No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Coconut Chocolate Bars

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

Sweet bars combining chocolate, coconut, and sponge cake flavors, inspired by the classic Australian lamington dessert, without baking. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers digestive biscuits, crushed, unsweetened shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk 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.

Prep: 15 min Serves 12 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups crushed digestive biscuits, 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until a sticky, chocolatey dough forms.
  3. Step 3: Press the mixture evenly into an 8x8-inch lined baking dish, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours until firm and set.
  5. Step 5: Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled as a sweet treat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does No-Bake Lamington-Inspired Coconut Chocolate 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 Coconut Chocolate 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 Coconut Chocolate 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 Coconut Chocolate 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 Coconut Chocolate 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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