Description
This Banana Wafer Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring ripe bananas, vanilla wafer cookies, and a fluffy mixture of vanilla pudding and whipped cream. It’s a delightful, creamy treat that’s easy to assemble and perfect for chilling overnight to let flavors meld and wafers soften into a cake-like texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (about 12 oz) vanilla wafer cookies
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh banana slices (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, whole milk, and granulated sugar according to the package instructions until the pudding thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional cinnamon, then set aside to cool.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy whipping cream in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture that will complement the pudding.
- Assemble the Cake – First Layer: In a large serving dish (approximately 9×13 inches), lay down a single layer of vanilla wafer cookies as the base of the cake.
- Add Bananas and Pudding: Place a layer of sliced bananas over the wafers, then spread a layer of the prepared vanilla pudding mixture on top.
- Incorporate Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture and spread this creamy layer evenly over the bananas and pudding layer.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by banana slices, and then top with the pudding and whipped cream mixture as the final layer.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the wafers to soften and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cake with extra fresh banana slices and a light dusting of cinnamon if desired for added flavor and decoration.
Notes
- For a firmer texture, chill the cake overnight rather than just 4 hours.
- Ensure the bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Use fresh vanilla pudding mix for best results; instant pudding saves time.
- The cinnamon is optional but adds a nice warm flavor complementing the bananas.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for freshness.
- You can substitute heavy whipping cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
- Layer gently to avoid breaking the wafers before softening.
- If desired, add chopped nuts between layers for added texture and crunch.
