Banana Wafer Cake is one of those magical recipes that somehow brings back fond childhood memories with every bite. Imagine a dense, moist cake brimming with the cozy flavors of ripe bananas, buttery vanilla wafers, sweet coconut, and the nutty crunch of pecans—this dessert truly checks every box for comfort and nostalgia. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an ordinary weeknight, Banana Wafer Cake promises to steal the show with its simple charm and irresistible Southern flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how fuss-free yet essential these ingredients are. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building that signature texture or boosting flavor, and together, they create the perfect Banana Wafer Cake experience! Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Vanilla wafer cookies (1 box, 11 ounces, finely crushed): These add richness and a subtle crunch, giving the cake its classic crumb.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tropical and nutty notes.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): For a toasty crunch and a delicate buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Adds chewy texture and a gentle sweetness that sets this dessert apart.
- Eggs, beaten (4 large): The glue that binds everything, ensuring your cake turns out moist and rich.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Lends tenderness and soft crumb.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 sticks/1 cup): Infuses every slice with buttery goodness and moisture.
- Ripe bananas, mashed (2): The star of the show, for pure banana flavor and natural sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and deepens the vanilla tones already in the wafers.
How to Make Banana Wafer Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a thorough greasing, then dust it lightly with flour to keep that lovely Banana Wafer Cake from sticking. A well-prepped pan means easy serving and a perfect square every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the crushed vanilla wafer cookies, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and sweetened shredded coconut. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly—this is your foundation for that signature flavor and crunch!
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, make a well in the center of your dry mix. Pour in the beaten eggs, whole milk, melted butter, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until smooth and beautifully blended. Watch as the batter transforms into a thick, golden mixture that practically smells like home already.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes—or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The edges should look perfectly golden, and the kitchen will be filled with the most amazing aroma!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once you pull your Banana Wafer Cake from the oven, let it cool completely in the pan. This step is worth the wait; cooling lets the flavors settle and the texture firm up, making it much easier to slice into neat, generous squares.
How to Serve Banana Wafer Cake
Garnishes
The beauty of Banana Wafer Cake is how beautifully it pairs with simple garnishes. A big dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra toasted coconut, or maybe some sliced bananas on top will really make each serving look (and taste) special.
Side Dishes
If you’re building a dessert table, try serving this cake with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast. Some lightly sweetened berries would also be irresistible alongside the rich, nutty cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your cake into squares and arrange them on a pretty platter, or layer cubes of the cake with whipped cream and banana slices in parfait glasses for a show-stopping trifle! If you’re feeling playful, drizzle each piece with a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Banana Wafer Cake moist and fresh, simply cover the pan tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for up to five days.
Freezing
Planning ahead? This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual squares or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to three months. Before serving, thaw in the fridge or set it on the counter until it’s soft and luscious again.
Reheating
Want to enjoy your Banana Wafer Cake warm? Just pop a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or reheat multiple pieces (covered with foil) in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back that dreamy just-baked texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert, Cake
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorites will work just fine. Pecans add a classic Southern touch, but you can personalize your Banana Wafer Cake with whatever you have on hand.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just pick gluten-free vanilla wafer cookies and double-check that your other ingredients are gluten-free, too. The texture will be delightfully similar, and the flavors will shine just as brightly.
What if my bananas are not fully ripe?
Slightly underripe bananas don’t mash as smoothly or taste as sweet, so your cake might not be as moist or flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, microwave whole bananas (with skin) for about 30 seconds to soften them up and mellow the bite.
Do I need to refrigerate Banana Wafer Cake?
It’s not strictly necessary if you plan to eat it within a few days, but refrigeration will keep your cake fresher longer, especially in warmer climates. If chilled, let it come to room temperature or briefly warm individual pieces before serving.
Does this cake need frosting?
Banana Wafer Cake is stunningly moist and flavorful as is—no need for a heavy frosting. However, a drizzle of glaze or a cloud of whipped cream never hurt if you want to dress it up for company!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s nostalgic, easy, and bursting with Southern comfort, you have to try Banana Wafer Cake at least once. Invite some friends over, or just treat yourself to a cozy homemade treat—you’ll see why this classic never goes out of style!
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Banana Wafer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the nostalgia of a classic Southern dessert with this delicious Banana Wafer Cake. Made with crushed vanilla wafer cookies, ripe bananas, and a hint of coconut, this cake is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crushed Vanilla Wafer Mixture:
- 1 box (11 ounces) vanilla wafer cookies, finely crushed
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease/flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers, sugar, pecans, and coconut.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in eggs, milk, melted butter, mashed bananas, and vanilla until well blended.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- This old-fashioned cake is dense, moist, and sweet—perfect served plain or with whipped cream.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- This cake freezes well when wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
