No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze
Soft sponge layers coated in rich chocolate and rolled in toasted coconut, transformed into easy-to-make lamington bars. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers sweetened shredded coconut, unsweetened cocoa powder, powdered sugar 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 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 whole (about 8 oz) plain sponge cake, cut into 9x9 inch square
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Whisk in 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder until smooth and combined.
- Step 2: Gradually stir in 1/2 cup whole milk and 1 tsp vanilla extract, whisking constantly until the glaze is glossy and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Place 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut in a shallow bowl for coating.
- Step 4: Cut 1 whole plain sponge cake (about 8 oz) into 1.5-inch squares. Using a fork, dip each square into the chocolate glaze to fully coat, then immediately roll it in the shredded coconut to cover all sides.
- Step 5: Place coated lamington bars on a wire rack set over parchment paper to catch drips. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until glaze is set before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze?
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 No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze?
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 No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze 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 No-Bake Lamington Bars with Coconut and Chocolate Glaze?
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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