Baked Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze
Soft vanilla sponge cubes baked and dipped in a rich chocolate glaze, then rolled in shredded coconut for a classic Australian dessert with a homemade twist. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, (113 g), softened unsalted butter 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 210 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
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (113 g), softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter for glaze
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk in three parts, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until combined but do not overmix.
- Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let sponge cool completely in the pan, then cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
- Step 8: For the chocolate glaze, sift together 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar into a medium bowl. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/2 cup boiling water, whisking until smooth and glossy.
- Step 9: Spread 2 cups shredded coconut on a tray. Using two forks, dip each sponge cube into the chocolate glaze, ensuring all sides are coated, then roll immediately in shredded coconut.
- Step 10: Place coated lamington cubes on a wire rack to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze?
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 Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze?
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 Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze 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 Lamington-Style Vanilla Sponge Cubes with Chocolate Glaze?
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.
