When you’re craving a luscious, creamy dessert but don’t want to turn on the oven, this No-Bake Banana Cream Cake is the perfect solution. Combining the natural sweetness of bananas, the crunch of biscuits, and the smoothness of a creamy filling, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is perfect for warm weather or last-minute dessert emergencies.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making this delicious cake, including a detailed list of ingredients, instructions, preparation time, tips for success, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
Base Layer:
- 200g (about 20 pieces) of plain biscuits (e.g., graham crackers or digestive biscuits)
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
Banana Layer:
- 4 ripe bananas
- 1 can (400g) sweetened condensed milk
Cream Layer:
- 250ml heavy cream (chilled)
- 100g cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping:
- 100g crushed biscuits (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base Layer
- Crush the biscuits: Place the plain biscuits in a food processor or a resealable plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs.
- Mix with butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press into a dish: Transfer the mixture to a rectangular or square baking dish (8×8 inches is ideal). Press the crumbs firmly into an even layer using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana Layer
- Slice the bananas: Peel the bananas and cut them lengthwise or into thin slices. Arrange them evenly over the chilled biscuit base.
- Add condensed milk: Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the banana slices, ensuring they are fully covered.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Layer
- Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
- Combine other ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix well.
- Fold the cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread over the bananas: Evenly spread the cream layer over the banana-condensed milk layer using a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- Crush more biscuits: Crush additional biscuits and sprinkle them generously over the cream layer to form an even topping.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the cake is firm and easy to slice.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas add a natural sweetness and a soft texture that complements the creamy filling.
- Chill thoroughly: Let the cake chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to ensure it sets properly and slices cleanly.
- Layer evenly: Spread each layer evenly to ensure a consistent taste and texture in every bite.
- Substitute options: If you don’t have plain biscuits, you can use vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or any mild-flavored biscuit.
- Decorate creatively: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate shavings on top for extra flair.
Preparation Time
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Chilling: 4 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: Approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 8 servings)
Calories: 310
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugars: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This No-Bake Banana Cream Cake is not just quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also versatile. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, attending a potluck, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Its combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements makes it irresistible for kids and adults alike. Plus, it requires no baking, making it perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Variations
- Add nuts: Sprinkle crushed walnuts or pecans between layers for added crunch.
- Make it tropical: Add a layer of sliced pineapples or mangoes for a tropical twist.
- Use chocolate biscuits: Replace plain biscuits with chocolate-flavored ones for a richer taste.
Conclusion
This Quick and Easy No-Bake Banana Cream Cake is a delightful treat that anyone can prepare. With its simple steps, minimal ingredients, and heavenly flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try it today, and enjoy the satisfaction of serving a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make!