If you love an easy dessert that’s super easy but packed with intense flavor and incredible texture, Lazy Cat Cake is for you. This viral recipe layers a soft, chocolate-soaked cake with a creamy filling, rich ganache, and a crunchy chocolate topping for the ultimate no-fuss indulgence.
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What is Viral Lazy Cat Cake?
Lazy cat cake is a dreamy dessert that’s taken the internet by storm. It starts with a simple boxed cake mix, which is then transformed into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece with a few key additions. The base is soaked in chocolate milk, making it extra moist, while a creamy mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk layer adds a velvety richness. The final touch? A thick chocolate ganache and a crispy chocolate topping that gives every bite an irresistible crunch.
What makes this cake stand out is the contrast of textures. The fluffy cake, silky cream, smooth ganache, and crisp chocolate cereal come together for a dessert that hits every craving. It’s easy enough for a casual weekend bake but impressive enough to serve at a party. No wonder it’s gone viral!
Ingredients You Need
- Cake Mix (Prepared Per Package Instructions) – This is a quick and foolproof way to get a fluffy, chocolatey base.
- Cold Chocolate Milk – Soaking the cake in the creamy chocolate milk increases its moisture and adds a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Cream Cheese (Softened) – This adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness.
- Mascarpone Cheese (Softened) – We love using this for its ultra-rich texture and slight sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – This makes the cream layer extra smooth and sweet.
- Vanilla Extract – A touch of vanilla rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Heavy Cream (Divided) – This is used for both the creamy filling and the ganache, creating a luscious texture.
- Rice Cereal or Cocoa Puffs – These add a super-satisfying crunch to the topping!
- Dark Chocolate (Melted) – Melting this into the cereal gives the topping its crisp, chocolatey coating.
- Cocoa Powder – A light dusting brings out the chocolate flavor and keeps the topping from feeling sticky.
- Dark Chocolate Bar (Chopped) – This melts into the ganache for a smooth, rich finish.
How to Make Lazy Cat Cake
- Prepare the Cake. Follow the directions on the package to mix and bake the cake in a 13×9 or oval baking dish. Then, allow it to come to room temperature.
- Create the Soak. Poke small holes across the surface of the cooled cake. Slowly drizzle the cold chocolate milk over the top, allowing it to absorb evenly.
- Whip. Beat together the cream cheese, mascarpone, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk. Once the mixture is creamy and smooth, gradually pour in half of the heavy cream, whipping until medium peaks form. Spread this over the cake and chill for one hour.
- Melt the Chocolate. Place the chopped dark chocolate and the remaining heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring until smooth and glossy. Pour the ganache over the cake and refrigerate until firm.
- Coat the Crunchy Topping. Melt the remaining dark chocolate, stirring between each interval. Pour the chocolate over the rice cereal before sprinkling in cocoa powder and tossing to combine evenly.
- Finish and Serve. Use a spatula to layer the crunchy topping over the chilled cake, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks. Refrigerate until ready to serve!
Variations
- White Chocolate – Swap the dark chocolate for white chocolate in the ganache and topping for a sweet, creamy twist.
- Mocha – Add a shot of espresso to the chocolate milk soak for a subtle coffee flavor.
- Cereal – Cocoa pebbles, crushed graham crackers, or even cornflakes can be used for a fun texture twist.
- Nuts – Chopped hazelnuts or almonds mixed into the topping add a nutty crunch.
- Flavor the Cream Layer – Mix in a tablespoon of peanut butter or Nutella for a different flavor profile.
- Richness – Use evaporated milk instead of chocolate milk for a denser texture.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, but the crunchy topping will soften over time. If you want to keep it crispy, store the topping separately and add it just before serving.
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.
We don’t recommend freezing this dessert — the texture of the cream and cereal will change once thawed.
Common Questions about Lazy Cat Cake
Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will work just as well. Just make sure it’s not too dense so it can properly soak up the chocolate milk.
If you don’t have mascarpone, an equal amount of additional cream cheese works well. You can also use ricotta for a lighter texture.
To keep the topping crispy, wait until just before serving to add it. If storing, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature and sprinkle it over the cake when ready to eat.
Yes! You can prepare the cake and cream layer a day in advance. Just add the ganache and crunchy topping right before serving for the best texture.
More Middle Eastern Inspired Desserts
Want more sweets that channel flavors from the Middle East? Try some of our other favorites!
Ghraybeh (Middle Eastern Shortbread Cookies)
Mahalabia (Middle Eastern Milk Pudding)
Atayef with Cream Cheese Filling
Lazy Cat Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (14.25 ounce) box cake mix (prepared per package instructions)*
- 3/4 cup cold chocolate milk
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces mascarpone cheese softened*
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups cold heavy cream, divided
- 2 cups rice cereal or cocoa puffs
- 2 ounces semi sweet chocolate melted
- 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 ounces dark chocolate bar chopped
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Prepare the cake according to package instructions. In a 11×7 oval baking dish or a 13×9 pan.1 (14.25 ounce) box cake mix (prepared per package instructions)*
- Let it cool to room temperature.
Poke & Soak
- Using a fork or skewer, poke holes all over the cooled cake. Pour cold chocolate milk evenly over the top.3/4 cup cold chocolate milk
Creamy Layer
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, mascarpone, vanilla, and condensed milk until smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Slowly add heavy cream and continue beating until medium peaks form. (Be careful not to overmix to prevent curdling.)2 cups cold heavy cream, divided
- Spread this over the cake and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Make the Ganache
- Add chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl.8 ounces dark chocolate bar
- Microwave for 1 minute, then gently whisk until smooth and glossy. Pour over the cake and refrigerate for another 1-2 hours, or until set.
Crunchy Topping
- Melt dark chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.2 ounces semi sweet chocolate
- Pour over rice crispy cereal and mix to coat evenly. Sprinkle in cocoa powder and toss until fully covered.2 cups rice cereal or cocoa puffs, 3 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Final Assembly
- Spread the crispy chocolate mixture over the chilled cake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
and arrange the pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your baking dish, ensuring full
coverage. *If you do not have mascarpone, you can sub with more cream cheese.
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Please let me know how heavy one serving is in grams or how many servings you have in a whole cake. Thank you
Hi! There are 12 servings in the cake. Of course, you can adjust as needed.
We hope you enjoy!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Cake
This is soooooo good! 😍