Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Glaze
Classic Australian lamingtons reimagined with a rich espresso-infused sponge cake coated in a silky coconut chocolate glaze. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, (113 g) 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 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 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strong brewed espresso, cooled
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 cup cooled strong brewed espresso until smooth.
- Step 4: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Step 5: Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cake cool completely, then cut into 2-inch squares.
- Step 6: To make the glaze, sift 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into a bowl. Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup full-fat canned coconut milk until smooth and pourable.
- Step 7: Dip each cake square into the coconut chocolate glaze, letting excess drip off, then coat generously with 1 1/2 cups toasted shredded coconut.
- Step 8: Place coated lamingtons 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut 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 Espresso-Infused Lamington Cake with Coconut Glaze 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 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.
