Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares
Soft sponge cake squares soaked in cherry syrup, coated with chocolate icing and rolled in toasted coconut, reimagining the iconic Australian lamington with a fruity twist. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers softened unsalted butter, (200 g) caster sugar, large eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 125 g, softened unsalted butter
- 1 cup (200 g) caster sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (190 g) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup (150 g) cherry jam
- 150 g dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) coconut cream
- 1 1/2 cups (120 g), toasted desiccated coconut
- 1/2 cup (75 g), pitted and chopped (optional) fresh cherries
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 125 g softened unsalted butter and 1 cup caster sugar (200 g) with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. Sift together 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour (190 g) and 1 tsp baking powder, then fold gently into the wet ingredients alternating with 1/2 cup full-fat milk (120 ml) until smooth.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/2 cup cherry jam (150 g) and optionally 1/2 cup chopped fresh cherries (75 g) for bursts of fruit. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate icing by gently melting 150 g dark chocolate chips with 1/4 cup coconut cream (60 ml) in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 5: Cut the cooled sponge into 2-inch squares. Dip each square into the warm chocolate icing, allowing excess to drip off, then immediately roll in 1 1/2 cups toasted desiccated coconut (120 g) to coat thoroughly. Place on a rack to set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cherry and Coconut Lamington Squares?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
