Introduction

These easy homemade raspberry lamingtons are the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a stunning, berry-filled treat that’s both light and indulgent. If you love raspberry desserts, you might also enjoy this Raspberry Chocolate Lasagna Recipe for another simple, crowd-pleasing option.

Recipe Title: Raspberry Lamingtons image-2

Ingredients

This raspberry lamingtons recipe layers a soft vanilla sponge with a vibrant raspberry jelly and a sweet, pink-tinted coconut coating for a delightful treat.

For the Sponge Cake:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 cups cake flour (220 grams; all-purpose flour can be substituted with a slight texture change)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Jelly Filling:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1¼ cup water, divided
- 10 ounces frozen raspberries, thawed
For the Icing & Coating:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for a pink hue)
- 2 cups desiccated coconut

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This Raspberry Lamingtons recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to a simplified assembly method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then fold in sifted self-raising flour and milk until just combined.

Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter to ensure your Raspberry Lamingtons have a tender, delicate crumb.

Step 2 — Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For best results, wrap the cooled cake and chill it for a few hours or overnight—this makes it much easier to cut and dip.

Step 3 — Cut the Cake Squares

Once the cake is firm, trim off any hard edges for neat squares. Cut the cake into even portions, traditionally about 2-inch squares. Having uniform pieces ensures they coat evenly in the raspberry icing.

Step 4 — Make the Raspberry Icing

Sift icing sugar into a large bowl to remove any lumps. Stir in desiccated coconut. In a separate jug, mix raspberry jam with a few tablespoons of boiling water until smooth. Gradually whisk the raspberry mixture into the icing sugar until you have a smooth, pourable glaze.

Tip: The icing should be thin enough to coat but thick enough to cling. Adjust with a touch more water or icing sugar as needed.

Step 5 — Coat the Cake Squares

Place a cake square on a fork and dip it into the raspberry icing, turning to coat all sides. Allow excess icing to drip back into the bowl. Work quickly but carefully for a smooth finish.

Step 6 — Roll in Coconut

Immediately after dipping, roll the wet cake square in a plate of extra desiccated coconut. Ensure all sides are evenly covered. Transfer to a wire rack set over a tray to catch any drips.

Tip: Use one hand for dipping and the other for rolling to keep your fingers relatively clean.

Step 7 — Set and Serve

Let the finished Raspberry Lamingtons set at room temperature for at least an hour so the icing firms up. This prevents the coconut from becoming soggy.

These treats are best enjoyed the day they are made, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~4g
Carbohydrates	~45g
Fat	~9g
Fiber	~1g
Sodium	~120mg

Note: Nutritional values for these Raspberry Lamingtons are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple swaps can tailor your Raspberry Lamingtons to various dietary needs without sacrificing the classic taste.

Protein Powder in the Sponge — Replace up to a quarter of the flour with unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder for a satisfying, higher-protein treat.
Almond or Coconut Flour — Use a gluten-free blend or fine almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free sponge with a nutty flavor.
Coconut Milk or Yogurt — Swap dairy milk or yogurt in the batter and icing with full-fat coconut versions for a rich, dairy-free alternative.
Sugar-Free Jam & Reduced-Sugar Icing — Opt for a no-sugar-added raspberry jam and use a sugar substitute like erythritol in the chocolate icing for a lower-sugar version.
Dark Chocolate Coating — Use high-cocoa (70%+) dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the coating to reduce sugar and add antioxidants.
Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut — Choose unsweetened coconut for rolling to significantly cut down on added sugars.
Applesauce for Fat — Substitute half the butter or oil in the sponge with unsweetened applesauce to lower the fat content while keeping it moist.
Homemade Low-Sodium Raspberry Sauce — Make your own raspberry coulis from fresh or frozen berries to control and eliminate added sodium.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these raspberry lamingtons with a cup of strong coffee or a pot of Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
For a festive occasion, arrange them on a tiered cake stand alongside other petits fours and fresh berries.
Serve as a sweet finale to a summer barbecue or picnic, as they are perfectly portable and mess-free.
Elevate the plating by dusting the finished raspberry lamingtons with a light snowfall of powdered sugar just before serving.
For an elegant dessert, plate a single raspberry lamington with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of raspberry coulis.
Transform them into a show-stopping dessert by stacking them into a small tower, secured with a decorative skewer.

These raspberry lamingtons are wonderfully versatile, fitting for everything from a casual morning tea to a sophisticated dinner party. Their vibrant color and classic shape make them a joy to present.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake: Using warm or freshly baked cake, which crumbles when coated. Fix: Bake, cool completely, and chill the cake overnight for clean, sharp cuts.
Mistake: Making the raspberry jam too thin, causing soggy squares. Fix: Cook the jam until it thickly coats the back of a spoon so it acts as a sealant.
Mistake: Over-mixing the sponge, resulting in a tough, dense texture. Fix: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined for a light, airy crumb.
Mistake: Dipping cake squares directly into a thick icing, creating a gluggy shell. Fix: Thin the raspberry icing to a pourable consistency for a delicate, even coat.
Mistake: Applying desiccated coconut with your hands, leading to clumpy, uneven coverage. Fix: Toss squares in a shallow tray of coconut for a uniform, snowy finish.
Mistake: Rushing the setting process, causing the icing to slide off. Fix: Let coated Lamingtons set on a wire rack for at least an hour.
Mistake: Skipping the crumb coat of jam or icing, exposing bare cake patches. Fix: Apply a thin base layer to catch crumbs before the final dip and roll.
Mistake: Storing them airtight immediately, which softens the coconut. Fix: Let them set uncovered first, then store in a single layer to maintain texture.

Storing Tips

Fridge: Store your Raspberry Lamingtons in a single layer in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the lamingtons on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat: For a warm treat, place a thawed lamington on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 10-15 seconds, just until the sponge is warm. Do not overheat, as the chocolate coating may melt.

Always ensure leftovers are cooled completely before storing. For food safety, do not leave Raspberry Lamingtons at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful twist on a classic treat, perfect for afternoon tea or a special dessert. If you love raspberry desserts, you might also enjoy our Raspberry Cheesecake Bites with Chocolate Crust Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment with your results and subscribe for more sweet ideas!