Lazy Cat Cake by Kuwaiti Chef Ahmad Al Zamel

Every Ramadan, a dessert seems to take over social media. Last year, it was Lazy Cat Cake, the chocolatey, creamy dessert created by Kuwaiti chef Ahmad Al Zamel.

I can see why it became so popular. You've got layers of chocolate cake soaked in chocolate milk, a thick cream cheese and condensed milk layer, a glossy chocolate topping and a final layer of crunchy chocolate cereal. It's rich, creamy, crunchy and very easy to put together.

Jump to:

• What is Lazy Cat Cake?
• Recipe Snapshot
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• The Layers of Lazy Cat Cake
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Lazy Cat Cake
• Tips for the Best Lazy Cat Cake
• Variations
• Can You Make Lazy Cat Cake Ahead?
• How to Store Lazy Cat Cake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe

What is Lazy Cat Cake?

By now, I am sure you will have come across the viral recipe by Kuwaiti chef Ahmad al Zamel Lazy Cat Cake.

This recipe went viral for a reason. Think - lazy prep, rich flavour, and irresistible textures (soft, creamy, chocolaty, and crunchy all in one bite!) If you love quick, no fuss but impressive desserts, you need to try this one.

This is a dessert that can be handed over to the kids to take care of..depending on their ages of course. My son made it last Eid and to no ones surprise, it was the first dessert to disappear from the overladen dessert table.

It's sometimes called Krunchoco Cake because of the irresistible crunchy chocolate topping.
This is such a versatile dessert too. Read on to learn more about how you can mix things up and make this recipe your own!

And the best bit? There's no need to bake a cake from scratch. A shop-bought chocolate loaf cake does the job beautifully, leaving you with very little hands-on work.

If you're looking for an easy dessert for Eid, a family gathering or a celebration, this is a good one to have up your sleeve.

Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: Kuwaiti-inspired, Middle Eastern

What you'll make: A no-bake layered dessert made with chocolate cake, chocolate milk, a creamy mascarpone or cream layer, melted chocolate spread and crunchy chocolate cereal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Very little effort - Shop-bought chocolate cake takes care of the base, so there's no baking involved.
• A brilliant make-ahead dessert - Prepare the cake and cream layers in advance, then finish the topping when you're ready to serve.
• Different textures in every bite - Soft chocolate cake, smooth cream, rich chocolate and crunchy cereal make a lovely combination.
• Easy to customise - Use mascarpone, switch up the chocolate topping or add nuts for a different version.
• Ideal for sharing - This recipe makes 12 servings, making it a handy option for Eid, parties and family get-togethers.

The Layers of Lazy Cat Cake

Chocolate cake: A ready-made chocolate loaf cake forms the base.

Chocolate milk: Drizzled over the cake to soften it and add extra chocolate flavour.

Cream layer: Mascarpone or cream, extra-thick double cream and condensed milk are beaten together to make a thick, sweet filling.

Chocolate layer: Melted chocolate spread gives you a smooth chocolate topping without the need to make a separate ganache.

Crunchy cereal topping: Chocolate cereal coated in chocolate spread and cocoa powder finishes the dessert with plenty of crunch.

Ingredients You'll Need

Cake Layer

Chocolate cake - 600 g

I use Aldi Double Chocolate Jumbo Loaf Cake, which is roughly equivalent to two smaller supermarket chocolate loaf cakes. Shop-bought cake keeps this recipe quick and easy, but homemade chocolate cake works too.

Chocolate Milk Soak

Chocolate milk - 125-200 ml

Ready-made chocolate milk is the easiest option. You can also make your own by gently heating milk and cocoa powder together, whisking until smooth. Add a little vanilla if you like.

Start with the lower quantity and add more as needed. You want the cake to be moist without leaving it swimming in liquid.

Cream Layer

Mascarpone or double cream - 250 g

Mascarpone gives the filling a creamy, slightly tangy flavour. Double cream can be used instead, as specified in the original recipe.

Extra-thick double cream - 300 g

Extra-thick double cream helps make the filling rich and gives it structure. It is also convenient because it requires less whisking than thinner cream.

Condensed milk - 397 g

One standard tin adds sweetness and a silky texture. It is an important part of the creamy layer, so use the full quantity specified in the recipe.

Chocolate Layer

Chocolate spread - 200-250 g

Melted chocolate spread makes an easy topping. It saves you from having to make a separate ganache with chocolate and cream.

You can also make a traditional ganache if you prefer.

Cereal Crunch

Chocolate cereal - 1½ cups

Cocoa Pops, Cocoa Crunch, chocolate balls or similar cereal all work. Choose a cereal that you enjoy for its crunch.

