Embark on a delightful culinary journey to the land Down Under as we explore the beloved Australian dessert - Lamingtons. These scrumptious squares of sponge cake, enrobed in chocolate and coconut, are a testament to Australia's rich baking heritage. Join us as we uncover the secrets to creating these irresistible treats in your own kitchen, perfect for afternoon tea or any special occasion.
The key to a great lamington lies in its sponge cake base. Our recipe uses all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to create a tender crumb.
Room temperature butter creamed with sugar forms the base, while eggs and vanilla extract add richness and depth to the cake's flavor profile.
The addition of milk ensures the cake remains moist, striking the perfect balance between structure and softness.
Ingredients
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth and slightly thick, ensuring the perfect consistency for coating the sponge cake. This chocolate glaze will give your lamingtons their signature rich, chocolatey flavor and provide the perfect base for the coconut coating to adhere to.
Use unsweetened shredded coconut for authentic texture and flavor. The natural sweetness of coconut complements the chocolate perfectly.
Even Distribution
Sift the coconut to remove any clumps, ensuring an even coating on each lamington.
Gentle Rolling
Roll each chocolate-coated cake piece gently in the coconut, pressing lightly to adhere.
Slice the chilled sponge cake into even squares.
Dip in Chocolate
Quickly coat each piece in the warm chocolate icing.
Roll in Coconut
Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cake in shredded coconut.
Set and Serve
Allow lamingtons to set before serving with whipped cream.
Serve lamingtons on a tiered cake stand with a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant afternoon tea experience.
For a decadent dessert, serve warm lamingtons with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm raspberry sauce.
Experiment with different coatings like strawberry icing or add a layer of jam between cake halves for a twist on the classic.
Package lamingtons in decorative boxes lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.
