Lamington-Inspired Coconut Sponge Cake Squares

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft vanilla sponge cake squares dipped in rich chocolate glaze and coated with shredded coconut, inspired by the iconic Australian lamington. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, (113 g), softened unsalted butter 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 280 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture in three additions, beginning and ending with flour, mixing gently until just combined.
  6. Step 6: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  7. Step 7: Meanwhile, melt 6 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate with 2 tbsp light corn syrup in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Cut the cooled cake into 2-inch squares. Dip each square into the chocolate glaze, letting excess drip off, then roll immediately in 1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut to coat evenly.
  9. Step 9: Place coated squares on a wire rack to set before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamington-Inspired Coconut Sponge Cake Squares 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 Sponge Cake Squares?

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 Sponge Cake 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 Coconut Sponge Cake Squares 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 Lamington-Inspired Coconut Sponge Cake 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.

Related recipes