When it comes to desserts, speed and simplicity are essential. Imagine a cake that doesn’t need baking and takes only five minutes to prepare. Sounds too good to be true? Meet the fastest cake in the world: a no-bake lemon delight that’s easy and delicious.
Perfect for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this cake uses only four basic ingredients. It creates a dessert with a silky texture and layers of flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this ultra-quick cake.
How to make the world’s fastest cake
To make this cake, you’ll need ingredients that are likely already in your pantry:
- Natural lemon juice (150 milliliters): Adds a tangy freshness.
- Maria-style cookies (30 pieces): Provide the base and layers.
- Sweetened condensed milk (1 can, 14 ounces): Adds richness and sweetness.
- Heavy cream (700 milliliters, with at least 35% fat): Provides creaminess and body.
- Optional: A pinch of orange food coloring for a cheerful yellow tint.
Step-by-step instructions for the lemon cake
Follow these steps to make the cake:
- Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, condensed milk, and lemon juice. If you’re using food coloring, add a small pinch now. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer for 30–60 seconds, or until it begins to thicken. The lemon juice reacts with the cream, creating a velvety texture.
- Layer the cake: Select a dish or mold with a two-liter capacity. Start by placing a layer of Maria cookies on the bottom. Spread a generous layer of the mixture over the cookies. Repeat this process, alternating between cookies and cream, until you have three layers of each. Finish with a layer of cream on top.
- Decorate: Sprinkle the top with crushed cookies, shredded coconut, or mini cookies. For a touch of elegance, place thin slices of lemon or bright green cherries as a finishing touch.
- Refrigerate: The key to this cake’s magic lies in letting it set. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld perfectly.
You can adapt the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you can replace the Maria cookies with sponge cake biscuits for a lighter texture. Plus, its simple preparation makes it very easy to involve kids in the process, turning it into a fun family activity, just in time for the upcoming holidays.
The combination of the tangy lemon juice and the creamy mixture creates a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. And since it needs to be refrigerated for at least 24 hours, you can make it ahead of time and have it ready when you need it.
The world’s fastest cake proves that simplicity doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Why not give it a try? With just a few common ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a dessert that looks and tastes like it took hours to make.