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Home » Recipes » Desserts

Vanilla Wafer Cake

Stacey – November 30, 2021 – 94 Comments

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Vanilla Wafer Cake

This old fashioned Vanilla Wafer Cake is the vintage recipe you remember from your childhood. Made with crushed Nilla Wafers cookies, coconut, and pecans, this dense, rich, Bundt cake is packed full of great flavor.

Slice of Vanilla Wafer Cake

Yes, it sounds a bit different, but often times, different can be so, so good. And that’s certainly the case with this cake!

We swap traditional flour for crushed vanilla wafer cookies and the result is absolutely delicious. And yes, technically, there is flour in the cake as the cookies are made with flour, but you get my point.

Overhead view of sliced Vanilla Wafer Cake

This cake has been on the blog for years, but often gets overlooked, so I decided to give the recipe a little makeover, shoot some new images, and give it its own post.

While I can trace the history back to the 70s, I can’t find much beyond that. I’m hoping some of y’all might be able to help shine a little light on its back story. Be sure to share your memories of Vanilla Wafer Cake in the comments below!

slice of Vanilla Wafer Cake

A few things to note about this recipe:

This old recipe calls for frozen coconut. And I think it does make a difference. Frozen coconut isn’t as sweet as the shelf-stable sweetened coconut flakes you’re used to. It also has a dramatically different texture. The sweetened coconut flakes can often be stringy and chewy. This frozen coconut is super tender. It adds great coconut flavor without the sometimes weird texture.

I usually find frozen coconut in the freezer section of my grocery store right next to the frozen fruit.

If you can’t find frozen coconut, you can use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of the sweetened coconut flakes. It’s still delicious, but the texture is a bit different and the cake will be a touch sweeter.

Frozen Coconut in a blue bag

When it comes time to crush those vanilla wafer, I typically toss them in my food processor, but a gallon zip-top bag and rolling pin works, too. If going that route, I suggest doing about half the box at a time to make sure you get them all crushed well.

This cake stores well on the counter for 4 to 5 days in an airtight container and freezes really well when tightly wrapped.

While I’ve seen other recipes that suggestion you can leave out the coconut or pecans, I don’t recommend that. I think they both are a big part of the flavor and texture of this cake, so I don’t think omitting them is a great idea. With that being said, I suppose you could swap the pecans for walnuts without much changing. If coconut and pecans aren’t you thing, maybe my Crusty Cream Cheese Pound Cake or my Caramel Pound Cake might be closer to what you’re looking for.

slice of Vanilla Wafer Cake
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4.80 from 5 votes

Recipe Card

Vanilla Wafer Cake

Course Dessert
Cuisine American, southern
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings 10
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, room temperature
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 (11-ounce) package vanilla wafers, crushed
  • 6 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 (6-ounce packages) frozen coconut, thawed (see note)
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 10 to 12 cup Bundt pan. 
  • In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar together. Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the crushed vanilla wafers and milk and mix well. Add the coconut, vanilla, and pecans and stir to combine. 
  • Spread the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes to 1 hour and 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Notes

* This recipe specifically calls for using frozen shredded coconut. It’s usually found in the freezer section near the frozen fruit. It is less sweet than shelf-stable sweetened coconut flakes and has a very different texture. If you can’t find the frozen variety, you can use 1 1/2 to 2 cups of the sweetened coconut flakes, but the cake will be sweeter and will have a different texture.  
slice of Vanilla Wafer Cake
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Vanilla Wafer Cake - image for Pinterest

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Hattie

    January 24, 2023 at 7:11 pm

    I don’t like coconut, will the cake still taste the same without it? I would love
    to bake it. It looks delicious.
    Thanks for always sharing your great recipes.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 25, 2023 at 1:05 pm

      I’ve not tried it without the coconut, but it should still work.

      Reply
  2. Marie

    January 17, 2023 at 5:09 pm

    Could someone please tell me where I can get frozen coconut in the Chicago area? Would love to try this cake but never in my 70 plus years have I seen frozen coconut in the grocery store. Thanks! (stars are just because it looks really good)

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 5:15 pm

      Frozen coconut is found in the freezer section of the grocery store – normally right with the frozen fruit.

      Reply
  3. Esther

    January 17, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Could I used organic unsweetened coconut in this recipe? I can’t find the frozen coconut anywhere. It looks wonderful! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 3:06 pm

      Yes, that should work.

      Reply
      • Hattie Heard

        January 25, 2023 at 4:16 pm

        Okay thank you for your quick response.

