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Banana Wafer Cake

An unexpected cake that wows every time!

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

I don’t know about you, but I never see overripe bananas as a bad thing… I see them as an opportunity to bake something delicious! And while banana bread is undeniably my go-to, I have a few other favorites that I turn to when I need something a little more elevated, like this Banana Wafer Cake! The recipe leans into nostalgia with an unexpected ingredient list. It results in a cake that is rich, sinfully dense, and it’s absolutely irresistible. If you’ve never tried your hand at a wafer cake before, then you must give this one a try!

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

This recipe skips the usual flour and instead leans on the buttery goodness of crushed Nilla wafers for the base of the cake. In this case it gives a little banana cream pie flavor, yum! Ripe bananas add a natural sweetness and keep the cake super moist, while the crushed Nilla wafers bring a soft texture with just a hint of vanilla. And the best part? It comes together with just a handful of other pantry staples, making it a no-fuss treat that is still sure to wow your family and friends.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Baked to golden perfection (with the most delicious crispy edges), this cake doesn’t need a fancy glaze or frosting to shine. Serve it up as is and I am sure you won’t hear a peep of complaint. Whether you enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a cozy breakfast treat, or the star of your next potluck, it’s a cake that will have everyone wanting one more slice! Lean into the retro vibes and give this easy Banana Wafer Cake a go.

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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team
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Photo: 12 Tomatoes Creative Team

Yield(s): Serves 8-10

15m prep time

40m cook time

5.0
Rated by 3 reviewers

Allergens: Eggs, Gluten, Nuts

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When you share or print a 12 Tomatoes recipe,
you're making mealtime meaningful.
100% of the Share to Care sponsor fees fund meals for families in need. Learn More
Ingredients
  • 1/1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup butter, room temperature
  • 5 eggs
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 (11 oz) box Nilla wafers, finely crushed
  • 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and thoroughly grease a 10-inch bundt pan.
  2. In a large bowl, add butter, sugar, and eggs. Mix until well combined, then stir in the mashed banana.
  3. Fold in the crushed Nilla wafers and pecans until evenly combined.
  4. Transfer batter to the prepared bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  5. Let cake cool for 10-15 minutes, then loosen sides with a knife and invert onto a serving plate. Allow cake to cool before slicing.

Recipe adapted from Theseoldcookbooks.com