Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes with Chocolate and Coconut
Soft sponge cake cubes dipped in rich chocolate and rolled in shredded coconut, a beloved Australian dessert treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (113g) butter, softened, (150g) granulated sugar, large eggs 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
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) boiling water
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for icing)
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually fold this into the butter mixture alternately with 1/4 cup milk until combined.
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 6: Let the cake cool completely in the pan, then cut into 1.5-inch cubes.
- Step 7: For the chocolate icing, sift 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup cocoa powder into a bowl. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and gradually stir in 1/2 cup boiling water until smooth and pourable.
- Step 8: Dip each cake cube into the chocolate icing, then immediately roll in 2 cups desiccated coconut. Place on a wire rack to set.
- Step 9: Chill the lamingtons for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up the icing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes with Chocolate and Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 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 Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes 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 Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes 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 Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes with Chocolate and Coconut 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 Traditional Lamington Cake Cubes 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.
