Description
This moist and flavorful Banana Wafer Cake combines ripe bananas, crunchy pecans, and sweet vanilla wafers into a delightful Southern American dessert. Enhanced with shredded coconut and a hint of vanilla, this cake offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for gatherings or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
Dry Ingredients
- 11-ounce box vanilla wafers (finely crushed, about 3 cups)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract, whole milk, and mashed ripe bananas to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the finely crushed vanilla wafers, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, baking soda, and salt evenly to distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid over-mixing, which could affect cake texture.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. If using a bundt pan, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. If using a 9×13 baking dish, let it cool fully before serving.
Notes
- Top with cream cheese frosting, banana slices, or whipped cream for extra flavor and decoration.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter to introduce warm, spicy notes.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- For a nuttier variation, swap pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Ensure the vanilla wafers are finely crushed to blend well into the batter for a consistent texture.
