The Best Lazy Daisy Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooth Satisfaction

Lazy daisy cake whispers stories of bygone kitchen moments, a nostalgic dessert that captures hearts with its simple elegance.

Soft, pillowy sponge serves as a delicate canvas for a luxurious caramelized crown.

Generations have treasured this humble confection, passing down its cherished recipe through family cookbooks and whispered conversations.

Warm milk changes the batter into a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience that defies culinary complexity.

Sweet notes of caramelized sugar dance alongside nutty undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Comfort resides in each golden-brown bite, inviting memories of grandmother’s loving touch.

Baking this classic treat promises a delightful journey into sweet, comforting tradition.

Why Lazy Daisy Cake Deserves a Spot on Your Dessert Table

• Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up this delightful Lazy Daisy Cake in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice bakers can master.
• Irresistible Caramelized Topping: Enjoy the mouthwatering broiled coconut and pecan topping that transforms a basic cake into a golden, crunchy, and sweet sensation with minimal effort.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for casual gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, making every bite a comfort food experience.
• Balanced Treat: A moderate calorie count and delectable flavor profile ensure you can indulge without guilt, offering a satisfying sweet fix that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.

What Goes Into a Lazy Daisy Cake

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and lift to the cake, helping it rise and create a light texture.
• Sugar: White granulated sugar sweetens and helps create a tender crumb in the cake.
• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the basic structure of the cake, ensuring a soft and moist result.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Milk, Butter: Combination adds richness, moisture, and a smooth, creamy flavor to the cake batter.

• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a sticky topping.
• Butter: Melts to create a rich, golden base for the topping.
• Milk: Helps bind the topping ingredients and create a smooth consistency.
• Coconut: Adds texture and a tropical, sweet flavor to the topping.
• Pecans: Brings a crunchy, nutty element to complement the sweet topping.

• Whipped Cream, Ice Cream: Provides a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, sweet cake.

How to Bake a Lazy Daisy Cake from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan, ensuring every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they become light and frothy, creating a fluffy base for the cake.

Step 3: Sweeten the Mixture

Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 3 minutes, transforming the eggs into a creamy, pale mixture that’s light and airy.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Create the Liquid Base

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring milk and butter to a boil. Carefully pour this warm mixture into the batter, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean. Let the cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Topping

• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Coconut
• Pecans

Ensure the sugar melts completely and the mixture is well combined.

Step 8: Caramelize the Topping

Spread the topping evenly over the cake. Turn on the broiler and carefully broil for 2-3 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and starts bubbling. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into squares and serve. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Helpful Tips for Baking a Lazy Daisy Cake

• Whip Eggs to Perfection: Beat eggs until they become light and frothy, creating a fluffy base for the cake's tender texture.
• Sugar Transformation Technique: Cream sugar and eggs for exactly 3 minutes to develop a smooth, voluminous batter that ensures even rising.
• Milk and Butter Magic: Bring milk and butter to a rolling boil to enhance the cake's rich flavor and moisture content.
• Topping Timing Trick: Watch the broiler carefully during the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly golden, caramelized coconut topping without burning.
• Cooling Wisdom: Let the cake rest for 10 minutes in the pan before adding the topping, allowing it to set and prevent soggy edges.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Lazy Daisy Cake

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out. Protect the delicate topping from absorbing other flavors in the fridge.
• Freezing: Slice the cake and separate layers with parchment paper before storing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the cake's delicate texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power.

What Tastes Best with Lazy Daisy Cake

• Pair with Warm Spiced Tea: Complement the sweet, nutty cake with a fragrant earl grey or chai tea, enhancing the coconut and pecan flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The rich, creamy vanilla perfectly balances the caramelized coconut topping, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Serve alongside Coffee Liqueur: A small glass of Kahlúa or Bailey's Irish Cream adds depth and sophistication to the cake's sweet profile.
• Enjoy with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the cake's richness, providing a bright, refreshing contrast to the sweet topping.

Lazy Daisy Cake Variations You’ll Want to Try

• Chocolate Coconut Remix: Replace pecans with chocolate chips and add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich, chocolatey version of the classic Lazy Daisy Cake.
• Tropical Paradise Punch: Swap pecans for macadamia nuts and incorporate crushed pineapple into the topping for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert with bright, fruity flavors.
• Nutty Maple Magic: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup in the topping and use walnuts instead of pecans for a warm, autumnal take on the original recipe.
• Citrus Zest Celebration: Add orange or lemon zest to the cake batter and sprinkle toasted almonds on top for a bright, refreshing spin on the traditional Lazy Daisy Cake.

Lazy Daisy Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Lazy Daisy Cake whispers comfort from mid-century American kitchens with its simple, nostalgic charm. Warm vanilla sponge crowned with buttery coconut caramel creates a homemade dessert you’ll savor down to the last delightful crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1 ½ tablespoons (21 grams) butter

Topping Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter
• ½ cup + 2 tablespoons (135 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (80 grams) unsweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup (57 grams) pecans

Serving Optional:

• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Thoroughly coat an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Vigorously whip eggs in a large mixing bowl until they become light and airy with soft peaks forming.
3. Gradually incorporate sugar and continue whipping at high speed for precisely 3 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and pale.
4. Gently fold in flour, baking powder, and salt using a low-speed mixer, ensuring ingredients are just combined without overmixing.
5. Create a hot liquid mixture by heating milk and butter together in a small saucepan until they reach a rolling boil, then carefully integrate this into the cake batter while mixing at low speed.
6. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
7. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
8. For the topping, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, milk, and shredded coconut, cooking until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy.
9. Fold chopped pecans into the topping mixture, ensuring even distribution.
10. Spread the warm, glistening topping uniformly across the cake’s surface.
11. Position the cake under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching intently to achieve a golden-brown caramelized finish without burning.
12. Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack. Slice into square portions and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Elevate your baking skills with this nostalgic Southern dessert that transforms a simple cake into a caramelized masterpiece.
• Precise timing matters when broiling the topping, so keep a watchful eye to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish without burning.
• The unique two-step baking process creates a tender cake base topped with a luxurious, crispy coconut-pecan layer that melts in your mouth.
• Make sure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
• This recipe works best with fresh ingredients and can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Customize the topping by swapping pecans for almonds or adding a sprinkle of sea salt for extra depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg