There are several quick and easy substitutes you can use in place of vanilla wafers when making banana pudding. Some common options include:
Graham Crackers
Graham crackers are one of the most popular substitutes for vanilla wafers in banana pudding. They provide a similar lightly sweet, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy banana pudding. You’ll want to use rectangular graham crackers and break them into smaller pieces before layering them in the pudding. Graham crackers are easy to find and provide an affordable alternative if you don’t have vanilla wafers on hand.
Gingersnap Cookies
Gingersnap cookies make an excellent substitute for vanilla wafers in banana pudding. They have a crisp texture and a hint of spice from ginger that complements the flavors of ripe banana and vanilla pudding beautifully. Like with graham crackers, you’ll want to break gingersnaps into smaller pieces before assembling the pudding so they are easier to spoon and bite. Look for soft baked gingersnap cookies rather than extra hard/crunchy versions.
Shortbread Cookies
Buttery shortbread cookies can be used in place of vanilla wafers when making homemade banana pudding. They provide the tender, delicate crunch of vanilla wafers without overpowering the pudding flavor. Look for a basic shortbread recipe without any drizzle or coatings. Cut or break the shortbread into smaller pieces before layering in the pudding for easier serving. Shortbread is a great option if you want a simple cookie that won’t compete with the banana flavor.
Sugar Cookies
For a quick homemade substitute, plain sugar cookies can be used in lieu of vanilla wafers. Prepare a basic sugar cookie dough, chill, and then slice and bake into rounds. Bake until lightly golden brown and let cool completely before crumbling into the pudding. The sweet flavor and crunchy texture of sugar cookies is similar to vanilla wafers. Make sure the cookies are sturdy enough to retain their shape and crunch when soaked with pudding.
Animal Crackers
For a fun, kid-friendly option, try using animal crackers instead of vanilla wafers. The miniature crackers have a mildly sweet flavor and crunchy bite perfect for mixing into the creamy banana pudding. Just substitute an equal amount of animal crackers for the vanilla wafers called for in the recipe. Feel free to break them into smaller pieces first if you don’t want whole animal shapes mixed throughout.
Vanilla or Sugar Ice Cream Cones
For a unique twist, crush sugar or vanilla ice cream cones and use the pieces in place of vanilla wafers. The cone pieces provide delicious crunch and vanilla flavor that enhances banana pudding beautifully. Simply pulse ice cream cones in a food processor until they are broken down into pieces slightly smaller than vanilla wafers, then layer them into the pudding as directed in your favorite recipe.
Pretzel Sticks
Thin pretzel sticks can provide a tasty, crunchy alternative to vanilla wafers when used in homemade banana pudding. Pretzels have a delightfully salty flavor that balances the sweetness of ripe bananas and vanilla pudding. Break pretzel sticks into 1-2 inch pieces and layer them into the dessert just as you would vanilla wafer pieces. Pretzel sticks add fun texture and flavor to what’s typically a sweet-only dessert.
Chocolate Wafers
For a chocolaty twist, try using chocolate wafer cookies in place of traditional vanilla wafers. They provide the same light, crisp texture with a delicious chocolate flavor. The cocoa notes pair nicely with banana pudding for a dessert reminiscent of chocolate covered bananas. Use an equal amount of chocolate wafer cookies as the vanilla wafers called for in the recipe.
Homemade Vanilla Wafers
You can also prepare your own homemade vanilla wafers to substitute if you don’t have store-bought ones on hand. Simply mix together flour, butter, sugar, vanilla, and salt and chill the dough before rolling and cutting into rounds. Bake at 350°F until lightly golden. Let the wafer cookies cool completely before crumbling them over the pudding. Adjust any extra spices or flavors in the dough as desired.
Nilla Wafers
Nilla brand vanilla wafers can be used as a substitute for non-name brand vanilla wafers in banana pudding recipes. Nilla is one of the most popular brand of vanilla wafers and provides the classic flavor and light, crispy texture ideal for layering in pudding. Substitute an equal amount of Nilla wafers in place of another brand called for in your recipe.
Lotus Biscoff Cookies
For a unique flavor twist, try crushed Lotus Biscoff cookies in place of vanilla wafers. Biscoff cookies have a distinctive caramelized, cinnamon sugar flavor that pairs deliciously with banana pudding. The cookies have a nice crunchy texture when crushed that provides variation to the soft pudding. Use an equal amount of crushed biscoff cookies in recipes calling for vanilla wafers.
