Lazy Daisy Frosting Recipe: Your Go-To for Quick, Crunchy, and Delicious Cake Topping

Are you in search of a cake topping that’s not only incredibly easy but also promises an irresistible combination of rich caramel, toasted coconut, and a satisfying crunch? Look no further than this classic Lazy Daisy Frosting! It’s the perfect solution for when you need to elevate a simple cake quickly, without the fuss of traditional frosting techniques.

This Lazy Daisy Frosting is truly fabulous! I fell in love with its rich, deep caramel flavor, complemented by the tropical sweetness of coconut, all brought together with a delightful texture that’s a little crunchy and wonderfully gooey at the same time. It’s a nostalgic recipe that has stood the test of time, cherished for its simplicity and incredible taste.

It’s especially perfect for those moments when you’re short on time but still want to present a beautifully frosted cake. The beauty of this frosting is that as soon as your hot cake comes out of the oven, you simply spread this coconut-caramel goodness all over the top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes. No need for piping bags, intricate decorating skills, or hours of cooling. Just a few minutes under the broiler, and you’ll have a golden, bubbly, and utterly delicious topping that makes any cake feel special.

What Makes Lazy Daisy Frosting So Special?

Lazy Daisy Frosting, sometimes known as “Caramel Coconut Broiled Topping” or “Old-Fashioned Broiled Frosting,” is a vintage recipe that gained popularity for its ease and distinctive flavor. Unlike traditional buttercream or cream cheese frostings that require precise measurements and often a stand mixer, this topping is made directly on the stovetop and applied while the cake is still warm. The magic happens under the broiler, where the frosting caramelizes and toasts, creating a beautifully golden, slightly crisp, and chewy layer. It’s a delightful departure from typical frostings, offering a unique texture and a rich, homey taste that’s hard to resist.

The name “Lazy Daisy” itself suggests its effortless nature. It implies a simple, charming approach to baking that yields impressive results without much fuss. If you’re a fan of coconut, caramel, and nuts, this frosting is about to become your new favorite secret weapon in the kitchen.

Simple Ingredients for a Sensational Topping

One of the best aspects of Lazy Daisy Frosting is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients. You likely have most of them in your pantry right now! Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:

• COCONUT: The star of the show! You can use whatever flake coconut you prefer – sweetened or unsweetened, shredded or flaked. Sweetened coconut will give a richer, sweeter flavor, while unsweetened will allow the brown sugar’s caramel notes to shine more. As it broils, the coconut becomes beautifully toasted and fragrant, adding an incredible depth of flavor and texture.
• BROWN SUGAR: This is crucial for achieving that signature caramel flavor and gooey consistency. The molasses in brown sugar provides a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to white sugar, and it melts wonderfully to create a rich, chewy base when broiled. Be sure to use packed brown sugar for accurate measurement.
• BUTTER: Adds richness, moisture, and helps bind all the ingredients together. It also contributes to the smooth, luxurious mouthfeel of the frosting and helps it to caramelize beautifully under the broiler. Using good quality butter makes a difference in the final taste.
• CREAM: Heavy whipping cream is typically used to create a rich, creamy base that helps the other ingredients melt together into a cohesive, spreadable mixture. It prevents the frosting from becoming too dry and ensures that delightful gooeyness. If you don’t have heavy cream, whole milk can be used, but the richness and final texture might be slightly less intense.
• NUTS: While some traditional recipes omit them, chopped nuts add a fantastic crunch and nutty flavor that complements the coconut and caramel perfectly. Walnuts and pecans are the most common choices, both lending their unique earthy notes. Feel free to leave them out if nuts aren’t your preference or if you have allergies. Alternatively, experiment with other nuts like almonds for a different twist.

How To Make Lazy Daisy Frosting: A Quick and Easy Process

The preparation for this frosting is astonishingly simple and takes mere minutes. The key is to prepare it while your cake is still warm from the oven, as the heat from the cake helps the frosting spread smoothly and adhere perfectly before broiling.

