Lamington-Style Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars

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

Soft sponge cake bars dipped in chocolate and rolled in desiccated coconut, with a fresh raspberry swirl inside inspired by classic Australian lamingtons. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, (1 stick) 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 280 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 Cook: 35 min Serves 8 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk 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 and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup whole milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing each addition just until combined.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold 1/2 cup fresh raspberries into the batter.
  7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Let cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Step 9: Once cooled, cut the cake into 16 squares.
  10. Step 10: Melt 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth.
  11. Step 11: Dip each cake square into the melted chocolate, then immediately roll in 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut to coat. Place on a wire rack to set.
  12. Step 12: Allow the chocolate to firm up before serving. Enjoy your lamington-style cake bars with a raspberry twist.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lamington-Style Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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-Style 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-Style 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-Style Coconut and Raspberry Cake Bars 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-Style 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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