Vanilla Wafer Cake(Or Rum Cake)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A rich, moist vanilla wafer cake infused with nuts, coconut, and a splash of rum, perfect for special occasions or as a decadent dessert for gatherings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks margarine
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 eggs
  • 1 cup broken pecans or walnuts
  • 1 can Angel Flake coconut
  • 3 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup rum, bourbon, or brandy

Instructions

  1. Cream sugar together with margarine.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, then fold in nuts and coconut.
  3. Gently fold in vanilla wafer crumbs.
  4. Grease a pan.
  5. Bake the mixture for 1 hour at 300°F (150°C).
  6. Allow the cake to cool for at least 1 hour.
  7. Pour 1/4 to 1/3 cup of rum, bourbon, or brandy over the cake.
  8. Wrap the cake in aluminum foil and let it sit for 3 days or longer to develop flavor.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a lighter cake, you can replace half of the sugar with a sugar substitute. Toasting the pecans or walnuts before adding them can enhance their flavor. Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. Use fresh coconut if available for an even more authentic taste.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Wafer Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It also complements well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a side of Peach Melba Crisp.

Storage & Reheating

Store the wrapped cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you'd like to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it where it can last for up to two weeks. To reheat, simply slice a piece and warm it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until just warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Vanilla Wafer Cake(Or Rum Cake) contains roughly 2370 calories, with 17g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 207g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), protein (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1520mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).

2370 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.6g 33% DV
Total Fat 207.1g 100% DV
Carbs 124.4g 45% DV
Fiber 9.7g 35% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1519.6mg 66% DV
Potassium 1127.6mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 309.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 77.9mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 345.1mg 27% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, you can substitute them with almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to chop them adequately so they blend well into the batter.

How can I make this cake without alcohol?

If you'd prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the rum, bourbon, or brandy with an equal amount of vanilla extract or coconut extract. This will still provide a lovely depth of flavor without the alcohol content.

What can I do if I don't have vanilla wafer crumbs?

If you don't have vanilla wafer crumbs, you can crush graham crackers or use crushed shortbread cookies as an alternative. Both options will give a similar sweetness and texture to the cake while maintaining its delicious flavor.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →