If you're looking for an easy dessert that tastes like it came from Grandma's kitchen, this nostalgic Vanilla Wafer Bundt Cake is just the recipe! Starting with a cake mix keeps it simple, while crushed vanilla wafers add rich vanilla flavor and a tender, buttery crumb.
Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake is just as welcome at holiday gatherings and potlucks as it is with an afternoon cup of coffee.
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What makes this recipe irresistible
Every slice is soft, rich, and full of comforting homemade flavor without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. The batter comes together in just minutes, making it a great choice for busy days, last-minute guests, or when you're craving something sweet.
It's the kind of dependable cake that's easy to dress up for special occasions or serve just as it is, proving that simple recipes are often the ones everyone asks for again and again!
Vanilla Wafer Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix
- 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup finely crushed vanilla wafer cookies about 30-35 cookies
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅙ teaspoon almond extract optional, but delicious
- Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, or spray with baking spray containing flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, pudding mix, and crushed vanilla wafers.
- Add the eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 52-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before turning the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Spinkled with crushed Nilla Wafers for decoration.
Notes
- For extra vanilla wafer flavor, sprinkle a few crushed cookies over the glaze before it sets.
- This cake stays moist for several days when stored covered at room temperature.
- If you'd like a Southern-style twist, add 1 cup chopped pecans to the batter.
Nutrition
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Ingredients
Please refer to the printable recipe card for the exact measurements for this recipe.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
Yes, I've used both while testing this recipe. White cake mix works well and creates a slightly lighter color and more delicate vanilla flavor. Either option makes a delicious cake!
Actually no, I've made this cake both ways. A food processor or highspeed blender makes quick work of it, but you can also place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Chopped pecans, mini white chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut are all delicious additions. Fold in about 1 cup of your favorite mix-in before pouring the batter into the pan.
Deb's top tips
If you're serving this cake the next day, wait to add the glaze until just before serving. The cake stays fresher looking, and the glaze keeps its glossy finish instead of soaking into the cake.
Recipe testing notes
I used both yellow cake mix and butter golden (Duncan Hines) and for the pudding french vanilla and regular vanilla pudding mix.
More bundt cake recipes to try
If you love this Vanilla Wafer Bundt Cake, don't stop there! My White Chocolate Raspberry Bundt Cake combines sweet white chocolate with juicy raspberries for a beautiful dessert that's always a favorite for celebrations. For chocolate lovers, Chocolate Olive Oil Bundt Cake is rich, incredibly moist, and topped with a silky chocolate glaze.
And if you enjoy old-fashioned Southern desserts, you'll want to try my Hummingbird Bundt Cake, packed with bananas, pineapple, warm spices, and crunchy pecans. They're all easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
One last slice before you go
This Vanilla Wafer Bundt Cake is one of those desserts that proves simple ingredients can create something truly memorable! Whether you're baking it for a family gathering, taking it to a potluck, or treating yourself to an afternoon slice with a cup of coffee, it's a recipe you'll find yourself coming back to again and again.
When you make this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and a star rating to let others know how you enjoyed it!
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