Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut

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

Mini Australian lamington-inspired cake bites, pan-fried and coated in rich chocolate and toasted coconut. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers cut into 1-inch cubes sponge cake, dark chocolate chips, heavy cream 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 6, 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: 15 min Serves 6 Australian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, heat 1/3 cup heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer around the edges. Remove from heat and add 6 oz dark chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Melt 1 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add 8 oz 1-inch sponge cake cubes and sauté gently for 2 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove cake cubes from skillet, dip each cube into the warm chocolate sauce to coat fully, then immediately roll in the toasted coconut until covered.
  5. Step 5: Place coated cake bites on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes until chocolate sets. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut?

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 Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut?

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 Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Skillet Lamington Cake Bites with Chocolate and Coconut?

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.