This easy lazy cake recipe is a no-bake chocolate biscuit cake that only needs three ingredients: tea biscuits, cocoa powder, and condensed milk.
This no bake chocolate biscuit cake is the best lazy cake recipe because it requires little effort and tastes so good! And it takes just 5 minutes to prepare.
Lazy cake has been my favorite since I was a kid, and Ive changed my recipe so many times over the years to get the quickest and most delicious lazy, no-bake chocolate cake.
We used to call it the “Marie cake” where I grew up in Kuwait because the tea biscuits we bought were called Marie.
It always appeared on birthdays and special occasions, and EVERYONE loved it. And youll keep returning for more because this recipe is perfectly chocolatey, sweet, and has the loveliest texture- youll never be able to resist it.
Hey there fam! If you’re lookin’ for a dessert that’s gonna blow your mind without breaking a sweat, let me introduce ya to lazy cake. This no-bake chocolatey goodness is the ultimate cheat code for sweet cravings. I’m talkin’ ‘bout a crunchy, cold chocolate biscuit treat that takes like 5-10 minutes to whip up, then chills in the freezer while you kick back. Ain’t no oven needed, no fancy skills required. Just pure, easy deliciousness. At our house, we’ve made this a gazillion times, and it’s always a hit—whether it’s a quick snack or a sneaky midnight bite. So, let’s dive into what makes lazy cake so dang awesome and how you can make it yourself!
What Even Is Lazy Cake, Yo?
Lazy cake, sometimes called chocolate biscuit cake or even chocolate salami in some spots, is a dessert that lives up to its name. It’s for those days when you’re too lazy to bake but still want somethin’ sweet and satisfying. Picture this: crushed biscuits mixed with a rich chocolate sauce, shaped into a log or pressed into a pan, and frozen ‘til it’s ready to slice. It’s cold, it’s crunchy, it’s got that deep chocolate vibe goin’ on, and it’s stupidly simple to make.
I first stumbled on lazy cake when I was a kid, and it’s been a go-to ever since. It’s big in places like the Middle East, where hot summers make no-bake treats a lifesaver. Heck, it’s also known as mosaic cake or kormos in other parts of the world. No matter what ya call it, the idea’s the same—minimal effort, maximum yum. It’s the kinda thing you can make with stuff already in your pantry, and it’s perfect for kids to help with too. So, why’s it called “lazy”? Cuz you barely gotta do a thing! Mix, freeze, eat. Done.
Why Lazy Cake Is the Real MVP
Before we get to the how-to lemme tell ya why I’m obsessed with lazy cake and why you will be too
- Zero Baking Skills Needed: You don’t need to know a whisk from a spoon. If you can stir, you’re golden.
- Super Quick Prep: Most recipes take under 10 minutes to put together. The hardest part is waiting for it to freeze.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: My lil’ cousins love smashing biscuits and mixing the chocolate. It’s a mess, but a tasty one.
- Customizable AF: Toss in nuts, dried fruit, or even candy bits. Make it yours!
- Lasts Forever (Kinda): Pop it in the freezer, and it stays good for months. Perfect for random cravings.
- Nostalgia Vibes: For me, it brings back memories of hot summer days and cold slices of this treat. Bet it’ll do the same for you.
Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get to makin’ this bad boy I’m startin’ with the simplest recipe I know, then we’ll jazz it up later
The Easiest Lazy Cake Recipe Ever
This is my go-to lazy cake recipe, and it’s got just a few ingredients. I’m keepin’ it basic so you can’t mess it up (trust me, I’ve tried). Here’s what you need and how to do it. I’ve even thrown in a table for the ingredients cuz I know y’all like it neat.
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Tea Biscuits (like Marie or Digestive) | 300g (about 1 pack) | Any plain biscuit works, even graham crackers. |
Sweetened Condensed Milk | 1 can (397g) | This is the glue and sweetness. |
Cocoa Powder (unsweetened) | 7 tablespoons | Adjust if ya want it less chocolatey. |
How to Make It, Step by Step
- Crush Them Biscuits: Grab your biscuits and break ‘em into small chunks. Don’t go too crazy—ya want some bigger pieces for that crunch. I just use my hands or toss ‘em in a zip bag and smash with a rolling pin. Kids love this part!
- Mix the Chocolate Sauce: In a big ol’ bowl, dump the condensed milk and cocoa powder. Stir it up real good ‘til it’s smooth. If there’s a few lumps, no biggie. Taste it—if it ain’t sweet enough, add a lil’ more condensed milk. If it’s too sweet, toss in more cocoa.
- Combine Everything: Throw them biscuit pieces into the chocolate mix. Stir it up ‘til every bit is coated. You wanna see chocolate all over them crumbs.
- Shape It Up: Lay out a big piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Spoon the mixture in the middle and shape it into a log. Wrap it tight, twist the ends like a candy wrapper. If logs ain’t your thing, line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and press the mix in there for squares.
