Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft sponge cake squares dipped in rich chocolate ganache and rolled in desiccated coconut, inspired by Australia's iconic lamington dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes pairs (180g) all-purpose flour, baking powder, (113g), softened unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 16 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  7. Step 7: For ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering. Remove from heat and add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth and glossy.
  8. Step 8: Cut cooled cake into 16 equal squares. Using forks, dip each square into the chocolate ganache, letting excess drip off, then roll immediately in 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut until fully coated. Place on a wire rack to set.
  9. Step 9: Allow ganache to set for 30 minutes before serving these coconut-coated chocolate squares inspired by lamingtons.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (180g) all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares?

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 Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares 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 Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares?

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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