1 Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8×12 inch rectangular pan. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2 In a large bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup butter, 3/4 cup sugar and the vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well.
3 Pour the batter into the 8×12 inch pan. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Store overnight to give the cake a chance to firm up before Icing.
4 To make the Icing: In a large bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar and cocoa. In a saucepan, heat milk and 2 teaspoons butter until the butter is melted. Add the milk to the sugar mixture and mix well to create a fluid, but not too runny, Icing.
5 Procedure: Cut the cake into 24 squares. Place coconut in a shallow container. Using a fork, dip each square into the icing, then roll it in the coconut. Place onto rack to dry. Continue for each piece. The Icing will drip, so place a sheet of parchment paper under the rack to catch the drips.
For a cake version of this wonderful treat, please go to http://pastrieslikeapro.com/2013/08/lamington-torte/#.VtSLRsf6cXc for the Lamington Torte consisting of 4 layers of a fool-proof yellow cake, raspberry filling, dark satin ganache and toasted coconut.