Lamington-Inspired Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars
Soft sponge cake bars soaked in a raspberry glaze, coated in chocolate and rolled in shredded coconut, inspired by the classic Australian lamington. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 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 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 unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, toasted
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk in three additions starting and ending with flour, mixing until just 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: Once cooled, cut the sponge into 16 equal bars. Spread 1/2 cup raspberry jam evenly onto the top of each bar.
- Step 8: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tbsp light corn syrup in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Step 9: Dip each jam-coated bar into the chocolate, letting excess drip off, then immediately roll in 1 1/2 cups toasted shredded coconut to coat completely.
- Step 10: Place bars on parchment paper to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamington-Inspired Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars 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 Lamington-Inspired Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars?
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 Lamington-Inspired Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars?
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 Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars 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 Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars?
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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