- Freeze It: Wrap that log (or pan) in foil to keep the shape, then chuck it in the freezer for at least 8 hours. Overnight is best if your freezer ain’t super strong. Patience, my friend!
- Slice and Munch: Once it’s hard, peel back the plastic wrap a bit, and slice it into 1-inch pieces with a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water if it sticks. Pop the rest back in the freezer for later.
Boom! That’s it. You’ve got yourself a batch of lazy cake ready to impress. Each slice is about 100-110 calories, if you’re countin’, but who’s really keepin’ track with somethin’ this good?
Mix It Up: Variations to Keep Things Fresh
Now that you’ve got the basic lazy cake down, let’s talk about switchin’ it up. One of the best things ‘bout this dessert is how you can tweak it to your likin’. Here’s some ideas I’ve played with over the years:
- Nutty Twist: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts—think walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. It adds a dope crunch and makes it feel fancy.
- Fruity Vibes: Mix in some dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots. It cuts through the chocolate with a lil’ sweetness.
- Candy Bar Mashup: Got leftover candy? Crush up some chocolate bars or toss in mini marshmallows for a rocky road kinda deal. My fam went nuts over this one.
- Extra Chocolatey: Add a scoop of chocolate spread (you know the one) to the mix for an even richer flavor. Or melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top after freezing.
- Biscuit Bonanza: Don’t stick to just one type. Mix different biscuits or even graham crackers for a wild texture party.
I’ve even seen folks add a splash of somethin’ boozy like a teaspoon of rum or cognac for a grown-up kick. Just don’t overdo it if kids are eatin’. Play around and see what you vibe with!
Tips and Tricks to Nail Your Lazy Cake
I’ve made lazy cake enough times to know where ya might trip up. So, here’s some real-talk advice to keep things smooth:
- Don’t Skip Plastic Wrap: If you wrap it straight in foil, it’ll stick like glue once frozen. Plastic wrap peels off easy—trust me, learned this the hard way.
- Biscuit Size Matters: Keep the biscuit pieces kinda chunky. If you crush ‘em too fine, it turns mushy instead of crunchy. Ain’t nobody want that.
- Freezer Time Is Key: If it’s still sticky when you cut it, it needs more time in the freezer. Stick it back in for a few more hours. Deep in the freezer is colder than the door, by the way.
- Sweetness Check: Taste the chocolate mix before adding biscuits. Some like it sweeter, some like that dark cocoa punch. Adjust as ya go.
- Storage Hack: Cut slices and separate ‘em with parchment paper in the freezer. That way, you can grab one without defrostin’ the whole log.
Oh, and if your mix feels too wet or don’t hold together, you might need more biscuits. Too dry? Add a splash more condensed milk. It’s all ‘bout balance, fam.
Why Lazy Cake Is Perfect for Any Occasion
Lazy cake ain’t just a random dessert—it’s a lifesaver for all kinda situations. I’ve whipped it up for last-minute guests, and they thought I spent hours on it. Here’s why it fits anywhere:
- Hot Summer Days: No oven means no extra heat in the kitchen. Plus, that cold slice is straight-up refreshing.
- Party Prep: Make it days ahead and keep it frozen. Slice it up right before servin’—zero stress.
- Kiddo Snacks: It’s a great lunchbox treat if ya cut small pieces. They love it, and you control the portion.
- Emergency Dessert: Forgot dessert for a dinner party? If you’ve got biscuits and cocoa, you’re saved. I’ve been there, y’all.
I remember one time I was hostin’ a barbecue, totally spaced on dessert, and threw this together in a panic. Froze it just in time, and everyone was ravin’ ‘bout it. Felt like a dang hero.
A Lil’ History and Culture Behind Lazy Cake
Fun fact—lazy cake ain’t just some random recipe. It’s got roots all over the place, especially in the Middle East where it’s a childhood classic for many. I’ve heard it called different names dependin’ on where ya are. Some call it mosaic cake cuz of the biscuit bits lookin’ like a pattern. Others call it chocolate salami cuz of the log shape. It’s also big in Europe—think Italy and Greece—under funky names I can’t even pronounce right.
The cool thing is, it’s a dessert that’s been passed down through families. My buddy told me his grandma used to make it for birthdays cuz it was cheap and easy to stash in the freezer. It’s one of those recipes that brings folks together, ya know? Every bite got a story behind it, and I bet you’ll make your own memories with it too.
Troubleshootin’ Your Lazy Cake Woes
If your lazy cake ain’t turnin’ out right, don’t sweat it. I’ve messed up plenty and figured out fixes. Here’s some common hiccups and how to deal:
- Too Sticky to Cut: Freeze it longer, fam. If it’s still gooey after 8 hours, check your biscuit-to-chocolate ratio. Might need more biscuits next time.
