Traditional Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam

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

Classic Australian sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in shredded coconut with a raspberry jam filling. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers (113 g) unsalted butter, softened, (200 g) 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 30 min Serves 16 Australian cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
  5. Step 5: Once cooled, cut the sponge cake horizontally to create two layers. Spread 1/3 cup raspberry jam evenly over the bottom layer, then place the top layer back on.
  6. Step 6: Cut the cake into 16 equal squares.
  7. Step 7: To make the chocolate icing, sift 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into a bowl. Add 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter.
  8. Step 8: Pour 1/2 cup boiling water slowly into the cocoa mixture, whisking until smooth and the icing thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  9. Step 9: Dip each cake square into the chocolate icing, then roll immediately in 2 cups desiccated coconut to coat. Place on a wire rack to set before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Lamington Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (40 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 Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?

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 Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?

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 Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam 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 Squares with Coconut and Raspberry Jam?

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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