Espresso-Infused Lamingtons with Dark Chocolate Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Classic Australian sponge cakes soaked in espresso syrup and coated with a rich dark chocolate glaze, finished with desiccated coconut for a nostalgic treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 60 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, 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 250 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch square baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
  2. Step 2: In a large 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.
  3. Step 3: Beat in 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Step 4: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
  6. Step 6: Once cooled, cut the sponge cake into 2-inch squares.
  7. Step 7: Mix 1/2 cup cooled strong brewed espresso with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth to make the soaking syrup.
  8. Step 8: Dip each cake square into the espresso syrup briefly, allowing excess to drip off.
  9. Step 9: Melt 4 oz chopped dark chocolate in a double boiler until smooth.
  10. Step 10: Dip each soaked cake square into the melted chocolate, coating all sides, then immediately roll in 1 cup desiccated coconut. Place on a wire rack to set.
  11. Step 11: Allow lamingtons to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the glaze firm and flavors meld.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Espresso-Infused Lamingtons with Dark Chocolate Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (30 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 Lamingtons with Dark 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 Espresso-Infused Lamingtons with Dark 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 Espresso-Infused Lamingtons with Dark 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 Espresso-Infused Lamingtons with Dark 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.

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