Lamington-Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Squares

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

A no-bake treat capturing the beloved Australian lamington flavors with layers of chocolate, sponge cake crumbs, and coconut for an indulgent, easy dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers crumbled plain sponge cake, (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder 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 220 calories and feeds 8, 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: 15 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 200 grams crumbled plain sponge cake with 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well until a sticky chocolate cake batter forms.
  2. Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, mix 1 cup desiccated coconut with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar to sweeten and coat the squares later.
  3. Step 3: Line an 8x8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the chocolate cake mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until firm.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chilled cake from the dish and cut into 16 squares. Roll each square in the coconut mixture until fully coated.
  6. Step 6: Serve chilled or at room temperature as a nostalgic Australian dessert.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamington-Inspired No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Squares take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 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 No-Bake Chocolate Coconut 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 No-Bake 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 No-Bake Chocolate Coconut Squares for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 No-Bake 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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