If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that’s full of flavor and nostalgia, this Banana Wafer Cake is a must-try! It’s the kind of treat that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you need something quick for a family gathering or just want to indulge in a simple dessert. Layers of crispy vanilla wafers, creamy banana filling, and a rich vanilla glaze come together in this delightfully simple cake that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – No complicated steps or hard-to-find items.
- Comforting flavor – The sweet bananas and vanilla wafers come together beautifully.
- No-bake – A dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven!
- Quick to assemble – You’ll be enjoying this cake in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Vanilla wafers
- Bananas
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Sugar
- Salt
Full list of ingredients with measurements is below.
Directions
Layer the Vanilla Wafers
Start by lining the bottom of your dish with a layer of vanilla wafers. You can use a 9×9-inch square dish or any similar-sized pan. Lay the wafers in a single layer to cover the bottom completely.
Add Sliced Bananas
Slice the bananas and arrange them evenly over the vanilla wafer layer. Make sure to use ripe bananas for the best flavor!
Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt. Once it’s all combined, pour the mixture over the bananas and wafers, spreading it evenly to cover everything.
Repeat the Layers
Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by more banana slices. Then pour over the remaining creamy filling. Repeat until you run out of ingredients, ending with a layer of the cream filling.
Chill and Set
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The cake will firm up, and the wafers will soften to create that lovely cake texture.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cake will be.
- Chill for longer – The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, so feel free to let it chill overnight for the best result.
- Top with whipped cream – Add some freshly whipped cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a layer of chocolate chips – If you love the combination of chocolate and banana, sprinkle some mini chocolate chips in between the layers.
- Use graham crackers – If you don’t have vanilla wafers on hand, graham crackers can also work as the base for this cake.
- Make it dairy-free – Substitute the heavy cream and condensed milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Banana Wafer Cake is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas for serving:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
- For a tropical twist, garnish with shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled.
- There’s no need to reheat, as it’s best served cold.
FAQs
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s better if you make it the day before, as it gives the flavors time to meld.
Can I use a different type of cookie?
Yes! Graham crackers or even shortbread cookies can be substituted if you prefer.
How do I keep the bananas from browning?
The bananas will naturally brown over time, but chilling the cake helps slow this process. You can also drizzle lemon juice over the banana slices to reduce browning.
Can I freeze this cake?
This cake doesn’t freeze well because of the creamy filling and the texture of the wafers. It’s best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
Banana Wafer Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that’s both easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, you’ll have a show-stopping treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to please!
PrintBanana Wafer Cake: A Sweet & Simple Dessert
This Banana Wafer Cake is a nostalgic dessert made with layers of crispy vanilla wafers, creamy banana filling, and a rich vanilla glaze. It’s quick to assemble, no-bake, and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Vanilla wafers – 1 box (about 200g or 2 cups)
- Bananas – 3 large bananas, sliced
- Sweetened condensed milk – 1 can (14 oz)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Milk – 1/2 cup
- Sugar – 1/4 cup
- Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Layer the Vanilla Wafers: Line the bottom of a 9×9-inch square dish or similar-sized pan with a layer of vanilla wafers.
- Add Sliced Bananas: Slice the bananas and arrange them over the wafer layer.
- Prepare the Creamy Filling: Whisk together sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Pour the mixture over the bananas and wafers.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by more banana slices. Then pour over the remaining creamy filling.
- Chill and Set: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Notes
- Ripe Bananas: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Chill Longer: For better results, let the cake chill overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg