Celebrate Australia Day with a classic treat - Lamingtons! When better to make these iconic delights than on Australia Day itself? Join us in the kitchen for a quick and delicious recipe that perfectly captures the spirit of the occasion.
Ingredients
Butter Sponge:- 125 g (4.5 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (220g) caster sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups (260g) plain/all-purpose flour, sifted
- 3.5 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
Icing:
- 4 cups (480g) icing sugar (confectionary sugar), sifted
- 1/3 cup (22g) cocoa powder
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
- 150ml (1/2 cup + 2 tbsp) boiling water
Coating:
- 3-4 cups desiccated coconut
Optional: Jam and Cream
- Strawberry jam
- 1 cup (250 ml) cream
- 1 tbsp white sugar
Instructions:
Butter Sponge:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F (or fan forced 160C/320F).
- Sift flour and baking powder together.
- Grease a 20 cm x 30 cm / 8" x 12" cake pan. Line with baking paper, leaving an overhang on all sides.
- Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gently fold in flour and milk.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare Cake to Coat:
- Cut the cake into squares or rectangles and freeze for 1 to 1.5 hours. This ensures the cake stays firm and does not crumble into the chocolate, as well as being easier to handle when icing and coating.
Icing:
- Combine icing ingredients in a heatproof bowl until smooth and syrupy.
Coating:
- Place coconut in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each cake piece into the icing, then roll in coconut using forks.
- Transfer to a tray and let it set for 1 to 2 hours.
- Store in an airtight container.
Optional: Jam and Cream
- Beat cream and sugar until firm peaks form.
- Cut coated Lamington in half horizontally, spread with jam, and add a dollop of cream.
- Top with the other half and refrigerate.
Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, savouring the delightful blend of chocolate, coconut, and optional jam and cream! Add a sweet touch to your Australia Day festivities with these Lamingtons! For more festive decorations, check out our Australia Day page for plates, flags, cookie cutters, and more.