An Irresistible Lazy Cake with Crunch, Chocolate, and Zero Baking Needed
Introduction: The Magic of No-Bake Cakes
In a world full of elaborate pastries, layered cakes, and fussy frosting techniques, sometimes the simplest desserts stand out the most. Enter: the No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake, also known across the globe as Lazy Cake, Kek Batik, or Chocolate Mosaic Cake.
This humble, nostalgic dessert transforms everyday pantry staples into a luxurious chocolate cake with no oven required. It’s the perfect dessert for anyone—whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this recipe proves that good food doesn’t need to be complicated.
The cake’s popularity lies in its simplicity, no-bake convenience, rich taste, and delightful crunch. It’s quick to make, sets beautifully in the fridge, and tastes even better the next day. Ready to impress your friends, family, or your own sweet tooth? Let’s unwrap the chocolatey goodness.
🧁 What Is No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake?
At its heart, this dessert is a fridge cake: broken biscuits folded into a rich, chocolatey mixture, then chilled until firm. It’s usually made with:
- Crushed tea biscuits (think Marie, Digestive, or Petit Beurre),
- Melted dark chocolate or cocoa-based sauce,
- Butter and sweeteners like condensed milk or sugar.
The result? A fudgy, chewy, crunchy slice of heaven that mimics a cake without needing eggs, flour, or an oven. It’s lazy in name, but luxurious in taste.
🌍 Cultural Roots: A Dessert Loved Worldwide
UK: Known as Fridge Cake, this dessert gained royal attention when Prince William requested it at his wedding reception. In Britain, it often features digestive biscuits, dried fruits, and golden syrup.
Middle East & North Africa: Dubbed Lazy Cake, it’s a popular treat during Eid, Ramadan, and family gatherings—loved for how effortless and rich it is.
Malaysia & Indonesia: Here it’s called Kek Batik (meaning “Batik Cake”) due to the intricate marbled patterns that resemble traditional batik fabric. It’s a school bake sale favorite and tea-time staple.
Greece & Turkey: This dessert goes by Mosaic Cake, highlighting the beautiful biscuit-studded cross-section when sliced.
Wherever you are in the world, this cake proves one thing: chocolate, biscuits, and no-fuss recipes are a universal love language.
🍫 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with a basic, versatile version of the cake. You can later customize it to suit your preferences.
✅ Base Ingredients:
- 400g plain tea biscuits (Marie, Digestive, Rich Tea, or similar)
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (180ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🥥 Optional Extras (Customize It!):
- Chopped nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts)
- Dried fruits (raisins, apricots, cranberries)
- Crushed Oreos or graham crackers
- Shredded coconut
- Mini marshmallows
- Instant coffee (for a mocha kick)
- Spices (like cinnamon or cardamom)
🍽️ Tools and Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Rubber spatula or spoon
- 8×8 inch square pan or loaf tin
- Parchment paper or cling film
- Refrigerator
🍰 Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line an 8×8 inch baking dish or loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the sides to help lift out the cake later.
Step 2: Break the Biscuits
Using your hands or a rolling pin, break the biscuits into small bite-sized chunks. Avoid crushing them into crumbs—you want that crunch and structure.
Place the biscuit pieces into a large mixing bowl.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a saucepan over low heat, combine:
- Butter
- Chopped dark chocolate
- Condensed milk
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla
- Salt
Stir constantly until the mixture is silky and smooth. Be patient—do not let it boil, or the chocolate may seize or burn.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Pour the warm chocolate mixture over the broken biscuits. Use a spatula to fold everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated.
Now is the time to stir in any extras like nuts, dried fruit, or marshmallows.
Step 5: Press and Chill
Transfer the mixture into your lined pan. Press down firmly with the spatula or the back of a spoon to compact the mixture evenly.
Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This sets the cake into sliceable, chewy perfection.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Remove the chilled cake using the parchment handles. Slice with a sharp knife into squares, bars, or diamonds.
Serve as-is, or dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with ganache, or top with extra crushed biscuits.
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or for 30 minutes at room temp before serving.
🛠️ Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Use quality chocolate: It’s the star of the show, so choose one with at least 60% cocoa for deep flavor.
- Avoid overmixing: Gently fold to prevent biscuit breakage.
- Want it firmer? Add more biscuits or reduce the liquid slightly.
- Need it dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter and dairy-free condensed milk or maple syrup.
- Gluten-free? Use certified GF tea biscuits like Schär or Glutino.
🥄 Fun Flavor Variations
1. Nutella Swirl Cake
Add 2 tablespoons of Nutella into the chocolate mixture for extra creaminess.
2. S’mores Biscuit Cake
Mix in marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and a splash of vanilla essence for an American twist.
3. Spiced Winter Cake
Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a holiday-inspired flavor.
4. White Chocolate & Cranberry Cake
Substitute dark chocolate for white chocolate and add dried cranberries and chopped macadamias.
5. Middle Eastern Tahini-Chocolate Cake
Mix 1–2 tbsp of tahini into the chocolate mixture for a nutty, sesame-rich flavor.
🎉 Occasions to Serve No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake
- Holidays & Celebrations: Eid, Christmas, birthdays
- Quick Weeknight Treats: When you want dessert, but not the hassle
- Make-Ahead Party Desserts: Stays fresh for days
- Lunchbox Snacks: Slice into squares for kids and adults alike
- Iftar or Suhoor: Perfect energy-boosting dessert during Ramadan
- Potlucks or Bake Sales: Crowd-pleasing and transportable
📸 Presentation & Serving Ideas
Make this cake as visually stunning as it is tasty!
- Drizzle with white or dark chocolate ganache
- Top with berries or edible flowers
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Cut into hearts or star shapes using cookie cutters
- Dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar for a polished finish
Want a Pinterest-perfect dessert board? Add your Lazy Cake to a dessert charcuterie spread with strawberries, chocolate bark, macarons, and bite-sized cookies.
👩🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Foolproof
✅ No oven required
✅ No eggs or flour
✅ 100% customizable
✅ Pantry-friendly
✅ Make-ahead friendly
✅ Crowd-pleasing
✅ Looks beautiful sliced
If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that looks impressive but only takes 15 minutes to assemble, this is the one.
❤️ Final Thoughts
If you’re short on time but craving a rich, chocolatey dessert, this No Bake Chocolate Biscuit Cake delivers every time. It’s a celebration of simplicity—a nostalgic treat that brings families together, creates smiles, and makes any moment feel a little more special.
From afternoon tea to festive gatherings, from kids’ birthdays to elegant dinner parties, this cake holds its place as one of the most beloved easy desserts of all time.
So go ahead—grab your biscuits, melt that chocolate, and let your fridge do the rest. You’ve just found your new go-to dessert.
