Name: Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 34 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 5 large eggs; 1 cup whole milk; 6 tablespoons butter; 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams); 2 cups cake flour (220 grams); 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder; 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams); 1¼ cup water (divided); 10 ounces frozen raspberries (thawed); 2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams); ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional); 2 cups desiccated coconut

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines fluffy sponge cake, tangy raspberry glaze, and a cloud of coconut, then you’re going to adore this Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe. These charming bite-sized squares bring together classic Australian flavors with a vibrant raspberry twist that’s perfect for any occasion. The soft sponge soaked in luscious raspberry syrup and rolled in desiccated coconut creates a heavenly balance of texture and taste that’s utterly irresistible. Once you try this Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe, it might just become your new favorite go-to dessert for sharing with friends and family.

A small square dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The outer layer is bright red and covered with white shredded coconut, creating a rough texture. Inside this red layer, there is a creamy pale yellow middle layer, smooth and soft looking. A bite is taken out of one corner, showing all these layers clearly. Behind the dessert, a silver fork with a small bite of the dessert on it lies on the plate. The overall look is clean and bright with a simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, essential ingredients, this Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe relies on fresh eggs for lift, creamy butter for richness, and raspberries to brighten the flavor and color. Each element works harmoniously to create a moist sponge and a luscious raspberry coating that gives these lamingtons their classic appeal.

5 large eggs: Warming them beforehand helps achieve maximum volume and fluffiness for the sponge.
1 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the cake batter.
6 tablespoons butter: Melted into the milk for richness and tenderness in the sponge.
2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams): Sweetens the cake and brings balance to the tart raspberry glaze.
2 cups cake flour (220 grams): Provides a delicate crumb that holds the sponge together without heaviness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives a light lift to the cake, helping it rise beautifully.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sponge and glaze.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma and smooth flavor to the cake.
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder: Sets the raspberry glaze, giving it a lovely sheen and thickness.
1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams): Sweetens the raspberry syrup for perfect balance.
1¼ cup water (divided): Used both for soaking the gelatin and creating the raspberry syrup.
10 ounces frozen raspberries (thawed): The star of the show, bringing vibrant color and tangy sweetness to the glaze.
2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams): Smooths the raspberry glaze and adds sweetness to the coating.
¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional): Enhances the raspberry hue but is totally optional if you prefer natural coloring.
2 cups desiccated coconut: The classic lamington coating that adds texture and a subtle nutty flavor.

How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Hot Milk Sponge Cake

Start by warming the eggs in a bowl of warm water to help them whip up into a voluminous, pale yellow mixture, essential for a light sponge. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prep your cake pans by greasing, flouring, and lining them with parchment. Slowly warm milk with butter on the stove until just melted and keep warm.

Step 2: Whip Eggs and Sugar

Beat the warmed eggs and sugar on high speed for 8 to 15 minutes until the mixture triples in volume and becomes fluffy with soft peaks. This step is crucial to the sponge’s airy texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps, then gently fold them into your egg mixture. It’s okay if you still see a few streaks of flour; over-mixing can deflate your batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Warm Milk Mixture and Bake

Add vanilla extract to your warm milk mixture, then gently stir it into the batter. Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 30-34 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Raspberry Glaze and Coconut Coating

While the cake cools, soften gelatin in ¼ cup water. Heat remaining water, sugar, and raspberries in a saucepan, simmering until the raspberries break down. Strain to get smooth syrup, whisk in warmed gelatin, then mix with confectioners’ sugar and optional red coloring. Chill the glaze until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Assemble the Lamingtons

Trim cake edges and cut the sponge into 2-inch squares. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up, making them easier to coat. Dip each chilled square into raspberry glaze, then roll in coconut, coating every side. Place on a wire rack to set, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe

Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A little extra flair goes a long way. You can dust the finished Raspberry Lamingtons with powdered sugar or sprinkle a few fresh raspberries on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. Mint leaves also add a lovely pop of green and a refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

These raspberry treats pair wonderfully with a simple cup of tea or coffee. For a heartier dessert experience, serve alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tangy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, thread several lamingtons onto skewers for mini lamington kebabs at parties. You can also stack them in a pyramid for a stunning dessert centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the moistness of the sponge and prevents the coconut from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze these lamingtons after coating. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze first, then transfer to an airtight container or zip-lock bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

Because of their coating and delicate texture, it’s best to enjoy Raspberry Lamingtons chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them softer, let them rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes after refrigeration before eating.

FAQs

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen for the glaze?

Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work beautifully and might even provide a brighter flavor. Just be sure to simmer them gently to break them down and extract their juices for the glaze.

What makes this recipe different from traditional lamingtons?

This Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe adds a delightful raspberry glaze instead of the usual chocolate coating, giving the lamingtons a fresh, fruity twist without losing the iconic coconut coating.

Is there a substitute for gelatin in the raspberry glaze?

If you want to avoid gelatin, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity and cooking method accordingly to achieve the same thickened consistency.

Can I make the sponge cake a day ahead?

Yes, baking the sponge a day in advance can actually make assembly easier. Just wrap the cooled sponge tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until you’re ready to cut and coat.

How do I ensure the sponge is light and fluffy?

The key is beating the warmed eggs and sugar until tripled in volume and folding in the dry ingredients gently. Avoid over-mixing to retain the air bubbles that make the sponge airy and soft.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe is a wonderful showcase of how simple ingredients and a little love can transform into a crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these raspberry-dipped coconut delights are sure to bring joy. Go ahead, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly these beauties disappear at your table!