Tinginys, affectionately known as the Lazy Cake, is a beloved no-bake dessert straight from Lithuania—rich, chocolaty, and irresistibly nostalgic. With buttery crushed cookies wrapped in a luscious chocolate-condensed milk mixture, this treat is as easy to make as it is impossible to resist. Whether served at family gatherings or sneaked from the fridge as a late-night indulgence, Tinginys delivers comfort in every bite.

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🧁 What Is Tinginys?

In Lithuanian, “Tinginys” translates to lazy person or lazybones, and the name fits perfectly. This no-fuss dessert is made by simply combining a handful of pantry staples—crushed cookies, cocoa, sweetened condensed milk, and butter—into a rich mixture that sets in the fridge. No baking, no special equipment, just pure indulgence. Often likened to chocolate salami in appearance and texture, it’s the kind of treat that generations in Lithuania grew up with. And once you’ve tried it, it’s easy to see why this cake has stood the test of time.

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🧒 A Dessert Made for All Ages

For many Lithuanians, Tinginys is one of the first desserts they ever helped make as children—breaking cookies into uneven chunks, licking the spoon, and “accidentally” leaving extra chocolate mixture in the pot. It’s the perfect hands-on recipe to make with kids, from toddlers who love smashing biscuits to older children learning to stir over the stove. There’s no need to wait for a birthday or holiday—Tinginys is a treat that fits any occasion… or no occasion at all. 🎉

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

To recreate an authentic Lithuanian Lazy Cake, here’s what you’ll need:

• 200 g (7 oz) unsalted butter – preferably European-style for that extra richness (82% fat)
• 400 g (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder – natural or Dutch-processed both work
• 50 g (2 oz) dark chocolate, chopped – semi-sweet or bittersweet is best
• 540 g (1.2 lb) plain cookies – traditional Lithuanian "Gaidelis" are ideal, but rich tea biscuits, digestive biscuits, Marie biscuits, or even stale shortbread can work

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🍫 How to Make Tinginys – Step-by-Step

1️⃣ Break the Biscuits

Roughly snap cookies into bite-sized pieces. No need for uniformity—the rustic texture is part of the charm.

2️⃣ Melt the Chocolate Base

In a large saucepan, combine butter, sweetened condensed milk, cocoa powder, and chopped chocolate.
Melt everything over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Once combined, raise the heat to medium and cook for another minute or two until the mixture thickens slightly and pulls from the sides of the pan. Be careful not to burn it—keep stirring!

3️⃣ Mix In the Cookies

Remove the pan from heat and add the crushed cookies. Stir to coat every crumb in that glossy chocolate mixture.

4️⃣ Shape the Cake

Line a 2 lb loaf pan with plastic wrap or parchment, leaving extra overhang. Spoon in the mixture, pressing it down firmly to eliminate air pockets. Fold over the plastic wrap and weigh it down with another loaf tin and a couple of cans if needed.

5️⃣ Chill

Refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results. Once fully set, lift it out, unwrap, slice, and serve. Pure magic! ✨

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🌟 Expert Tips for Perfect Tinginys

  ✅ Let it bubble – A quick simmer helps thicken the chocolate mixture so the cake sets beautifully. ✅ Add your twist – Stir in chopped nuts, dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or crushed pretzels for a personalized touch. ✅ No loaf tin? Shape it into a log using wax paper and chill like chocolate salami. ✅ Avoid air pockets – Press the mixture down firmly and weigh it while chilling for a clean, sliceable finish. ✅ Festive flair – Garnish with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for Christmas, or mini eggs for Easter 🐣.

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🧊 Storage Tips

Tinginys keeps like a dream:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Slice into individual portions and wrap each piece for easy grab-and-go treats!

Just thaw and enjoy—no baking, no mess, no stress. 🙌

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🔧 Kitchen Equipment

• 2 lb loaf pan
• Large saucepan
• Parchment paper or strong cling film
• Spatula or wooden spoon

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📌 Why You’ll Love This Lithuanian Lazy Cake

• No oven needed 🔥
• Perfect for kids to help with 🧒
• Ready to chill in 15 minutes ⏱
• A crowd-pleaser at any party 🎉
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins 🥥🍒🥜

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🇱🇹 Taste Lithuania in Every Bite

From its charming simplicity to its deep chocolate flavor, Tinginys is a true Lithuanian treasure. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or reliving a sweet childhood memory, this no-bake chocolate cake is sure to win hearts. Ready to get lazy in the kitchen? Grab those cookies and let’s make some Tinginys! 💛