Grandma’s Dreamy Lazy Daisy Cake Recipe – Sweet Nostalgia

Sweet memories dance through kitchens with this classic lazy daisy cake that generations have adored for decades.

Soft, tender layers of vanilla-kissed cake promise pure comfort in every single bite.

The golden crumb melts effortlessly on your tongue, revealing delicate notes of warmth and nostalgia.

Topped with a caramelized coconut frosting that bubbles and bronzes under gentle heat, this dessert speaks directly to the heart.

Each slice carries whispers of homemade love and simple pleasures.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delightful treat that turns ordinary moments into something extraordinary.

Let’s find out this timeless recipe and let sweet memories unfold on your plate.

Lazy Daisy Cake Ingredient Essentials

• Eggs: Provide structure and richness, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender crumb with golden edges.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the basic structure and gives the cake its classic texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become wonderfully airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.
• Butter: Brings richness and a delicate buttery flavor to the cake.

• Unsalted Butter, Brown Sugar: Create a luscious caramel-like glaze that's wonderfully sticky and deep in flavor.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, spreadable topping that caramelizes beautifully.
• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical crunch and a delightful textural contrast.
• Pecans: Provide a nutty crunch and earthy depth to the sweet topping.

• Whipped Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream: Offer a cool, creamy complement to the warm, sweet cake.

Tools for Making Lazy Daisy Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining cake ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Perfect for beating eggs and creating fluffy batter.
• 8-inch square baking pan: Ideal for baking this classic cake.
• Saucepan (small): Needed for heating milk and butter.
• Saucepan (medium): Used for preparing the delicious topping.
• Wire rack: Great for cooling the cake and preventing soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Broiler: Gives the topping a golden, caramelized finish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

How to Bake Lazy Daisy Cake Easily

• Cozy Kitchen Prep

Set up your baking space with a warm oven at 350°F and lovingly coat an 8-inch square pan with butter and flour.

• Batter Magic

Whip eggs into a light, airy foam, then blend in sugar until the mixture transforms into a silky, pale cloud.

• Liquid Gold Moment

Gently warm milk and butter until they dance together, then softly fold into your fluffy batter, creating a smooth, dreamy mixture.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into the waiting pan and let the oven work its magic for about 30 minutes, until a gentle test shows a perfectly baked interior.

• Tropical Topping Delight

Create a luscious coconut-pecan blanket by melting butter, stirring in brown sugar, milk, and coconut until it becomes a golden, glossy sauce studded with crunchy pecans.

• Golden Finish

Slide the cake under the broiler for a quick kiss of heat, watching carefully until the topping turns a gorgeous caramel brown with tempting bubbles.

• Sweet Celebration

Let the cake cool, then slice into squares of pure comfort, optional clouds of whipped cream or ice cream making the experience even more magical.

Tips for Classic Lazy Daisy Cake Texture

• Swap pecans with toasted macadamia nuts for a tropical flavor explosion that adds delightful crunch and exotic taste.
• Bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature to let the flavors meld and intensify overnight.
• Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make this cake accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keep a close eye during the final broiling step – those golden-brown caramelized edges make all the difference between a good and great dessert.
• Enhance the cake's richness by adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter or a sprinkle of sea salt over the topping for depth and complexity.

How to Serve Lazy Daisy Cake Just Right

• Sweet Companion Delights: Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, caramelized topping.
• Beverage Bliss: Serve alongside a steaming mug of coffee or a rich hot chocolate to complement the cake's sweet, nutty flavors.
• Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy a slice for a decadent morning treat, especially when warmed slightly and topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle some extra toasted pecans or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Storage Tips for Lazy Daisy Cake

• Cake Freshness Plan: Store leftover cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover each slice with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake base one day before serving, keeping it wrapped tightly at room temperature. Add the coconut topping just before broiling to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual cake squares in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before enjoying, and refresh under the broiler for a crispy topping.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve slightly warm for the best taste experience. Enhance the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For added indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top just before serving.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Delightful Daisy Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Grandma’s lazy daisy cake brings classic comfort to dessert tables with nostalgic charm. Moist vanilla sponge crowned with caramelized coconut topping promises sweet memories you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 g/4.2 oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tbsps (21 g/0.7 oz) butter
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) milk
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (57 g/2 oz) unsalted butter
• ½ cup + 2 tbsps (135 g/4.8 oz) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml/2 fl oz) milk
• 1 cup (80 g/2.8 oz) unsweetened coconut flakes
• ½ cup (57 g/2 oz) pecans
• whipped cream (optional)
• vanilla ice cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F. Generously grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter and dust with flour.
2. Egg Foundation: Whip eggs to a fluffy, soft-peaked consistency, creating an airy base for the cake batter.
3. Sugar Integration: Blend sugar into the eggs, whipping at high speed for 3 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale cream.
4. Batter Assembly: Fold in flour, baking powder, and salt using a low-speed mixer, blending ingredients delicately to maintain the batter’s light texture.
5. Liquid Infusion: Heat milk and butter to a rolling boil, then gently incorporate into the batter, maintaining a smooth, consistent mixture.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
7. Cooling Stage: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Topping Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, adding brown sugar, milk, and coconut. Cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes glossy and rich.
9. Nut Incorporation: Fold pecans into the topping, ensuring an even distribution of nutty flavor.
10. Final Touches: Spread the warm topping across the cake’s surface, then broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden-brown caramelized finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
11. Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely, then slice into generous portions. Enhance with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finale.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold flour ingredients to maintain cake’s light, airy texture and avoid dense, tough results.
• Temperature Precision: Use room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother batter integration during whipping process.
• Broiler Watch: Monitor topping closely during caramelization to prevent burning, as 30 seconds can transform golden-brown to charred.
• Cooling Technique: Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack, ensuring structural stability and easier removal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg