Vanilla Wafer Cake Recipe Without Coconut – Bakery cooks

Vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut is a classic Southern dessert that highlights the rich flavor of crushed vanilla wafers combined with butter, sugar, eggs, and milk.

This vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut offers a moist, tender texture with a delicate vanilla taste and a slight buttery crunch from the wafers.

The special touch comes from using the wafers as a base, which creates a unique crumb and flavor profile. Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips can give extra texture and taste.

This vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut has roots in Southern kitchens, where vanilla wafer desserts have been cherished for generations.

Now, I’ll guide you step-by-step through making this delightful vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut.

Vanilla Wafer Cake Without Coconut

Vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut offers a gentle sweetness and a rich buttery flavor that feels comforting. The crushed vanilla wafers create a tender texture while adding a slight crunch throughout.

The cake melts softly in the mouth, carrying warm vanilla notes that are both nostalgic and inviting. Small hints of richness from butter and eggs balance the overall taste, making it smooth and enjoyable.

Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips brings little bursts of flavor and texture, enhancing the experience without changing the cake’s delicate and pleasant vanilla character.

How To Prepare Vanilla Wafer Cake Recipe Without Coconut?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 10-inch Bundt
• Non-stick spray or butter (for greasing pan)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

• 1 (11 oz) box vanilla wafers, finely crushed
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or tube pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

2. Using a food processor or placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin, crush the vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.

4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add the crushed vanilla wafers to the butter mixture alternately with the milk. Begin and end with the wafer crumbs. Mix just until combined.

6. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. If using chopped pecans or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point.

6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts Of Vanilla Wafer Cake Recipe

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	420
Total Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	95mg
Sodium	170mg
Carbohydrates	49g
Sugar	31g
Protein	5g
Fiber	2g

Why My Recipe Works

This vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut works because the crushed vanilla wafers provide a unique texture and natural sweetness that replace traditional flour, giving the cake a tender, moist crumb.

The creamed butter and sugar create a rich, creamy base that helps bind everything together, while the eggs add structure and lift. Using milk keeps the batter smooth and adds moisture, ensuring the cake doesn’t become dry.

Leaving out coconut allows the pure vanilla and buttery flavors to stand out clearly. The balance of ingredients comes together perfectly to create a cake that’s flavorful, tender, and reliably delicious every time.

Amazing Serving Ideas

Serving this vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut offers many tasty possibilities. Dusting the top with powdered sugar adds a light, elegant touch.

A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce can enhance the sweetness and create a beautiful presentation.

Fresh berries or sliced strawberries served alongside bring a refreshing contrast. For extra indulgence, serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.

Adding chopped nuts on top gives a nice crunch and visual appeal. This vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy treat.

Expert Baking Tips

1. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to help create a light, fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.

2. Crush the vanilla wafers finely for even distribution and a smoother crumb in the cake.

3. Use room temperature eggs to help the batter mix more evenly and rise better.

4. Alternate adding crushed wafers and milk to the batter, mixing gently to avoid overworking it.

5. Grease and flour the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, especially with Bundt or tube pans.

6. Check the cake with a toothpick near the end of baking to avoid over baking and keep it moist.

Best Variations

1. Chocolate Chip Addition

Mixing mini chocolate chips into the batter creates pockets of melted chocolate in every slice. This adds a rich sweetness that pairs beautifully with the vanilla base, making the cake more indulgent and appealing to chocolate lovers.

2. Nutty Delight

Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds brings a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that contrasts nicely with the soft, tender crumb. The nuts also add depth and a slightly toasted aroma, enhancing the overall taste experience.

3. Citrus Twist

Incorporating fresh lemon or orange zest into the batter gives the cake a bright, refreshing note. The citrus oils add a lively aroma and a subtle tang, which balances the sweetness and adds a fresh dimension to each bite.

4. Berry Swirl

Folding in fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries or raspberries introduces juicy bursts of fruity flavor. The berries soften during baking and create beautiful streaks throughout the cake, adding both color and a light tartness that complements the vanilla.

5. Spiced Version

Adding warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice infuses the cake with cozy, aromatic flavors. This variation gives the cake a comforting, autumnal feel, making it perfect for cooler months or when you want a richer, spiced dessert.

Additions And Substitutions

Additions

• Chopped Nuts: Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add crunch and a toasty flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Mini or regular chips melt slightly for pockets of chocolate goodness.
• Fresh or Frozen Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries bring a juicy burst and natural sweetness.
• Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest brightens the flavor with a fresh, tangy note.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice add warmth and depth.

Substitutions

• Butter: Can be swapped with margarine or a neutral oil, though butter gives the best flavor and texture.
• Milk: Whole milk can be replaced with buttermilk, almond milk, or any other milk alternative; buttermilk will make the cake more tender.
• Vanilla Wafers: If unavailable, graham crackers or shortbread cookies crushed finely work well.
• Sugar: Use brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness or a sugar substitute if needed.
• Eggs: For egg-free baking, use flax eggs or applesauce, but texture might be slightly different.

Storage Instructions

Once the vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut wrapped or in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

If you want to keep it even longer, slice and freeze the vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Conclusion

This vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut was a joy to make and the result was absolutely delicious. After baking, the cake had a wonderful texture and a rich vanilla flavor that made it hard to resist.

I truly enjoyed the process and the taste of this vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut. The way the crushed wafers added a subtle crunch made the cake special and memorable.

I hope you decide to try this vanilla wafer cake recipe without coconut and enjoy it as much as I did. It’s a delightful treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering.