Short Description:
Looking for a no-bake dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make? This Banana Wafer Cake is just what you need! With layers of creamy banana filling and crunchy wafer biscuits, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s super simple to put together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
If you’re a fan of banana desserts, you’re going to love this Banana Wafer Cake. The combination of soft, sweet banana layers and crunchy wafer biscuits creates the perfect balance of textures. It’s a dessert that doesn’t require an oven, making it ideal for hot days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. And with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this easy, creamy treat in no time!
Ingredients:
Here are the basics you’ll need to make this delicious cake:
- Ripe bananas
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Heavy cream or whipped cream
- Vanilla extract
- Wafer biscuits (preferably vanilla flavor)
- A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
(You can find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Banana Filling
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add in the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything together until it forms a smooth, creamy mixture. This will be the base of your filling.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream (or whipped cream) until stiff peaks form. If you’re using heavy cream, make sure it’s cold before whipping, as this helps it whip up faster and fluffier. Once the cream is whipped, gently fold it into the banana mixture until everything is fully combined. This gives the cake a light, airy texture.
Step 3: Layer the Wafer Biscuits and Banana Mixture
Now, it’s time to assemble the cake. Start by laying a layer of wafer biscuits at the bottom of your serving dish or a cake pan. You can break some of the wafers if needed to fit the pan. Spread a generous layer of the banana cream mixture over the wafers, smoothing it out with a spatula. Repeat the process, layering wafers and banana cream until you run out of ingredients. Be sure to finish with a layer of banana cream on top.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Once your layers are stacked, cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. The longer it chills, the better the wafers will soften, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, your Banana Wafer Cake is ready to serve. You can garnish it with a few extra banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a little extra flair. Slice it up, and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Banana Ripeness: Make sure your bananas are ripe but not overripe. The sweetness of ripe bananas adds the perfect flavor, but overly ripe bananas may become mushy when mashed.
- Crunchy vs. Soft: The longer the cake sits in the fridge, the softer the wafers become, which some people love. If you prefer more crunch, you can serve it sooner after assembling.
- Make Ahead: This is a great dessert to make ahead for a party or gathering. It actually gets better after a day or two in the fridge as the flavors have more time to develop.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan Version: You can easily make this recipe vegan by using coconut whipped cream, coconut milk, and vegan wafer biscuits.
- Chocolate Lovers: For an extra twist, you can add a layer of chocolate sauce or drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a delicious topping or can be mixed into the banana cream for a little crunch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Banana Wafer Cake is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. It also works well as a light dessert after a hearty meal, especially when paired with a refreshing fruit salad or a simple bowl of berries.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While this cake is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Since this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat it. Just enjoy it cold from the fridge!
4 FAQs
- Can I use a different type of biscuit instead of wafer biscuits?
Yes! While wafer biscuits work best for this cake, you can use any kind of plain, crispy biscuit or cookie as a substitute. Just make sure it’s not too sweet. - Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?
Fresh bananas are best for this cake, but if you only have frozen bananas, make sure to thaw them completely before mashing them into the filling. - How do I prevent the banana slices from browning?
To keep banana slices fresh and bright, you can dip them in a bit of lemon juice before adding them to the cake. This helps prevent browning. - Can I add more flavor to the cream filling?
Absolutely! You can play around with different flavors like adding a splash of almond extract, cinnamon, or even a spoonful of peanut butter for a fun twist.
Conclusion
This Banana Wafer Cake is a crowd-pleaser that’s both nostalgic and new, combining the creamy sweetness of bananas with the satisfying crunch of wafer biscuits. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any baking—perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t feel like turning on the oven. Make it ahead for your next gathering, or enjoy it as a simple weeknight dessert. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Banana Wafer Cake: A Sweet and Simple Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Easy, Sweet
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigerator Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This no-bake Banana Wafer Cake combines the sweet flavor of ripe bananas with creamy filling and crunchy wafer biscuits. It’s easy to prepare, requires no baking, and makes for a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2–3 ripe bananas
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream or whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pack vanilla wafer biscuits
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Banana Filling:
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the mixture becomes a smooth, creamy consistency. - Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream (or whipped cream) until stiff peaks form. Make sure the cream is cold before whipping for the best results. Once whipped, gently fold it into the banana mixture to achieve a light and airy texture. - Layer the Wafer Biscuits and Banana Mixture:
Start by laying a layer of wafer biscuits at the bottom of your serving dish or cake pan. Break the wafers if necessary to fit the pan. Spread a generous layer of the banana cream mixture over the wafers. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of banana cream on top. - Chill and Set:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the wafers to soften and the flavors to meld together. - Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, garnish with extra banana slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired. Slice and enjoy the creamy, crunchy goodness!
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor, but avoid overripe bananas as they may become too mushy.
- Crunchy vs. Soft: If you prefer more crunch in your dessert, serve it sooner after assembling; the wafers will soften the longer they sit in the fridge.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is great for meal prep. Let it sit for a day or two to let the flavors develop even more.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg