Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! Today, we are diving into a true Southern classic that’s as simple as it is delicious: Vanilla Wafer Cake. This isn’t your fancy, multi-layered gourmet cake, but rather a comforting, no-fuss dessert that tastes just like home. It’s rich, incredibly moist, and uses that beloved pantry staple – vanilla wafers – in a surprising and delightful way. Get ready for a slice of pure nostalgia!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a cake that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort? This Vanilla Wafer Cake is a fantastic example of turning humble ingredients into something truly extraordinary. I especially love it because it’s incredibly forgiving and always a hit. The crushed vanilla wafers create a unique texture and flavor profile that’s subtly sweet and wonderfully comforting. It reminds me of lazy summer afternoons and family gatherings – it’s the kind of cake that disappears quickly from any potluck or picnic table. Plus, it’s so versatile and holds up well, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

The Charm of Southern Baking

Southern baking often emphasizes using readily available ingredients to create incredibly flavorful and comforting dishes. The Vanilla Wafer Cake is a prime example of this tradition. Vanilla wafers themselves are a staple in Southern pantries, famously used in banana pudding. This cake takes those same beloved cookies and transforms them into a cake batter, adding a unique crumb and depth of vanilla flavor that you wouldn’t get from just flour. It’s a testament to the ingenuity of Southern cooks who masterfully combine simplicity with deliciousness, resulting in desserts that are both satisfying and memorable.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delightful Vanilla Wafer Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (good quality!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (11 ounce) box vanilla wafers, finely crushed (about 2 cups crushed)

For the Glaze:

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: A few extra crushed vanilla wafers for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Butter: Ensure your butter is properly softened but not melted. This is crucial for creaming it with the sugar.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother batter.
• Vanilla Extract: Given that “vanilla” is in the name, use the best quality vanilla extract you can get your hands on! It truly makes a difference in the flavor.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to give the cake its tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute: add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the cup with regular milk until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
• Vanilla Wafers: Finely crushing the wafers is important. You can use a food processor for this or place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
• Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in the glaze gradually until you reach your desired pouring consistency. You want it pourable but not too thin.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make this wonderfully comforting Vanilla Wafer Cake:

1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, or a 9×13 inch baking dish. If using a Bundt pan, be very thorough with greasing and flouring to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air, which is crucial for a tender cake.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking soda.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition. Do not overmix.
6. Fold in Wafers: Gently fold in the finely crushed vanilla wafers until just evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Bake: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan, spreading evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 60-70 minutes for a Bundt pan, or 45-55 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
11. Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Garnish with extra crushed vanilla wafers if desired. Slice and serve!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake: This is key for a moist cake! Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best emulsion and texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature.
• Thoroughly Grease and Flour: Especially important for Bundt pans, to ensure easy release. You can use baking spray with flour, or the traditional butter and flour method.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: If you glaze the cake while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt right off and be absorbed, rather than forming a nice, thin coating.
• Sift Powdered Sugar: For a super smooth glaze, sift your powdered sugar to remove any lumps.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Vanilla Wafer Cake is fantastic on its own, but here are some delightful ways to enjoy it:

• Simple Slice: A slice of this cake with a cup of coffee or tea is pure comfort.
• Fresh Berries: Serve a slice with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries for a pop of freshness and color.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to a warm slice is heavenly.
• Beverage Pairings: This cake pairs wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of coffee, or a refreshing This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store leftover Vanilla Wafer Cake, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight cake dome, at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If it’s warm or humid, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days, bringing it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

This cake also freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this comforting and easy-to-make cake, you might also like some of these other delicious dessert recipes:

• For a fun and whimsical dessert, try How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
• If you’re a fan of rich chocolate and cookie dough, my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession are a must-try.
• And for the ultimate classic brownie, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (and I’ve Made a Lot).
• If you’re looking for another delightful no-bake treat, my This Grasshopper Pie Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist is a cool and refreshing option.

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Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Wafer Cake is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and time-honored recipes. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and brings a wonderful sense of warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

I hope you give this classic a try and enjoy every comforting bite! Let me know in the comments below if you bake it, and what your favorite old-fashioned desserts are. I always love hearing from you! Happy baking!