The 16 Best Ways to Put Vanilla Wafers to Use

From the Recipe Creator: I didn’t see my son, Lance Corporal Eric Harris, for more than two years after he enlisted in the Marines after high school. And when I first saw him at the airport last fall, I just grabbed hold of him and busted out crying. Back home, the first thing he ate was two bowls of my easy banana pudding recipe. He’s a true Southern boy! It’s a dessert, but you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. —Stephanie Harris, Montpelier, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe along with a set of springform pans from a cousin at my wedding shower 11 years ago. It makes a heavenly cheesecake. My son Tommy has already told me he wants it again for his birthday cake this year. —Brenda Clifford, Overland Park, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: Capture the timeless flavors of banana pudding with this cookie version. Using banana cream pudding and white chocolate chips in the dough and crushed Nilla wafers for the topper, you’ll definitely go bananas over this treat. —Molly Allen, Hood River, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: This recipe is delicious with either fresh-picked or frozen raspberries. That means you can make it year-round. One bite of raspberry pie will instantly turn winter to summer. —Julie Price, Nashville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: No one can resist this quick and easy tiramisu recipe. Make it ahead for added mealtime convenience. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: These little cheesecakes make a fun dessert that’s just right for cooks who don’t have a lot of time for fussy recipes. Plus, you get to eat the whole thing yourself! —Kay Keller, Morenci, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: The gooey caramel on top really makes this cheesecake. It’s definitely a family favorite. —Rena Fields, Sackets Harbor, New York

From the Recipe Creator: Packed with peanuts and gooey with caramel, this do-ahead treat is one sweet dream of a dessert to serve company. With an easy cookie crust and scrumptious candy bar layers, it goes together quickly—and will disappear just as fast! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Inspiring ideas come from many places, and often when we least expect them. I enjoy making cheesecakes for family and friends, and I came up with this recipe after eating ice cream on vacation. Featuring pineapple and coconut, this cheesecake will remind you of a trip to an island paradise. —Ellen Batenhorst, Omaha, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: For an airy delight on a summer afternoon, try this mouthwatering cheesecake from Hastings, Nebraska’s Ken Gallagher. Because it doesn’t contain eggs, it’s lighter but also very creamy and refreshing.—Ken Gallagher, Hastings, Nebraska

From the Recipe Creator: Birthdays and holidays are great times for cheesecake, and Christmas is ideal for this particular one. In our annual church bake-off, it won first place! —Tish Frish, Hampden, Maine

From the Recipe Creator: We kids couldn’t wait to dig into this tempting ice cream dessert. It’s cool and smooth with a ribbon of fudge inside. Whenever I make it for my family, I think of Mom. —Anne Heinonen, Howell, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: After receiving a request for a special turtle cheesecake and not finding a good recipe, I created my own. Everyone is thrilled with the results and this cheesecake remains a favorite at the coffee shop where I work. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: A few handy convenience items hurry along the prep for these creamy bars with a vanilla wafer crust. They get their sweet-tart flavor from lemon gelatin, sherbet and pudding mix. They’re not only fun to make with my grandchildren, but they’re delicious, too. —Joyce Speerbrecher, Grafton, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These cookies freeze well, so it's easy to keep some on hand for last-minute munching. In summer, I often make them larger to use for ice cream sandwiches. —Mary Rempel, Altona, Manitoba

From the Recipe Creator: I love key lime pie, but some people are reluctant to take a whole slice of pie. These bars give just the right taste of key lime and freeze well, so I can keep a stash for when I need a tart treat. —Kristine Staton, Broomfield, Colorado