3-Ingredient Lamington Balls are a quick and delicious no-bake treat inspired by the classic Australian dessert. Made with only three simple ingredients, these bite-sized delights pack all the flavors of traditional lamingtons—chocolate, coconut, and cake—in a fraction of the time. Perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you’re craving something sweet!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires just three ingredients and no baking.
- Quick to make—ready in under 15 minutes.
- Portable and perfect for parties or snacks.
- Easy to customize with additional flavors.
- A fun and simple recipe for all skill levels.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Plain cake or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- Chocolate frosting or melted chocolate
- Desiccated coconut
Directions
- Prepare the Cake Base: Crumble the cake into fine crumbs in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Frosting: Add chocolate frosting or melted chocolate to the cake crumbs. Mix well until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Shape into Balls: Roll tablespoons of the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll each ball in desiccated coconut until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Place the balls on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-15 balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Flavored Frosting: Use vanilla, caramel, or strawberry frosting for a unique twist.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture.
- Vegan Option: Use a vegan cake base, dairy-free chocolate, and frosting.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the cake with a gluten-free alternative.
- Festive Touch: Add food coloring to the coconut for holiday-themed treats.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store lamington balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: No reheating required—enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cake for this recipe?
Yes, any plain or sponge cake works perfectly. It’s a great way to use up leftover cake.
2. Can I use chocolate ganache instead of frosting?
Absolutely! Ganache adds a richer flavor and smoother texture.
3. Can I make these without coconut?
If you don’t like coconut, roll the balls in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, or crushed nuts instead.
4. How do I keep the mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly dampen your hands with water or coat them with a bit of oil while rolling the balls.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re perfect for making ahead. Store them in the fridge or freezer until needed.
6. How do I make them smaller or larger?
Simply adjust the amount of mixture you roll for each ball. Smaller balls are great for kids, while larger ones make a more substantial treat.
7. Can I add a filling?
Yes, press a small piece of jam, caramel, or a nut into the center of each ball before rolling.
8. What type of coconut should I use?
Desiccated coconut is ideal, but shredded coconut works if you prefer a coarser texture.
9. Can I make these nut-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally nut-free. Just ensure any frosting or chocolate used is free from cross-contamination.
10. Can I decorate these balls?
Yes! Drizzle with melted chocolate, sprinkle with colored sugar, or add edible glitter for a festive touch.
Conclusion
3-Ingredient Lamington Balls are a simple yet satisfying treat that captures the essence of traditional lamingtons without the fuss. Perfect for any occasion, these no-bake delights are sure to impress with their rich chocolatey flavor and chewy coconut coating. Try them today for a quick dessert that everyone will love!
Print
3-Ingredient Lamington Balls
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 20 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Description
These easy-to-make lamington balls are a no-bake twist on the classic Australian treat. With just three ingredients, they’re perfect for a quick dessert, party snack, or lunchbox treat. Bite-sized and delicious, they’re sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
- 1 packet (250g) plain sweet biscuits (e.g., Marie biscuits)
- 1 can (395g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Crush the Biscuits:
- Place the biscuits in a food processor and pulse until they resemble fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place the biscuits in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until it forms a sticky, dough-like consistency.
- Shape the Balls:
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into balls using your hands.
- Coat with Coconut:
- Place the desiccated coconut on a plate. Roll each ball in the coconut until fully coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- Arrange the coated balls on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate version.
- Store the lamington balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a fun twist, use rainbow sprinkles or finely chopped nuts instead of coconut for coating.