Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting
A twist on classic Australian lamingtons featuring moist sponge cake soaked in espresso syrup and coated with chocolate and shredded coconut. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (113g) unsalted butter, softened, 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 (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp instant espresso powder
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square cake pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7: Meanwhile, dissolve 1 tbsp instant espresso powder in 1/2 cup boiling water and set aside.
- Step 8: Cut the cooled cake into 1 1/2-inch squares. Using a brush, soak each piece lightly with the espresso mixture.
- Step 9: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 10: Dip each espresso-soaked cake square into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off, then roll in 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut to coat fully.
- Step 11: Place coated lamingtons on a wire rack to set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting?
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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting?
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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Dusting?
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.
