Delicious Raspberry Lamingtons That Will Wow Your Guests

Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Kacper Recipes Team

There s something undeniably delightful about the combination of sweet raspberries and soft sponge cake. I first tasted Raspberry Lamingtons at a friend s gathering, their vibrant hue and coconut-covered exterior instantly mesmerizing me. It was a slice of heaven that transported me to a sunny picnic straight from my childhood memories. As I dove into that fluffy cake, I couldn t shake the thought: why not recreate this treat in my own kitchen?

Today, I m excited to share my version of these irresistible Raspberry Lamingtons, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or to impress your guests at your next gathering. With their delicate sponge soaked in tangy raspberry syrup and the crunch of coconut, these lamingtons not only look stunning but are also surprisingly simple to make. You ll be amazed at how quickly you can transform basic ingredients into a dazzling dessert that speaks to your creativity and love for homemade food. Ready to indulge in this sweet adventure? Let s get baking!

Why are Raspberry Lamingtons a must-try?

Decadent dessert: These Raspberry Lamingtons offer a perfectly sweet balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you ll feel like a pro in your kitchen.
Eye-catching treat: Their vibrant colors and coconut coating make them the ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
Versatile flavors: Feel free to swap out raspberries for your favorite fruits to create new variations!
Impressive presentation: Your friends and family will be wowed by this delightful dessert that looks like it came from a cafe.

Try pairing these lamingtons with a cup of tea for the ultimate afternoon delight!

Raspberry Lamingtons Ingredients

For the Cake

• 5 large eggs Use room temperature eggs for a fluffier cake.
• 1 cup whole milk Whole milk adds richness; can substitute with almond milk for a lighter option.
• 6 tablespoons butter Melted butter lends moisture; unsalted is preferred.
• 2 cups granulated sugar This sweetener balances the tartness of the raspberries.
• 2 cups cake flour Cake flour yields a soft texture; all-purpose flour can work in a pinch.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder Essential for a light, fluffy rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors in this dessert.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Adds warmth and depth to the sponge.

For the Raspberry Glaze

• 10 ounces frozen raspberries Thawed raspberries provide a bright, tangy flavor.
• 1 ¼ cup water, divided Used to dissolve sugar and activate gelatin.
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder Helps set the glaze, ensuring it clings beautifully to the cake.
• 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the glaze to balance the tart raspberries.

For the Coating

• 2 cups powdered sugar Creates a smooth, sweet glaze when mixed with the raspberry syrup.
• ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional) Enhances the color of the raspberry glaze for an eye-catching appearance.
• 2 cups desiccated coconut Adds a lovely texture and a tropical flair to your Raspberry Lamingtons.

These delightful Raspberry Lamingtons will become a cherished recipe in your home!

How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons

1. Warm the Eggs: Begin by placing the eggs in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. This simple step helps to create a fluffier sponge once whisked.

2. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour two 8-inch square cake pans, then line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.

3. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, gently warm the milk and butter over low heat until the butter fully melts. Keep it warm throughout the next steps.

4. Beat the Eggs: Crack the warmed eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for about 8 to 15 minutes. The mixture should triple in volume and become a pale yellow color.

5. Fold the Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Carefully fold these together until just combined, being mindful not to deflate your fluffy batter.

6. Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the warm milk mixture into the batter, along with the vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is nicely blended.

7. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-34 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when ready.

8. Cool the Cakes: Once done, let the cakes cool in their pans on a wire rack. It s crucial to allow proper cooling before moving to the next step.

9. Prepare the Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over ¼ cup of water in a small dish. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften.

10. Make the Raspberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add the thawed raspberries and cook for 5-8 minutes.

11. Strain the Mixture: Strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing with a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

12. Incorporate Gelatin: Heat the softened gelatin in the microwave for about 10 seconds until syrupy. Whisk this into your strained raspberry mixture.

13. Prepare the Glaze: Sift the powdered sugar into a bowl, pour the raspberry syrup over it, and whisk until smooth. If desired, mix in the red food coloring for extra vibrancy. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.

14. Trim and Cut the Cakes: Trim the edges of the cooled sponge cakes, then cut them into 2-inch squares. Place these squares in the freezer for about 30 minutes for easier coating.

15. Setup for Coating: Prepare two bowls one filled with the raspberry glaze, and the other with desiccated coconut for coating.

16. Coat Each Square: Using a fork, dip each cake square into the raspberry glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll it in the coconut, placing it on a wire rack to set.