Ladyfingers
Dry, crumbled ladyfinger cookies can work nicely as a substitute for vanilla wafers in homemade banana pudding. They have a light, tender texture similar to wafers. To use ladyfingers, split them open and crumble into small pieces before layering in the pudding. Their sweet, neutral flavor won’t compete with the banana pudding. Just use roughly the same amount called for of vanilla wafers.
Vanilla Sandwich Cookies
For a quick store-bought substitute, try using vanilla cream-filled sandwich cookies. Simply split the cookies open and use the vanilla cookie halves in place of vanilla wafers. The creamy filling provides a nice extra boost of sweet vanilla flavor. Use the same amount of cookie halves as you would vanilla wafers based on your recipe.
Oreo Cookies
Oreo cookies can provide delicious chocolate wafer cookie pieces when making homemade banana pudding. Just twist Oreos open and scrape off and discard the creamy filling. Then crumble or chop the dark chocolate cookie halves before scattering them over the pudding layers. Oreo pieces provide crunchy texture and chocolate flavor. Use about the same amount as vanilla wafer pieces called for.
Teddy Grahams
For a fun snack-inspired option, try using crushed Teddy Grahams in place of vanilla wafers. Teddy Grahams have a sweet honey graham flavor and come in cute bear shapes that make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Simply pulse the bears in a food processor until they reach a crumbly wafer consistency before mixing into your banana pudding recipe.
Tips for Substituting Vanilla Wafers
When substituting for vanilla wafers in banana pudding, there are a few helpful guidelines to keep in mind:
- Look for cookies or crackers with a mildly sweet, neutral flavor that won’t compete with the banana pudding flavors
- Aim for a light, crispy texture – avoid soft or chewy cookies
- Break cookies and crackers into smaller pieces for easier eating
- Use roughly the same quantity as vanilla wafers called for in the recipe
- Add substitutes in layers between pudding for ideal texture and appearance
- Store leftovers in the fridge but the cookies/crackers will soften over time
- Get creative and use any crisp cookie you enjoy – the options are endless!
Homemade Banana Pudding Recipe
This classic banana pudding recipe uses vanilla wafers which can easily be substituted for your cookie or cracker of choice.
Ingredients
- 3 medium bananas, sliced
- 1 (5 ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Slice the bananas and layer 1/3 of them in the bottom of a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fold in half of the whipped topping into the pudding until combined.
- Pour 1/3 of the pudding mixture over the bananas.
- Top pudding with 1/3 of the vanilla wafers.
- Repeat layers twice more to use remaining bananas, pudding, and wafers.
- Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
For best results, use ripe bananas that are lightly speckled. Break vanilla wafers into bite-size pieces before layering. Substitute an equal amount of your favorite cookie, cracker or crunchy snack in place of the vanilla wafers. Refrigerate any leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use chocolate cookies instead of vanilla wafers?
Yes, chocolate wafer cookies or other chocolate cookies can be used as a substitute for vanilla wafers. Go for a plain chocolate cookie without chunks or swirls. Oreos and chocolate teddy grahams both work well. The chocolate flavor pairs nicely with the banana pudding.
Do I have to use wafers or cookies?
No, you don’t have to use vanilla wafers or cookies. There are lots of crunchy snacks that can work as fun substitutions such as crushed pretzels, granola, or even crisp rice cereals. Get creative with different flavors and textures.
Can I use graham cracker crumbs?
Definitely! Crushed graham crackers make an excellent substitution for vanilla wafer crumbs. Use plain, honey graham crackers and pulse them to a crumbly consistency before mixing into the banana pudding layers. The sweet graham flavor complements banana pudding perfectly.
Do substitutes change the nutrition info?
Using a different cookie or cracker substitute in place of vanilla wafers can alter the nutrition profile somewhat. Factors like sugar, fat, carbs, and calories may vary slightly depending on the exact substitute used. However, since wafers are used in a relatively small amount, the overall nutrition differences are minor.
The Best Vanilla Wafer Substitutes for Banana Pudding
Vanilla wafers may be traditional but don’t be afraid to get creative and try substituting different cookies, crackers or crunchy snacks when making homemade banana pudding. There are so many delicious options to mix up flavors, textures, and even colors in this classic dessert. Graham crackers, gingersnaps, oreos, pretzels, teddy grahams, and more can all add their own unique twist to creamy banana pudding. As long as you use a substitute with a complementary flavor and crisp texture, you can easily swap out vanilla wafers for whatever you have on hand.
