Benne wafers use an ingredient key to West African cultures: benne seeds, which are closely related to sesame seeds. They arrived in South Carolina centuries ago with enslaved people. Today, you’ll find the benne seed wafer in gift shops throughout Charleston—they’re a Lowcountry classic, and benne symbolizes luck.
Our benne wafer recipe can elevate any dish of ice cream. With their crispy edges and chewy centers, we recommend serving them straight from the oven too.