        Reply
  4. Patricia Chamlee

    January 15, 2023 at 1:47 pm

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! I just found your site and “yes sir, the recipes are Sure nuff Southern!!!” love it!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 8:44 am

      Thanks, Patricia! Welcome!

      Reply
  5. Earline Nichols

    January 13, 2023 at 10:29 pm

    Haven’t yet but going to

    Reply
  6. Becky

    January 13, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    Thank you for sharing this recipe, it looks and sounds delish. I have you in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery. God bless you

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 9:59 am

      Thanks so much, Becky!

      Reply
  7. Jill

    January 13, 2023 at 12:15 pm

    Sending prayers your way.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 10:17 am

      Thank you so much, Jill!

      Reply
  8. Susan

    January 13, 2023 at 4:15 am

    I’ll be praying for you today!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 17, 2023 at 10:17 am

      I appreciate you, Susan!!

      Reply
  9. Linda

    January 12, 2023 at 7:38 pm

    This cake sounds delicious! Best wishes for successful surgery. Take care and I’ll look forward to your return!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:01 pm

      Thanks so much, Linda!

      Reply
  10. Susan

    January 12, 2023 at 7:26 pm

    Did you specify how finely to crush the wafers? I think it would make a difference as to the size. How much did you crush them?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:02 pm

      I don’t specify. I’ve had success with them totally pulverized and left with a little texture. I’d recommend getting them pretty well crushed.

      Reply
  11. Ginia Wray Wright

    January 12, 2023 at 3:48 pm

    I have been making this delicious cake for at least 30 years. One of my favorites to eat and share. In fact going on a sister trip from Houston to Charleston sc in April, and have it down on my list to make and carry on the plane. If there is someone out there in the universe that hasn’t made this, take it from this old timer, you will not be disappointed.❤️❤️

    Good luck with your surgery.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      Thanks so much, Ginia!

      Reply
  12. Stacie Thompson

    January 12, 2023 at 3:22 pm

    I had the same surgery Aug 2021. Sending prayers that everything goes well and speedy recovery.
    Yes I’m drooling over this cake, can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:10 pm

      Thank you, Stacie!

      Reply
  13. George Taylor

    January 12, 2023 at 2:58 pm

    We will be putting you at the top of our prayer & praise session each day.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:11 pm

      I appreciate that more than you could know!

      Reply
  14. Suellen Dehnke

    January 12, 2023 at 1:45 pm

    Will this one work without the coconut? I bake for my seniors bible study every week. I know not everyone likes coconut so when I made a pineapple cake I made it with half coconut on top and half without. The coconut half was largely untouched so I got the message.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:12 pm

      Hmmm… I think it *should* work, but I haven’t tried it without it.

      Reply
  15. Lori Morikami

    January 12, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    I love your recipes! delicious and pretty easy! thank you!
    God speed to your recovery! Mahalo & Aloha, Lori from Hawaii.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      Thanks so much, Lori!!

      Reply
  16. T

    January 12, 2023 at 12:29 pm

    Praying for you

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      Thanks so much!!

      Reply
  17. Cheryl

    January 12, 2023 at 11:41 am

    Sending prayers your way! Can’t wait to try this!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      I sure appreciate that! Hope you’ll enjoy it!

      Reply
  18. Robert

    January 12, 2023 at 11:39 am

    This is similar to my grandmother’s Graham cracker cake. It made 2, 8″ round layers and had whipped cream between each layer and on top. It was a Christmas treat

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:13 pm

      That sounds amazing!!

      Reply
  19. Addie

    January 12, 2023 at 11:07 am

    Hi Stacy! Just curious…..your cake looks SO good! Could I possibly use Graham cracker crumbs instead of vanilla wafer crumbs. I have a TON of Graham cracker crumbs (that I crushed….not store-bought) that I’m trying to use up. How about Biscoff cookie crumbs?
    I would imagine both would change the flavor somewhat, but does the idea sound AWFUL to you or do you think the result would be acceptable good? Thanks so much for always kindly answering so many questions from your readers…even the dumb ones.
    (Dumb QUESTIONS, that is….not READERS, lol!) 🙂

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:14 pm

      Ha! I’m always happy to help. I do think the graham cracker crumbs or the Biscoff cookie crumbs would both be delicious. It would be a different flavor, but one I’m sure that would be amazing!

      Reply
  20. Judith

    January 12, 2023 at 10:57 am

    01/12/2023 Thanks for sharing about your upcoming surgery. Hope all goes well. Will say a prayer for you. Peace be with you.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks so much, Judith!

