This recipe takes me back to childhood summers in Asheville, North Carolina. The heat would settle in by noon, and the kitchen would fill with the sweet smell of melted chocolate as my grandmother stirred the mixture on the stove. I’d sit at the counter, waiting impatiently for the loaf pan to go into the fridge. Hours later, that first cold slice was pure magic soft, crunchy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet. It wasn’t just dessert. It was a moment of comfort that felt like home.

Lazy Cake Around the World

Lazy cake recipe may feel like a modern shortcut, but its roots span several cultures. In Italy, it appears as Chocolate Salami, shaped into a log and sliced to reveal a salami-like pattern. Turkey calls it Mozaik Pasta, where the biscuit pieces mimic mosaic tiles inside the chocolate. In Greece, it’s known as Kormos, meaning “tree trunk,” reflecting its log shape. Each country uses a simple base of chocolate and biscuits, yet adds unique touches in flavor or shape, making lazy cake a truly global dessert loved for its ease and nostalgia.

Sarah

Lazy Cake Recipe

 A rich and crunchy no bake chocolate dessert made with crushed biscuits and a smooth cocoa mixture. Perfect for hot days, quick prep, and endless variations.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 Slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: global

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Mixture

• 7 oz 200 g plain biscuits/cookies (Marie, digestive, or graham)
• ⅔ cup 150 g margarine or vegan butter
• 1 oz 30 g dark chocolate (70% or semi-sweet)
• ¼ cup 50 g brown sugar (or sugar of choice)
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• Pinch of salt optional
• ½ tsp espresso powder optional
• 2 tsp vanilla extract optional

Chocolate Topping

• 4 oz 115 g dark chocolate
• 1 cup 240 ml single soy cream or any cream of choice
• 4 tbsp finely crushed biscuits for garnish

Method

 

1. Prepare Biscuits
2. Break the biscuits into small chunks with your hands. Keep some larger pieces for crunch. Place in a large bowl.
3. Make Chocolate Mixture
4. In a small saucepan, melt margarine and dark chocolate over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and cocoa powder until dissolved. Add salt, espresso powder, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Combine
6. Pour the chocolate mixture over the biscuit pieces. Mix until all pieces are well coated.
7. Shape the Cake
8. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press down firmly with the back of a spoon. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate (or freeze) for at least 1 hour.
9. Prepare Topping
10. In a clean saucepan, heat half the cream with the dark chocolate on low until melted. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining cream.
11. Top the Cake
12. Unwrap the chilled cake and pour the chocolate topping evenly over the surface. Smooth with a spatula.
13. Chill & Serve
14. Cover again and refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or until topping sets. Sprinkle with crushed biscuits before serving. Slice with a sharp knife for clean edges.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and is only an approximation.

• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 120mg

Why This is the Only Lazy Cake Recipe You’ll Ever Need

• Ready in under 15 minutes of active time
  
• No oven required, perfect for hot days or small kitchens
  
• Safe and fun for kids to make
  
• Completely flexible with endless variations
  
• Stores well in the fridge or freezer for whenever you need a sweet fix
  

This recipe goes beyond the basics. You’ll find tips for the perfect texture, video support, tested variations like vegan or Nutella versions, and answers to every question you might have. It’s not just a recipe. It’s the complete lazy cake solution.

The Secret to the Perfect Texture: A Guide to Biscuits

The type of biscuit you choose can completely change your lazy cake’s texture and flavor. Here’s how each option performs.

Marie Biscuits (The Classic)

These create the most traditional result. They soften just enough while holding their shape, forming that beautiful mosaic pattern when sliced.

Digestive Biscuits (A Richer, Crumblier Bite)

These give the cake a slightly denser texture with a rich, wheaty flavor. They absorb more chocolate, making each bite more compact and filling.

Graham Crackers (A Sweeter, American Twist)

Graham crackers add a gentle hint of cinnamon and more sweetness. They’re softer and crumble easily, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

What Are the Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make a classic lazy cake. Ingredients are grouped to keep things clear and simple.

