Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake Recipe

If you love the classic Australian Lamington, you’ll adore this Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake. This easy sheet cake transforms the traditional chocolate-coated sponge into a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert topped with a sweet raspberry glaze and finished with fluffy shredded coconut. It’s soft, moist, fruity, and perfect for birthdays, afternoon tea, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a beautiful homemade cake.

Unlike traditional Lamingtons that require cutting and dipping individual sponge cakes, this sheet cake version is much quicker and easier to prepare. You still get the signature combination of tender sponge, vibrant raspberry flavor, and coconut in every bite—with far less effort.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 12–16
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: Australian
• Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake is everything you love about the classic dessert in an easier format. The cake is light and fluffy, while the raspberry glaze adds a fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the coconut topping. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd, can be made ahead of time, and looks just as impressive as it tastes.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious results every time.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Raspberry Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ⅓ cup raspberry jam
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

• 1½ cups shredded or desiccated coconut
• Fresh raspberries for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

Before you begin, gather the following:

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

How to Make Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing until a smooth batter forms.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Raspberry Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, raspberry jam, hot water, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but easy to spread.

Step 7: Decorate

• Spread the raspberry glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
• Immediately sprinkle the shredded coconut over the glaze, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
• Garnish with fresh raspberries if desired before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake

Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from becoming too runny. Use a high-quality raspberry jam for the best flavor and color. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

For cleaner slices, chill the cake for about 20 minutes before cutting.

Delicious Variations

This recipe is easy to customize to suit your taste.

• Add fresh raspberries to the cake batter.
• Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam over the cake before glazing.
• Replace raspberry jam with strawberry or blackberry jam.
• Add a little lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
• Drizzle melted white chocolate over the coconut topping for an elegant finish.
• Fold shredded coconut into the cake batter for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect with a cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a cold glass of milk. It also makes a wonderful dessert for birthday parties, afternoon tea, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and bake sales.

Serve slightly chilled during summer or at room temperature for the softest texture.

Storage Instructions

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes. Frozen raspberries work well for garnish once thawed, but raspberry jam is recommended for the glaze.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cake tastes even better after a few hours as the glaze softens into the sponge.

What is a Lamington?

A Lamington is a traditional Australian sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut. This recipe gives the classic dessert a fruity raspberry twist while simplifying the preparation into a sheet cake.

Can I use sweetened coconut?

Yes. Both sweetened shredded coconut and unsweetened desiccated coconut work well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 33g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

This Raspberry Lamington Sheet Cake brings together everything people love about the classic Australian dessert in an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for sharing. With its soft vanilla sponge, vibrant raspberry glaze, and fluffy coconut topping, every slice is bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply treating yourself to a homemade dessert, this delightful cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.