Vanilla Wafer Crumb Cake
Vanilla Wafer Crumb Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring crushed vanilla wafers, nuts, and coconut. Its sweet, buttery flavor makes it perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that appeal to those who enjoy nostalgic baked treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the oleo until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Continue beating to develop a long, creamy batter.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add the sweet milk.
- Fold in crushed vanilla wafers, nuts, and coconut.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of unsalted butter and vegetable oil instead of oleo. If you're short on eggs, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans for added flavor. Just make sure the nuts are finely chopped to incorporate well into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Vanilla Wafer Crumb Cake is delightful on its own but also pairs beautifully with Simple Homemade Ice Cream for a delicious dessert experience. Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert at gatherings and celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vanilla Wafer Crumb Cake contains roughly 534 calories, with 8g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 a different type of cookie instead of vanilla wafers?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers or even crushed shortbread cookies. Each will give a different flavor profile, but they'll still work well in this crumb cake. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if needed, as some cookies are sweeter than others.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Vanilla Wafer Crumb Cake gluten-free, use gluten-free vanilla wafers or almond flour as a substitute for the crushed wafers. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking powder and any add-ins, are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
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).