- Falls Apart: Not enough liquid to hold it. Add a bit more condensed milk or even a tiny splash of regular milk to bind it.
- Too Sweet or Not Sweet Enough: Adjust the cocoa and condensed milk before mixin’ in biscuits. Taste test is your BFF here.
- Sticks to Wrap: Always use plastic wrap first, not foil. If it’s stickin’, it ain’t frozen enough yet.
I once made a batch so sticky I had to eat it with a spoon straight from the bowl. Still tasted bomb, but it weren’t pretty. Learn from my goof-ups!
Storin’ and Savin’ Your Lazy Cake
One of the dopest things ‘bout lazy cake is how long it lasts. You can keep it in the freezer for 2-3 months, no prob. Just make sure it’s wrapped tight so it don’t get freezer burn. I like to slice mine up, stick parchment paper between pieces, and store ‘em in a container. That way, I can grab a piece whenever the mood strikes without thawin’ the whole thing.
If ya only wanna eat a slice, let it sit out for a couple minutes to soften just a tad. Don’t leave it out too long, though—it’s best cold. Trust me, it won’t last long in your house. My fam devours it in days, no matter how much I make.
Final Thoughts: Get Lazy with It!
So, there ya have it—everything you need to know ‘bout lazy cake, the easiest, tastiest no-bake dessert out there. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or just ain’t got time for complicated recipes, this one’s for you. I’ve shared my basic recipe, some fun twists, and all the tips I’ve picked up from makin’ it over and over. Now it’s your turn to get in there and mix up a batch.
How To Make Lazy Cake
Crush the tea biscuits into smaller pieces with your hands.
In a large bowl, empty the can of condensed milk and mix it with the cocoa powder until it makes a chocolate sauce.
Fold the biscuits into the chocolate mixture. Keep folding them until theyre all evenly coated.
Spread the clingfilm or plastic wrap onto your table or work surface and transfer the mixture. Youll need a decently sized piece that youll be able to wrap the lazy cake in.
Roll into a tight log and seal with plastic wrap.
Then wrap again with aluminum foil.
Freeze overnight or a minimum of 3 hours. Slice with a sharp knife and enjoy.
- Taste the cocoa and condensed milk mixture before adding the biscuits. If its too sweet for you, add more cocoa powder. If its not sweet enough, add more condensed milk.
- Dont skip the cling film/plastic wrap. If you immediately wrap the cake with foil, itll stick when you unwrap it. So make sure you use plastic wrap and then foil. You can also use parchment paper or baking paper.
- Store in the freezer. This is a great make-ahead recipe because lazy cake can store in the freezer for up to six months. Pull it out anytime, cut a couple of slices, and place it back in the freezer whenever needed. Keep a couple of rolls in the freezer for an easy treat or when guests are over.
- Crush some of the biscuits a little extra. What gives this cake its insanely delicious texture is the tea biscuits soaking up the chocolatey condensed milk. So along with the larger pieces of biscuits, make sure you throw in some of the crumbs and small pieces. This will make sure your no-bake lazy cake will hold its shape beautifully.
- Be patient. Freeze this cake overnight, but if youre in a hurry, place it in the freezer for at least 3 hours. The cake needs enough time to set and keep its shape when sliced.
- If you dont have access to or cant find sweetened condensed milk, make your own at home. Or use almond condensed milk (dairy-free).
- Other lazy cake recipes may use butter, heavy cream, milk chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows. Those ingredients are not necessary for this simple cake recipe. However, feel free to mix things up.
- Shape however you want. If you dont feel like rolling it into a log or it isnt working out for you, line a cake pan (or load pan) with baking paper and spread the mixture in there. You can serve it as bars, squares, or slices; its up to you.
- Cling film or plastic wrap
- Foil
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Store this no-bake lazy cake in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, remove it from the freezer, slice it, and serve.
Unsweetened cocoa powder is the best for lazy cake. You can use unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder.
This easy cake recipe originated in the Middle East.
Use gluten-free tea biscuits to make a gluten-free version of this no-bake chocolate cake.
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LAZY CAKE RECIPE
FAQ
Why is it called lazy cake?
Chocolatey, crunchy, and buttery lazy cake. A slice of this cake is sure to make you smile. This cake is called “Lazy” because it’s no-bake, takes less than 15 minutes to make, and only requires 5 ingredients!
What was Queen Elizabeth’s favorite cake?
Chocolate biscuit cake was the late Queen Elizabeth’s favorite cake, and this is the authentic no-bake recipe from former royal chef Darren McGrady.
Why is it called miserable cake?
… of water instead of cream and milk to make this dessert and named it Les Miserables Cake to commemorate the hard life of the contemporary lower-class people
Why is it called Devil’s cake?
“So devil’s food cake was named because it was sinfully delicious. To have something so awesomely tasty and chocolatey must be sinful.”Aug 15, 2024