs to ensure easy cake removal.
  • Moisture Mastery: Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Topping Transformation: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

How To Store And Reheat Banana Wafer Cake

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it moist and fresh.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months to preserve flavor and texture.
  • Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and enhance the banana and wafer flavors.
  • Room Temperature: Let frozen or refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out its full taste and tender crumb.
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Addictive Banana Wafer Cake Recipe

Addictive Banana Wafer Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy banana layers mingle with crisp wafer crumbles in this irresistible Banana Wafer Cake, creating a heavenly dessert that whispers comfort. Sweet nostalgia meets modern baking, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 5 eggs
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 (11 ounces / 311 grams) box Nilla wafers, finely crushed

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • ¾ cup (170 grams) butter, room temperature
  • 1 ⅓ cups (267 grams) granulated sugar

Nuts:

  • 1 cup (100 grams) pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and generously coating the bundt pan with a non-stick layer to ensure smooth cake release.
  2. Create a luscious base by whisking butter, sugar, and eggs into a smooth, creamy mixture, then gently fold in ripe, velvety mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
  3. Craft the cake’s distinctive texture by delicately blending crushed Nilla wafers and crunchy pecans throughout the batter, distributing the ingredients evenly to guarantee a consistent flavor profile in every slice.
  4. Carefully pour the fragrant batter into the prepared bundt pan, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface for optimal baking results.
  5. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring the cake’s progress by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean and dry when the cake reaches perfect doneness.
  6. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the structure settle and makes removal easier.
  7. Gently loosen the cake’s edges with a knife, then invert onto a serving plate, permitting it to cool completely before slicing to maintain its delicate structure and enhance flavor development.

Notes

  • Select ripe, spotty bananas for maximum sweetness and deeper banana flavor that enhances the entire cake’s taste profile.
  • Crush Nilla wafers coarsely to maintain delightful texture and provide pleasant crunch throughout the cake’s interior.
  • Consider toasting pecans briefly before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty flavor and create more aromatic depth in the dessert.
  • Experiment with gluten-free Nilla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

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