A friend introduced me to a new favorite cake called lazy daisy cake, a vintage recipe from the 1930s that is surprisingly delicious. The cake, with a plain appearance, has a refined crumb, covered with a brown sugar frosting that is both brittle and soft. The speckles in the cake are actually coconut shreds, adding a chewy texture and toasted marshmallow flavor. The laziness in the title refers to the simple broiled icing, a contrast to the elaborate frostings of the past.
The cake itself is a Depression-era favorite known as hot milk cake, made with minimal butter and two eggs. The texture is airy and velvety, with baking powder stabilizing the eggs and melted butter adding richness. Some bakers add vanilla for floral notes, while others, like myself, add cardamom for a spicy perfume that pairs well with the molasses-y topping.
Lazy daisy cake has a Danish cousin called drømmekage, or dream cake, with the same hot milk sponge base and brown sugar-coconut frosting. However, the name lazy daisy has a charm of its own, hinting at the journey to dreamland that begins with a pillow. This simple yet delicious cake is a perfect treat for any occasion, providing a taste of nostalgia with a modern twist.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