Chocolate spread - 3-4 tablespoons

This coats the cereal and helps hold the topping together.

Cocoa powder - 1-2 tablespoons

Cocoa powder adds extra chocolate flavour and gives the cereal topping a deeper finish.

How to Make Lazy Cat Cake

1. Layer the Chocolate Cake

Slice the chocolate cake and arrange it in the bottom of a rectangular dish. I use a 25 x 19 cm (approximately 9 x 7.5 inch) Pyrex dish.

Arrange the slices so that the base is covered.

2. Add the Chocolate Milk

Use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the cake slices. Drizzle the chocolate milk over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Start with 125 ml and add more if needed, up to 200 ml. The cake should be moist but still hold its shape.

3. Make the Cream Layer

Beat the mascarpone or double cream, extra-thick double cream and condensed milk together until the mixture reaches soft peaks.

Spread the cream mixture evenly over the chocolate cake.

Cover and place the dish in the fridge while you prepare the chocolate layer.

4. Add the Chocolate Layer

Melt the chocolate spread in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst until smooth.

Alternatively, make a ganache by pouring 200 g warmed double cream over 200 g melted or very finely chopped chocolate and mixing until smooth.

Pour the chocolate topping over the cream layer and spread it evenly.

Return the dish to the fridge for a couple of hours, or until the layers have set.

5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Melt the 3-4 tablespoons of chocolate spread in the microwave. Mix it with the chocolate cereal and cocoa powder until the cereal is coated.

Just before serving, scatter the cereal mixture over the top of the cake.

This final step matters. Adding the cereal too early can make it soft, particularly if you're using smaller cereal such as Cocoa Pops.

Slice or spoon into portions and serve chilled.

Tips for the Best Lazy Cat Cake

• Keep the topping crunchy - Add the cereal just before serving rather than leaving it in the fridge for hours.
• Don't oversoak the cake - Add the chocolate milk gradually. Too much liquid can make the base difficult to serve neatly.
• Whip the cream mixture carefully - Stop when it reaches soft peaks. Overwhipping can affect the texture of the filling.
• Use short microwave bursts - Chocolate spread can heat quickly, so stir regularly to avoid overheating.
• Give it enough chilling time - The two-hour chilling period helps the layers firm up and makes serving easier.
• Make it ahead - The cake and cream layers can be prepared in advance. Add the cereal topping just before serving.

Variations

Biscoff Lazy Cat Cake - Replace the chocolate spread topping with melted Biscoff spread for a caramelised biscuit flavour.

Dubai Chocolate Lazy Cat Cake - Add crispy kataifi pastry for a pistachio and chocolate-inspired variation. You could layer it into the dessert or scatter it over the top.

Nutty chocolate version - Add roasted nuts to the topping for extra crunch. Peanuts work particularly well if you enjoy a Snickers-style flavour.

Pretzel topping - Crushed pretzels add a salty crunch that contrasts with the sweet cream and chocolate.

Use a different chocolate cake - Chocolate muffins, a homemade chocolate cake or another chocolate loaf cake can all be used instead of the Aldi loaf cake.

Mascarpone version - Use mascarpone in the cream layer for a slightly different flavour and texture.

Can You Make Lazy Cat Cake Ahead?

Yes. This is a useful dessert to prepare in advance, particularly when you're hosting or getting ready for Eid.

Assemble the cake, chocolate milk and cream layers, then refrigerate. Add the chocolate topping and allow it to set before serving. Keep the crunchy cereal topping separate until just before you bring the dessert to the table.

How to Store Lazy Cat Cake

Cover the assembled cake and store it in the fridge. It is best enjoyed within 3 days.

For the best texture, store the cereal topping separately in an airtight container and add it just before serving. Once the cereal has been added, it will gradually soften in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is It Called Lazy Cat Cake?

The name reflects how little work is involved in making the dessert. The crunchy cereal topping also contributes to its quirky name.

Is Lazy Cat Cake Baked?

No. This version uses ready-made chocolate cake, so there is no need to bake anything. The dessert is assembled in layers and chilled until set.

Can I Use Homemade Chocolate Cake?

Absolutely. Use around 600 g of chocolate cake, cut into slices and arranged in the dish. The shop-bought version is simply a shortcut.

More Easy Dessert recipes:

Lotus Biscoff Tiramisu without Alcohol (Biscoff Lasagna)

The Easiest Nutella Ice Cream

Pizza Hut Hot Cookie Dough Copycat

Best Nutella Pizza with Oreos - Easy Dessert Pizza

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