Lazy Daisy Cake

An Iowa home baker’s creation took off after its 1914 publication in the Chicago Sunday Tribune newspaper. Lazy Daisy means easy to assemble. While not Italian in origin, it was a beloved Saturday night dessert.

Ingredients

CAKE BATTER

2 cups sifted vlour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of salt
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter

TOPPING

5 tablespoons melted butter
8 tablespoons brown sugar
4 tablespoons heavy cream, or 2 tablespoons milk
1/2 regular size bag shredded coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped nuts

“On Saturday evenings, Uncles Tony and Gene would go to a tavern and then pick up Aunt Rose, who rode the bus home after working all week in Springfield, IL. Then, they’d join their families at Grandma Magelli’s. After a few beers, Uncle Tony really loosened up and told great stories while we all enjoyed coffee and Lazy Daisy cake.
– Theresa (Magelli) Swanson

DIRECTIONS

CAKE BATTER

In mixing bowl, sift flour several times when measuring, then stir in baking powder and salt.
Beat 4 eggs well.
Mix in sugar gradually and stir well.
Add vanilla.
Fold flour into mixture.
In separate saucepan, bring milk and butter to a boil.
Add boiling milk and butter to the flour and mix well.
Batter will be very thin.
Pour into 9×13-inch cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes.

TOPPING

Mix melted butter, 8 tablespoons brown sugar, to be creamed together right before removing cake from oven.
Spread topping mix over cake.
Garnish with coconut, brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.
Put cake under oven broiler just long enough to brown the coconut.

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