17. Chill to Set: Once all squares are coated, transfer them to the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to firm up.

Optional: Drizzle with extra raspberry sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These delightful Raspberry Lamingtons are perfect for busy home cooks who want to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the sponge cakes and freeze the cut squares up to 3 days in advance for optimal freshness. After baking and cooling, simply wrap each square in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. The raspberry glaze can also be made ahead; just refrigerate it for up to 2 days before using. When you re ready to serve, coat the chilled cake squares with the raspberry glaze and desiccated coconut, and refrigerate them for 20-30 minutes to set. This way, you ll have a stunning dessert ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort!

Expert Tips for Raspberry Lamingtons

• Egg Temperature Matters: Use warm eggs to create a lighter sponge by placing them in warm water before cracking. Don t skip this step, as cold eggs can result in a denser cake.

• Gentle Folding Technique: When incorporating dry ingredients into your egg mixture, fold carefully to maintain the airiness. Over-mixing may deflate the batter, making your raspberry lamingtons less fluffy.

• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Ensure the cakes are fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. This ensures the right texture without being under or overcooked.

• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans to room temperature before trimming and freezing. This helps set the structure, making them easier to handle during coating.

• Perfect Glaze Consistency: Refrigerate the raspberry glaze until slightly thickened but still pourable. This ensures a beautiful finish that coats evenly without dripping too much.

• Experiment with Coconut: For a twist, try using flavored or tinted coconut to match seasonal themes. This can add an extra layer of delight to your raspberry lamingtons!

What to Serve with Raspberry Lamingtons?

Creating a delightful dining experience goes beyond just the dessert; it s all about bringing together flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds.

• Fresh Berries: Brighten your plate with a mix of strawberries and blueberries; their tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet lamingtons.

• Whipped Cream: Fluffy whipped cream adds a luscious touch; its lightness balances the dense coconut and raspberry layers.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts into the warm lamington, creating a harmony of flavors and temperatures.

Elevate your dessert experience with a fruity compote or some crushed nuts for an unexpected crunch.

• Earl Grey Tea: The floral notes of Earl Grey tea complement the raspberry, enhancing the entire flavor profile.

• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the lamingtons introduces an indulgent twist and a touch of decadence.

• Sparkling Water: For a refreshing palate cleanser, serve with chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or mint.

Raspberry Lamingtons Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful treats and elevate your baking experience!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free blend. The texture may vary but will still be delicious!

• Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.

• Fruit Fusion: Swap raspberries for strawberries or blueberries for a different fruity flair. Each change brings a new burst of sweetness!

• Chocolate Lovers: Dip the cake squares in melted chocolate instead of raspberry glaze for a rich, decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.

• Zesty Kick: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a refreshing citrus punch that brightens the cake.

• Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk instead of whole milk for an exotic flavor that perfectly complements the desiccated coconut.

• Spicy Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the raspberry glaze for those who enjoy a surprising kick with their sweet treats.

• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with aquafaba and substitute butter with coconut oil to create vegan-friendly Raspberry Lamingtons that everyone can enjoy!

How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Lamingtons

Fridge: Store your Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.

Freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze your lamingtons in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy them warm, take frozen lamingtons out and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Thawing: For the best texture, thaw the raspberry lamingtons overnight in the fridge. They will stay moist and delicious, ready to impress your guests!

Raspberry Lamingtons Recipe FAQs

How do I select ripe raspberries for the glaze?
Look for raspberries that are plump and firm, with a deep red color. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly mushy, as they may be overripe. Fresh raspberries will give you the best flavor and consistency for your glaze.

What s the best way to store Raspberry Lamingtons?
Store your Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in the container to avoid sogginess.

Can I freeze Raspberry Lamingtons?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the lamingtons in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes, ensuring they don t touch each other. Once they are slightly frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. They can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

What should I do if my sponge cake turns out dense?
If your sponge cake ends up dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using cold eggs. Always ensure you gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones to preserve the air you ve whipped in. Using warm eggs can help produce a lighter cake, as mentioned earlier.

Are Raspberry Lamingtons safe for pets?
While the main ingredients in Raspberry Lamingtons (cake, raspberries, and coconut) are not toxic to pets, the sugar content and potential additives can be harmful. It s best to keep these delicious treats away from your furry friends and stick to pet-safe treats.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen ones?
Yes, you can definitely use fresh raspberries! Just be sure to wash them gently to maintain their shape. Fresh raspberries will give your glaze a vibrant flavor, but make sure they are ripe for the best results!