Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Ganache
Classic Australian lamington sponge subtly infused with bold espresso and coated in a rich coconut-chocolate ganache. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened 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 320 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and a combined mixture of 1/2 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup cooled espresso to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix 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.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare ganache by whisking together 3 cups powdered sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 cup coconut milk in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Step 8: Let the cake cool completely, then cut into 2-inch squares. Dip each square into the chocolate-coconut ganache, then roll in 2 cups shredded sweetened coconut until fully coated.
- Step 9: Place coated lamingtons on a wire rack to set before serving the espresso-infused treat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Ganache 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 Ganache?
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 Ganache?
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 Ganache 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Ganache?
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.