      Reply
  21. Carol Stutts

    January 12, 2023 at 10:29 am

    Hope all goes well with your surgery. I had the surgery in 2013, and I am am doing well for a 75 year old. Enjoy your recipes! The Vanilla Wafer Cake reminds me of a Zwieback Cake recipe that I read in a cookbook. The gentleman that I worked for said it was his favorite cake. I’m going to try this one soon. Thanks for sharing !

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:15 pm

      Thanks so much, Carol! I’ve never heard of that cake, but you’ve certainly piqued may interest!

      Reply
  22. Veronica

    January 12, 2023 at 10:28 am

    Hoping your surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you so very much, Veronica!

      Reply
  23. diane

    January 12, 2023 at 10:10 am

    My mom just stood the vanilla wafers upright,then covered entirely with freshly whipped cream She’d refrigerate for a couple of hours.
    It was super easy and so yummy
    Gonna have to try this

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 8:16 pm

      Sounds sort of like an icebox cake! Love it!

      Reply
  24. Wendy Morrison

    January 12, 2023 at 9:20 am

    I rarely buy milk, but always have half & half for coffee. Can I substitute that? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 9:26 am

      I don’t see why not.

      Reply
  25. Camille

    January 12, 2023 at 9:18 am

    Hola!
    I live in Puerto Rico. No frozen coconut, but plenty of fresh. Would that work? How would I use it?
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 9:26 am

      Grated fresh in the same quantity should work just fine!

      Reply
  26. Diana G

    January 12, 2023 at 9:10 am

    Not fun .. .get well soon !!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      January 12, 2023 at 9:25 am

      Thanks, Diana!

      Reply
  27. Rachel Maples

    December 26, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    My Miemie always made me this for Christmas and she passed away at the end of 2019, so I’m really looking forward to making this ans carrying on her tradition of giving this to people for Christmas.🥰🥰🥰

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 27, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      Sweet memories! Hope everyone enjoyed it!

      Reply
  28. Samuel Brock

    December 15, 2022 at 10:14 pm

    some other recipes that I’ve been reading have suggested using a homemade caramal sauce. I’m thinking of cuting the cake sugar by 1/2 cup and making a light glaze flavored with Butternut or Walnut exract for it. I plan on making this cake this weekend. .

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 16, 2022 at 3:14 pm

      Let me know how it turns out for you!

      Reply
  29. Connie Drye

    December 10, 2022 at 12:57 pm

    This cake is delicious! However, I made this fyesterday for church “Hot Dog sale” It did not sale. I believe the public did not know what a “Vanilla Wafer Cake” was. One of our ladies told some people it was delicious and then they purchased it and loved it.

    Is there a suggestion for another name?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 12, 2022 at 9:22 am

      Hmm… I’m just not sure about an alternate name. I’ll have to think about that. Glad they enjoyed it regardless of the name! 🙂

      Reply
    • Adriann

      December 19, 2022 at 3:13 am

      Put Devine & Delicious Vanilla Wafer Cake on the cake tag, for the next bake sale. That ought to do it! LoL 😂👍🏻

      Reply
      • Stacey

        December 20, 2022 at 4:08 pm

        Ha! Perfect!!

        Reply
  30. Rebecca Biggers

    June 22, 2022 at 4:19 pm

    Can you make this recipe using other bakeware other than a Bundt pan?? Was gonna make this for a large crowd

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 24, 2022 at 3:35 pm

      Sure, if you have a tube pan that should work. Also would work in two smaller loaf pans.

      Reply
  31. Rusty

    June 16, 2022 at 10:01 am

    If you have to use dried coconut I always soak mine in water for a couple of hours or even overnight and then strain it. I use unsweetened coconut flakes. However, if you need it sweetened, just sprinkle some powdered sugar over the top of the wet coconut and use in the recipe.

    Reply
  32. Stefanie

    May 30, 2022 at 4:32 pm

    This is my second time making this cake and OMG, it taste better each time. My family ABSOLUTELY loves this cake and can’t stop eating it. This cake is moist and the texture of the coconut and pecans takes this cake to a new level.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      June 7, 2022 at 2:02 pm

      Wonderful! I’m tickled to hear you’ve enjoyed it so much, Stefanie!

      Reply
  33. Becky

    December 21, 2021 at 6:25 pm

    A sprinkling of powdered sugar is perfect as a topping. For Christmas, I sprinkle red or green, or a combo of colored sugar on top of the powdered sugar..

