Raspberry Lamingtons

Featured in Sweet Moments of Joy.

Classic Australian dessert with sponge cake cubes in raspberry glaze and coconut. Takes about 70 minutes plus chilling time. Elegant and delicious treat.
Barbara Chef
Recipe by Barbara
Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 17:38:53 GMT
A pile of red and white frosted cake cubes. Pin it
A pile of red and white frosted cake cubes. | gracefulflavors.com

Raspberry lamingtons elevate the classic Australian treat with a bright berry twist. Each perfect square delivers a tender sponge cake enrobed in raspberry glaze and rolled in fine coconut, creating something that's both familiar and fresh. It's like having traditional lamingtons dressed up in their Sunday best with a gorgeous pink hue.

Last month, I served these at an afternoon tea, and my friend who "only likes chocolate lamingtons" asked for seconds. The way the raspberry glaze soaks into the tender sponge creates something truly magical.

Essential Ingredients

  • Hot Milk Sponge: Creates perfect texture
  • Fresh Raspberries: Or frozen work well
  • Desiccated Coconut: Finer than standard shredded
  • Quality Gelatin: Helps set the glaze
  • Pure Vanilla: Enhances cake flavor
  • Good Butter: Real butter makes a difference
A plate full of red and white desserts. Pin it
A plate full of red and white desserts. | gracefulflavors.com

Detailed Instructions

Perfect the Sponge:
Whip eggs to ribbon stage. Add hot milk carefully. Mix just until combined. Watch baking time carefully.
Create the Glaze:
Cook raspberries until soft. Strain to remove seeds. Add gelatin properly. Watch temperature carefully.
Master the Assembly:
Cut cake into perfect squares. Trim all golden surfaces. Freeze briefly for easier handling. Keep workspace organized.
Perfect the Coating:
Glaze with gentle spooning. Let excess drip properly. Roll in coconut evenly. Work in small batches.
Finish with Care:
Chill to set completely. Store in single layers. Keep cool until serving. Present on pretty platter.

This recipe evolved from my love of traditional lamingtons and fresh raspberries. After experimenting with different glazes and techniques, this version achieves that perfect balance of tender cake and fruity coating while maintaining the classic lamington charm.

A pile of red and white frosted cake cubes. Pin it
A pile of red and white frosted cake cubes. | gracefulflavors.com

Making it Your Own

Through countless batches, I've learned that success lies in the details - the texture of your sponge, the thickness of your glaze, and most importantly, your coating technique. I particularly love how this recipe welcomes variations - sometimes I'll add vanilla bean to the cake, other times I'll layer with raspberry jam.

After perfecting this recipe, I've found it's more than just a dessert - it's a way to honor a classic while adding something new. Whether served for afternoon tea or special occasion, they never fail to delight. The combination of tender sponge and fresh raspberry proves that sometimes the best recipes come from respectfully updating traditions.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Why warm the eggs?
Warm eggs whip to higher volume, creating a lighter, fluffier sponge cake.
→ Why freeze the cake squares?
Freezing makes them easier to handle when coating with glaze and coconut.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, they keep well in an airtight container for several days.
→ Is food coloring necessary?
No, it's optional and only used to maintain a bright raspberry color.
→ Can I use fresh raspberries?
Frozen work better as they break down more easily for the glaze.

Classic Raspberry Lamingtons

Traditional Australian dessert featuring soft sponge cake cubes coated in raspberry glaze and desiccated coconut. Perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
Recipe by: Barbara

Recipe Type: Irresistible Desserts

Skill Level: Advanced

Style of Cooking: Australian

Makes: 18 Serves (18 Lamingtons)

Dietary Notes: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

→ Hot Milk Sponge Cake

01 5 eggs
02 1 cup whole milk
03 6 tablespoons butter
04 2 cups sugar (400g)
05 2 cups cake flour (220g)
06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

→ Raspberry Glaze

09 2 teaspoons gelatin powder
10 1 cup sugar (200g)
11 1 1/4 cups water, divided
12 10 ounces frozen raspberries, thawed
13 2 cups confectioners sugar (250g)
14 1/4 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)

→ Coating

15 2 cups desiccated coconut

Let's Cook!

Step 01

Warm eggs in shells. Heat milk and butter. Beat eggs and sugar until tripled in volume. Fold in sifted dry ingredients, then warm milk mixture

Step 02

Divide batter between two 8-inch square pans. Bake at 350°F for 30-34 minutes until done

Step 03

Bloom gelatin. Cook sugar, water, and raspberries. Strain, add gelatin and confectioners sugar. Chill until thickened

Step 04

Cut cake into 2-inch squares, freeze 30 minutes. Coat in raspberry glaze then coconut. Chill to set

Cook's Notes

  1. Warm eggs whip to higher volume
  2. Freezing cake squares makes coating easier
  3. Use fork to coat squares for less mess

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Two 8-inch square cake pans
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Notes

Always check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

These values are estimates and should be used as a general guide.
  • Calories: 259
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 4 g