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This one-bowl cake is our most popular dessert of the year so far

This Is Our Most Popular Cake Recipe Of 2025 So Far
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

You know your name is long Mary Louise Blakesleigh Darneson III.

You know your name is long Mary Louise Blakesleigh Darneson III.

Southern women are the big fans of multiple names—and the same can be said of this year’s most-popular cake. Some call it “Texas Tornado Cake.” Others claim it’s “Cajun Cake” or “Lazy-Daisy Cake.” Whatever name you claim, everyone who tastes it agrees on the same thing—it’s absolutely delicious!

Get the recipe

Why Is “Do Nothing Cake” So Popular?

The list of reasons to love this cake is long and justified.

  • Easy batter: First and foremost, the batter is made in one bowl, using nothing but a whisk. Shockingly, there’s no oil or butter in the batter—just sugar,eggs and crushed pineapple. But don’t worry—the topping has plenty of butter in it.
  • Yummy topping: That gooey topping is yet another reason folks can’t get enough of this cake. It’s very similar to the buttery, coconut-pecan decadence that makes German chocolate cake so darn delicious. 
Southern Living Texas Tornado Cake sliced and ready to serve
Credit: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Extra-Special Reasons It’s Delicious

Instead of just sitting on top of the cake, the sweet topping actually soaks into the cake, thanks to holes poked in the baked cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.

But what makes this particular recipe for Do Nothing Cake so special is one small but crucial upgrade—browning the butter for the frosting. Toasting the butter in a skillet until it turns amber and smells nutty takes less than 10 minutes and adds an enormous amount of flavor to this already-scrumptious dessert.

What Our Reviewers Love About Do Nothing Cake

  • “Great recipe! We have a weekly potluck at our friends house for around a dozen people, and this cake was the hit of the night! I used half pecans, half walnuts in the topping. Go ahead and brown the butter, added the rum and extra spices and your friends will worship your baking skills!”
  • “I’ve been making this for many, many years, and it’s always been a hit for family reunions, neighborhood potlucks, and family meals. It’s so quick and easy to make. I keep the ingredients on hand to make sure I can whip it up at a moments notice.”
  • “It was great! So easy and keeps well in the freezer.”
  • “I needed a dessert for my Wife to bring to a work meeting. I saw this recipe on the SL website, and decided to try it.When she came home, I had to ask how the cake went over. She set the empty cake pan in front of me and said ‘Six people would like your recipe for this. There wasn’t a crumb left.’ “

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