No-Bake Dessert Roasted Nuts Coconut and Strawberries Round Wafer Sheet Cake

This no-bake wafer cake tastes like childhood for anyone who grew up in Central or Eastern Europe. It appeared at every celebration—birthdays, holidays, and Sunday gatherings—yet it always felt special. Simple and sweet, it never needed an oven. It only required patience and anticipation.

I remember my mother standing at the stove, slowly stirring milk and sugar. She waited until the mixture thickened into a sticky, caramelized cream. It seemed to take forever. We children hovered nearby, hoping for our moment to lick the spoon. That small reward made the wait worthwhile.

The cake was never served right away. It rested overnight, carefully pressed under weight. Guests arrived the next day. Only then was it sliced. Back then, there was no Nutella and no canned condensed milk. Everything was made from scratch. Wafer cakes were often cut into precise diamond shapes. Despite a table full of cookies and pastries, the wafers always disappeared first.

This version is my modern homage to that beloved classic. I simplify the process while preserving the flavor and spirit. Sweetened condensed milk replaces the long-cooked cream. Ground roasted walnuts add depth and warmth. Nutella brings silkiness and richness. Coconut flakes and fresh strawberries add brightness and contrast.

When I find round wafer sheets—usually in international markets or online—I save them for this cake. Their shape transforms a humble childhood dessert into an elegant centerpiece. The result is effortless, freezer-friendly, and endlessly adaptable.

This no-bake wafer cake proves that the most memorable desserts come from simplicity, tradition, and memory.

Mirjana

Nostalgic No-Bake Round Wafer Cake with Roasted Nuts, Coconut & Strawberries

This nostalgic no-bake wafer cake is a modern take on a classic Central European dessert. Made with condensed milk, roasted walnuts, Nutella, coconut, and fresh strawberries, it is easy to prepare and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 12 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Central European

Calories: 520

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 package (8 sheets) round wafer sheets, about 9 inches in diameter
• 3 cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup Nutella
• 1 cup roasted walnuts, finely ground
• 1 tsp pure Madagascar vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
• ½ cup golden berries (optional)

Method

 

1. Prepare the Filling

   Add the sweetened condensed milk and ground walnuts to a large bowl.Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
   
2. Assemble the Cake

   Place one wafer sheet on a flat serving plate or cake board.

   Spread an even layer of filling over the wafer. Repeat with the remaining wafers, stacking carefully. Leave the top wafer plain. Cover the cake tightly with aluminum foil. Place a cutting board on top and weigh it down with a heavy object. Refrigerate overnight to soften the wafers and set the cake.
   
3. Slice & Serve

   Use a large, sharp knife to cut the cake into quarters.
   
4. Slice each quarter into three wedges for a total of 12 slices.
   
5. Decorate with fresh strawberries and optional golden berries.
   

Notes

• Warm Nutella briefly for easy spreading.
• Substitute walnuts with roasted hazelnuts, cashews, or pistachios.
• Replace strawberries with raspberries, cherries, or bananas if desired.
• Store in the freezer for up to two weeks. Allow slices to soften slightly before serving.

Nutrition Information

(Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Sugars: 42 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 170 mg