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 22, 2021 at 3:01 pm

      What a great idea! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!!

      Reply
  34. Jan

    December 21, 2021 at 3:38 pm

    I have a recipe for Vanilla wafer cake. It was given to my by my husbands Aunt-godmother in 1980. She said this was her recipe that she made for my husbands (her godson) birthday every year. I’ve never seen or looked for it before. The only difference is hers says 1 and 1/2 cups of fresh grated coconut. I’ve made it many times and used the frozen coconut but never the sweetened packaged off the shelf. Hers also has a frosting but I only made that once. I felt like the cake didn’t need any topping. It’s really a good cake and goes far because we only cut small slices. It’s often on the table of goodies, and always disappears before all the cookies and fudge are gone.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 21, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      It’s such a good cake! Thanks for sharing your memories of it!

      Reply
  35. Dixie

    December 14, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    Good Heavens! This cake is amazing. Definitely a “hit” at our house. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 15, 2021 at 8:53 am

      So glad to hear y’all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  36. Angela tyler

    December 4, 2021 at 1:22 am

    I make these cakes for Christmas presents made up to 15

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 6, 2021 at 10:28 am

      Wow! They are certainly worthy of gifting!

      Reply
  37. Barbara R Eubanks

    December 3, 2021 at 7:41 am

    Is there anything that I could substitute for the coconut? I don’t care for coconut.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 3, 2021 at 9:02 am

      I’m not aware of a substitution, but you could leave it out completely.

      Reply
  38. Grace

    December 1, 2021 at 8:43 am

    This is a cake I have made for years around the holidays. Love it

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:30 am

      It’s so good, right?

      Reply
  39. June

    December 1, 2021 at 3:05 am

    What about a glaze or topping? Any ideas?

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:31 am

      It’s pretty dense and sweet, so I’m not sure you’d need it. With that being said though, I certainly don’t think it’d be a bad idea! What about the glaze that’s on the Apple Dapple Cake? That might work. https://southernbite.com/apple-dapple-sheet-cake/

      Reply
  40. Barbara

    November 30, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    I’ve never heard of this cake but I am making it! Can’t wait to taste it!! Thanks Stacey.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Hope you’ll enjoy it!!

      Reply
  41. PattiAnn

    November 30, 2021 at 7:04 pm

    I have made this cake before and my mother made it also. My mom’s recipe card calls it Kay’s Cake ( Kay was a friend of my mom’s) Mom made this cake in the 1960’s.
    I have always enjoyed this cake but as I got older found it to be too sweet, but I have never seen or used frozen coconut in our stores in Oregon. Maybe I will try unsweet coconut, very available or cut down on the sugar in the recipe. Vanilla wafers are also sweet.
    Thanks for post…Happy Holiday’s

    Reply
    • Sue

      November 30, 2021 at 8:02 pm

      Look for the frozen coconut. You may be surprised to find it.

      Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:32 am

      Hope you’re able to tweak it to your liking! Happy Holidays, PattiAnn!

      Reply
    • Mama jane

      January 12, 2023 at 9:16 am

      This cake was a church cookbook standard in Texas when i started keeping house in the mid 70’s. I’ve always loved it! It’s been a hit everywhere I’ve ever carried it.

      Reply
      • Stacey

        January 12, 2023 at 9:25 am

        It’s just so good!

        Reply
  42. Annette

    November 30, 2021 at 6:12 pm

    Need to try this. I used to have a vanilla wafer fruitcake recipe that was a no bake cake. It had candied fruit, nuts, vanilla wafers and sweetened condensed milk. I’ll have to do some research to find it. Believe it or not it was actually pretty good and easy!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:33 am

      That sounds a lot like my Icebox Fruitcake. It’s so delicious! https://southernbite.com/icebox-fruitcake/

      Reply
      • Rose

        March 5, 2022 at 11:45 am

        What makes the cake rise?

        Reply
        • Stacey

          March 7, 2022 at 12:35 pm

          The six eggs will provide the lift you need.

          Reply
  43. Jen

    November 30, 2021 at 4:07 pm

    This is top on my list to try!! Vanilla wafers are in my top 5 favorites. How did I make it this long without knowing about this cake? Thanks!!

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 2, 2021 at 11:36 am

      Ha! Hope you’ll enjoy it!!

      Reply
  44. Michele Varney

    November 30, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    Can I substitute banana instead of coconut

    Reply
    • Stacey

      November 30, 2021 at 3:41 pm

      Hmmm… I can’t say I’ve every tried that.

      Reply

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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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