Handwritten recipe for Gelatin Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Gelatin Cake with Vanilla Wafers

Gelatin Cake
Gelatin Cake is a mid-20th-century dessert that reflects the era when gelatin-based dishes were celebrated for their light texture and colorful presentation. This recipe blends hot milk and red gelatin to create a softly set custard-like base, then folds in stiffly beaten egg whites for an airy, mousse-style consistency. Vanilla wafers and a crumb topping add structure and contrast, turning a simple gelatin mixture into a sliceable dessert served chilled rather than baked. Popular at family gatherings and potlucks, Gelatine Cake stood out for its elegance despite modest ingredients, offering a refreshing, creamy sweetness that felt modern and festive at the time.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups hot milk
  • 6 oz red gelatin (2 packages)
  • 1 cup vanilla wafers (crushed )
  • 1 cup fine vanilla wafer crumbs (for topping)
  • 6 egg whites
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions
 

Step 1: Dissolve Gelatin

  • Combine hot milk and red gelatin in a large bowl.
  • Stir until gelatin is completely dissolved.
  • Allow mixture to cool until slightly thickened.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan

  • Line the bottom and sides of a cake pan with vanilla wafers.

Step 3: Beat Egg Whites

  • Beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form.

Step 4: Fold Mixture

  • Gently fold beaten egg whites into the cooled gelatin mixture.

Step 5: Assemble Cake

  • Carefully pour mixture into the prepared pan.

Step 6: Add Topping

  • Sprinkle vanilla wafer crumbs evenly over the top.

Step 7: Chill

  • Refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours.

Tips

  • Use different gelatin flavors for color variation
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor
  • Substitute crushed graham crackers for wafers
  • Serve with whipped cream on top
  • Chill overnight for cleaner slices
  • Use a springform pan for easy removal
  • Add fresh berries between layers
  • Reduce sweetness by using less crumb topping

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 7gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 310mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 160mgIron: 0.6mg
Keyword chilled cake, comfort food, gelatin cake, no bake dessert, retro recipe, vintage dessert
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