For the Base Mixture

• 7 oz (200 g) crushed biscuits – Marie biscuits, digestive biscuits, graham crackers, or any plain tea biscuits work well
  
• ⅔ cup (100 g) margarine or vegan butter – softened for easier melting
  
• 1 oz (25 g) dark chocolate – ideally 70% cocoa or another semi-sweet variety
  
• ¼ cup (55 g) brown sugar – or substitute with white sugar for a lighter flavor
  
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder – unsweetened for best results
  
• 1 pinch of salt optional, balances sweetness
  
• ½ teaspoon espresso powder optional, deepens the chocolate taste
  
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional, adds a warm aroma
  

For the Silky Chocolate Topping

• 4 oz (100 g) dark chocolate – smooth and rich
  
• 1 cup (200 ml) single soy cream – or use heavy cream, coconut cream, or another favorite alternative
• 4 tablespoons crushed biscuits – sprinkled on top for crunch and decoration
  

How to Make Lazy Cake

Break the biscuits into small chunks using your hands. Avoid crushing them too finely. You want those big pieces for the signature texture. Set aside in a large bowl.

In a small saucepan, melt the margarine and dark chocolate over low heat. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth. Add the brown sugar and cocoa powder. Stir until everything dissolves completely.

If using salt, espresso powder, and vanilla extract, add them now. Stir well to combine. The mixture should be glossy and smooth.

Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the crushed biscuits. Mix thoroughly until every piece is coated and evenly distributed.

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Spoon the mixture into the pan. Press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or a spatula to create a compact shape.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge or freezer for at least one hour. The mixture should feel firm to the touch before adding the topping.

For the silky chocolate topping

In a clean saucepan, add half the cream and all the chocolate. Heat gently on low, stirring constantly until the chocolate is completely melted. Turn off the heat and stir in the remaining cream.

Remove the chilled cake from the fridge. Unwrap and pour the chocolate topping over the surface. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Cover the cake again and return it to the fridge. Let it chill for three to four hours or until the topping is fully set.

Before serving, sprinkle finely crushed biscuits over the top for added texture and presentation. Use a sharp knife to cut clean slices.

4 Foolproof Lazy Cake Variations

Variation 1: Lazy Cake Without Condensed Milk

Heat gently while stirring until everything is fully melted and slightly thickened. Use this syrup in place of condensed milk in your base mixture. It gives the cake structure and sweetness without using canned milk.

Variation 2: The Ultimate Vegan Lazy Cake

Replace dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives:

This version is rich, creamy, and fully dairy-free without losing the classic lazy cake flavor.

Variation 3: Nutty Nutella Lazy Cake

Add two tablespoons of Nutella to the melted chocolate mixture after it comes off the heat. Stir until fully blended. Add a handful of chopped hazelnuts for crunch. Nutella gives it a creamy texture and a roasted nut flavor that pairs beautifully with the cocoa.

Variation 4: Rocky Road Lazy Cake

Mix half a cup of mini marshmallows and one third cup of chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the biscuit mixture before chilling. This adds a fun chewy and crunchy combo. Great for parties or when you want something extra.

Pro-Tips

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice the cake cleanly. Wipe the blade between each cut for neat edges.
Leave the biscuit pieces chunky for a proper mosaic texture. Crushing them into crumbs will make the cake dense and muddy.
Wrap the mixture tightly in plastic wrap first, then press into your tin. This keeps the shape clean and prevents gaps.

Troubleshooting

If the chocolate sauce looks gritty, it may have overheated. Always melt chocolate on low heat and stir continuously.
If the cake feels too soft even after chilling, it may need more time or a colder fridge. For a firmer texture, place it in the freezer for thirty extra minutes.
If biscuits turn soggy, it usually means the chocolate mix was too hot. Let it cool slightly before mixing in the biscuits.
If slices crumble too easily, the cake was not packed tightly. Press firmly into the tin and chill longer before slicing.

How to Store Lazy Cake

For short-term storage, place the cake in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Make sure it is fully chilled and covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other smells.

For long-term storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.

To serve from frozen, let the cake sit at room temperature for ten to fifteen minutes before slicing.

These storage methods follow general food safety guidelines from sources like the USDA and FDA, ensuring your Lazy Cake stays safe and delicious.

Conclusion

Lazy cake is the ultimate no-bake dessert. It’s fast, easy, and packed with rich chocolate flavor and crunchy biscuit texture. Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the variations, this recipe delivers every time. With just a few basic ingredients and no oven required, it’s perfect for busy days or hot weather.

Have you tried it? Show it off.Which type of biscuit did you use? Classic Marie, Digestive, or something fun like animal crackers? Share a photo of your creation on Instagram using #LazyCakeMagic. We can’t wait to see your version of this no bake favorite.