Traditional Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache and Coconut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft sponge cake cubes dipped in rich chocolate ganache and rolled in desiccated coconut, capturing the essence of a beloved Australian dessert. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers (115 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 220 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: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 16 Australian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  2. Step 2: Sift 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 tsp baking powder into the wet mixture alternately with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Pour batter into a greased 8x8-inch baking pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. Step 4: For the chocolate ganache, sift 2 cups powdered sugar and 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder into a heatproof bowl. Add 1/2 cup boiling water and stir until smooth and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Cut the cooled sponge cake into 1 1/2-inch cubes. Dip each cube into the chocolate ganache to coat completely, then immediately roll in 2 cups desiccated coconut. Place on a wire rack to set before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache and Coconut take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache 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 Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache 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 Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache 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 Lamingtons with Chocolate Ganache 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.

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