1. Melt the Base: In a small saucepan, combine the butter and cream. Heat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture is well combined. Do not let it boil vigorously.
2. Combine Ingredients: Once the butter and cream are melted and warm, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the remaining ingredients: coconut, brown sugar, and nuts (if using). Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined and the brown sugar begins to dissolve into the warm liquid. The mixture will be thick and sticky.
3. Spread on Hot Cake: As soon as your cake comes out of the oven, while it’s still piping hot, immediately spread the prepared frosting in an even layer over the entire top surface of the cake. The warmth of the cake will help the frosting spread easily.
4. Broil to Perfection: Place the frosted cake under the broiler. This is the crucial step! Watch it very, very closely – broilers can turn things from golden to burnt in a matter of seconds. Keep an eye on it until the frosting is lightly golden brown and bubbly. This usually takes just 1-3 minutes.
5. Cool Slightly and Serve: Remove the cake from the broiler. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The frosting will set a bit as it cools, developing its signature crunchy-gooey texture.

Tips for Achieving Perfect Lazy Daisy Frosting

• Don’t Rush the Broiler: Seriously, stay by the oven and do not walk away. Broilers are powerful, and the sugar in the frosting can burn very quickly. A light golden color is what you’re aiming for, not deep brown.
• Hot Cake is Key: Applying the frosting to a hot cake helps it melt slightly, spread more evenly, and adhere better. It also contributes to the gooey texture once cooled.
• Evenly Spread: Ensure the frosting is spread in an even layer across the cake for uniform broiling and consistent texture.
• Adjust Nuts to Your Liking: If you love a lot of crunch, you can add a bit more nuts. If you prefer less, reduce the amount or omit them entirely.
• Pan Size Matters: This recipe makes enough frosting for a standard 9×13 inch sheet cake. If you’re frosting a smaller cake, you might want to halve the recipe to avoid an overly thick layer.
• Cool Before Cutting: While tempting to dive in immediately, allowing the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes will allow the frosting to set slightly, making for cleaner slices and a better eating experience.

What Cakes Go Well with Lazy Daisy Frosting?

The beauty of Lazy Daisy Frosting lies in its versatility. Its rich, sweet, and nutty profile pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple cake bases, allowing the frosting to truly shine as the star. Here are some classic and delicious pairings:

• Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cake: A match made in heaven! The subtle spice and moist crumb of an oatmeal cake perfectly complement the sweet, crunchy topping.
• Hot Milk Cake: A classic for a reason. Hot milk cake is tender and light, providing an ideal canvas for this robust frosting.
• Yellow Cake: Simple, buttery, and beloved. A yellow cake is enhanced exponentially by the caramel coconut topping.
• Vanilla Cake: Another excellent choice. The sweet vanilla notes allow the distinct flavors of the frosting to come through beautifully.
• White Cake: Similar to yellow and vanilla, a white cake’s delicate flavor provides a perfect balance.
• I think it would even go well on a chocolate cake! While less traditional, the combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut caramel is undeniably delicious, reminiscent of classic candy bars.
• Spice Cake: The warm spices in a spice cake would create an intriguing contrast with the sweet, broiled topping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Lazy Daisy Frosting ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and apply Lazy Daisy Frosting right before broiling, ideally on a hot cake. The broiling step is what gives it its unique texture, and this happens best when fresh. If you prepare it too far in advance, it might firm up and not spread as easily.

Can I use different types of nuts?

Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to experiment with other chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or even macadamia nuts for a gourmet touch. If you have a nut allergy, you can simply omit them, and the frosting will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

Heavy whipping cream provides the richest texture. However, in a pinch, you can use whole milk, but the frosting might be slightly less creamy and perhaps a little thinner. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

How do I store a cake with Lazy Daisy Frosting?

Store the frosted cake at room temperature, covered loosely, for 2-3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, or if your cake base requires refrigeration, then keep it in the fridge. The frosting will firm up when chilled, but it will soften again at room temperature.

Can I use this frosting on cupcakes?

Yes, you can! Apply the warm frosting to warm cupcakes and broil them briefly. You’ll need to watch them even more closely as cupcakes are smaller and will broil faster. This creates a fantastic, unique cupcake topping!

Looking For More Great Dessert Recipes?

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• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

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