Lamingtons Recipe: Classic Australian Chocolate Coconut Cake 2026

Lamingtons are delightful bite-sized squares of fluffy sponge cake, coated in a rich chocolate icing and rolled in shredded coconut. They are a beloved treat in Australia, often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether filled with jam or cream, they are always delicious.

The story goes that these little cakes originated in Queensland, Australia, and were named after Lord Lamington, the state's governor in the late 19th century. His chef supposedly improvised a dessert using leftover sponge cake, dipping it in chocolate and rolling it in coconut. The result was so popular that it became known by the governor's name.

For perfect lamingtons, let the sponge cake cool completely, preferably overnight. The chocolate icing should be fluid but not too runny. You can serve them plain or filled with jam or cream; simply add the filling before coating. Either way, they are exquisite.

Ingredients for Lamingtons

Makes 16 lamingtons

• 3 medium eggs
• 120 g white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 120 g wheat flour
• 500 g powdered sugar, sifted
• 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 10-12 tablespoons whole milk
• 15 g melted butter
• 125 g shredded coconut
• Raspberry jam for filling (optional)

How to Make Lamingtons Step by Step

1. Grease and line the pan

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) with top and bottom heat. Grease and line a 20 x 20 cm square pan.

2. Beat eggs with sugar, vanilla, and salt

Beat 3 medium eggs with 120 g white sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla paste, and ½ teaspoon salt until the mixture doubles in volume.

3. Sift and fold in flour

Sift 120 g wheat flour and fold it in gently with enveloping motions.

4. Bake for 25-30 minutes

Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes at 180°C, until the surface is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

5. Cool completely and unmold

Remove from the oven and let the sponge cake cool completely on a wire rack before unmolding.

6. Cut into 16 portions

Once cooled, cut the sponge cake into 16 portions using a serrated knife. Set aside. If filling, cut each portion in half, add a teaspoon of jam in the center, and sandwich back together.

7. Prepare the chocolate icing

Prepare the icing by mixing 500 g sifted powdered sugar with 50 g sifted unsweetened cocoa powder, 10-12 tablespoons whole milk, and 15 g melted butter. Add the milk gradually until you achieve a fluid texture, ideal for dipping but not too liquid.

8. Dip in icing and coat with coconut

Dip each of the 16 sponge pieces in the icing using a fork. Let excess icing drip off, then roll in 125 g shredded coconut. Place on parchment paper and let the icing dry completely.

9. Serve the lamingtons

Serve the lamingtons as a dessert or as a sweet breakfast accompanied by a coffee with milk.

Tips for the Best Lamingtons

Let the sponge cake rest

For perfect lamingtons, let the sponge cake cool completely, even overnight. This makes it easier to cut and handle.

Get the icing consistency right

The chocolate icing should be fluid but not too liquid. Add milk gradually until it coats the back of a spoon but still drips off slowly.

Filling options

You can serve lamingtons plain or filled with jam or cream. To fill, simply add the filling before coating with icing and coconut.

30 Go-To Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything—cozy comfort classics, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I'll reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this sophisticated Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when I want something fruity and cozy, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my reliable pick.

Come breakfast time or when I'm after a lighter bite, I'll whip up these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean-inspired spreads, I'll bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion calls for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is a favorite of mine to serve.

Hearty midday meals and slow, cozy suppers are where these shine: the warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply savory Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Craving something even more substantial? I'll bake up this hearty Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultimate comfort plate, this French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

When street-food cravings hit or I'm feeding a crowd, out come this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These fuss-free Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make a great little appetizer or snack.

And when I'm mixing drinks and planning a whole spread for company, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To tie the whole meal together, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, dependable technique, and serious flavor.

These are the recipes I find myself making over and over—whether it's a fast solo meal or a festive spread for loved ones.

On the sweet side, the rich, velvety Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together easily. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the beloved Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture really helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

For something light and effortless, I'll typically make the traditional Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. When I want a heartier comfort dish, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the speedy weeknight winner, this One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also a big fan of sharing dishes rooted in tradition from all over the world, like the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and Spain's classic Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture without eating up time. My regular lineup includes the Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be indulgent, cheesy, and completely satisfying without any gluten.

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