Lamington-Style Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam
A soft vanilla sponge cake coated in rich chocolate ganache, rolled in toasted macadamia nuts, and layered with fresh raspberry jam for an Australian dessert twist. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (227 g) unsalted butter, softened, (200 g) granulated sugar, large eggs 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 8 oz (225 g) bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup macadamia nuts, chopped and toasted
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 2 tsp baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternating with 1/2 cup whole milk, mixing until just combined.
- Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Step 5: For the chocolate ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering, then pour over 8 oz bittersweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit 2 minutes and stir until smooth.
- Step 6: Cut the cooled cake into 2-inch squares. Spread 1/2 tsp raspberry jam on the underside of each square, then dip each square into the chocolate ganache to coat completely.
- Step 7: Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cakes in 1 cup toasted chopped macadamia nuts. Place on a wire rack to set before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lamington-Style Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam 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-Style Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam?
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 Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam?
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 Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam 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-Style Sponge Cake with Macadamia and Raspberry Jam?
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.
