No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Bars
Decadent no-bake bars featuring rich chocolate, coconut, and a hint of sponge cake flavor, inspired by the classic Australian lamington dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers sweetened condensed milk, unsweetened cocoa powder, (1 stick), melted 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 220 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 sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups desiccated coconut
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Step 2: Add 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt to the chocolate mixture; stir until fully combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 1.5 cups desiccated coconut, reserving 1/2 cup for topping.
- Step 4: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a greased 8x8-inch square baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup coconut evenly over the top, pressing gently.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the pan for at least 3 hours or until firm enough to cut into squares. Serve chilled for a rich, coconut-chocolate treat.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Bars 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 No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut 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 No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut 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 No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Bars 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-Inspired Chocolate Coconut 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.
