Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam
Soft sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut, filled with a layer of tangy raspberry jam. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (113 g) unsalted butter, softened, (200 g) granulated 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 180 calories and feeds 16, 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
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) boiling water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for icing)
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 3: Add the flour mixture alternately with 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 5: Once cooled, cut the sponge in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread 1/2 cup raspberry jam evenly over the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on.
- Step 6: To make chocolate icing, sift 1/3 cup cocoa powder and 2 cups powdered sugar into a bowl. Add 1/2 cup boiling water and 2 tbsp unsalted butter, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Cut the cake into 2-inch squares. Dip each square into the chocolate icing to coat all sides, then immediately roll in 2 cups desiccated coconut. Place on a wire rack to set.
- Step 8: Let the lamingtons sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the icing to firm up.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam 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 Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?
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 Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?
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 Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 Classic Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?
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.
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