Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons
Soft sponge cake squares dipped in rich chocolate ganache and rolled in desiccated coconut, inspired by the beloved Tim Tam biscuit. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 45 minutes layers (113g) butter, softened, (150g) granulated sugar, vanilla extract 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 16, 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
- 1/2 cup (113g) butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
- 1 cup (170g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups (135g) desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder.
- Step 4: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1/2 cup milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour, mixing just until combined.
- Step 5: Pour batter into a greased 9x9-inch square baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
- Step 6: While the cake cools, prepare the ganache by heating 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour hot cream over 1 cup chopped bittersweet chocolate in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Step 7: Cut the cooled cake into 2-inch squares. Using forks, dip each square into the chocolate ganache until fully coated, letting excess drip off.
- Step 8: Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cake squares in 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut to cover all sides. Place on a wire rack to set.
- Step 9: Serve the lamingtons once the ganache has firmed up slightly, about 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons?
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 Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons?
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 Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 16 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 16). 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 Tim Tam Inspired Chocolate Lamingtons?
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.
Related recipes
Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Cake Squares
Anzac Biscuit Cookies with Coconut and Golden Syrup
Baked Lamington Sponge Squares with Chocolate and Coconut
Lamington Cake Cubes with Chocolate Coating and Coconut
Lamington-Inspired Chocolate Coconut Squares
Golden Lamingtons with Coconut and Raspberry Jam
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
