Why Is It Called a Retro Do Nothing Cake?
The name might sound too good to be true, but this cake truly lives up to it! Unlike traditional cakes that require creaming butter and sugar, sifting flour, or whipping eggs, this Retro do nothing cake is as easy as tossing everything in a bowl, stirring, and baking. No electric mixer, no complicated steps—just pure simplicity.
And the best part? The topping. Instead of frosting, this cake gets a warm coconut-pecan glaze that seeps into the sponge, making it extra moist and flavourful. All you need to do is pour it on, spread it out, and let it work its magic. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill before digging in!
The Secret to the Best Retro Do Nothing Cake
Even though this Retro do nothing cake is incredibly easy, a few simple tricks will take it to the next level:
1. Use Crushed Pineapple (And Don’t Drain It!)
The key to a perfectly moist cake is using the entire can of crushed pineapple, juice included. The juice adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake soft without needing extra fat. If you drain the juice, your cake might turn out dry—so keep it all in! 🍍
2. Fork Pokes = Maximum Flavour Absorption
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, grab a fork and poke holes all over it—about 30 times. This ensures that the warm topping seeps deep into the cake, making it extra rich and decadent.
3. Let It Chill for the Best Texture
While you can eat this cake warm, chilling it for a few hours (or overnight) allows all the flavours to meld together beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Retro Do Nothing Cake
This Retro do nothing cake is delicious on its own, but if you want to make it even better, try these serving ideas:
With a scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold ice cream against the moist, coconutty cake is a match made in heaven.
A dollop of whipped cream – Light and fluffy, it balances the richness of the cake perfectly.
Drizzled with caramel sauce – Because more sweetness is always a good idea!
Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got the ultimate afternoon treat.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cake Fresh
One of the best things about this Retro Do Nothing Cake is how well it keeps. It’s the kind of cake that actually gets better with time!
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The flavours intensify as it sits!
- Freezer: Want to save some for later? Slice the cake, wrap individual pieces in cling wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Other Desserts to Try!
If you love easy-to-make desserts, here are a few more recipes you’ll adore:
If you try any of these, be sure to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. I’d love to see your creations! 📸
This Retro Do Nothing Cake is proof that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this no-fail recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and enjoy a slice of nostalgia!
Happy baking!
Retro Do Nothing Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 1x
Description
Lazy Girl’s Retro Pineapple Cake 🍍
This old-school “Do Nothing” Cake is the easiest dessert ever! No fancy steps, no creaming butter—just mix, bake, and smother it in a rich, coconut-pecan topping. It’s the kind of cake that gets better the longer it sits… if you can wait that long! 😍
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pop all the cake ingredients into a bowl and mix everything together.
- Pour into a lined slice tin and bake at 180°C for 35–40 minutes.
- Stab your cake all over with a fork (about 30 times). Trust me, this is the secret to soaking up all the goodness!
- In a saucepan, melt the butter, evaporated milk, and sugar over medium heat until it boils.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
- Pour the warm topping over your cake and spread it out evenly.
- Chill in the fridge for a few hours so all that creamy, coconutty goodness soaks in.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it won’t be as moist. If using fresh pineapple, blitz it in a blender and add a bit of extra juice to keep the batter from drying out.
Absolutely! Walnuts work just as well, or if you prefer a nut-free version, simply leave them out. The coconut still adds a great texture.
Yes! Swap the self-raising flour for a gluten-free self-raising blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.