Lamingtons are a beloved Australian treat. These delightful cakes are perfect for any foodie occasion, from afternoon tea to birthday parties. With their soft sponge, rich chocolate coating, and a sprinkle of coconut, they are sure to impress any foodie.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (250 g) self-raising flour
- 1/2 cup (125 g) plain flour
- 1/2 cup (110 g) caster sugar
- 125 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
preparing the Chocolate Icing:
- 2 cups (250 g) icing sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup (25 g) cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coating:
- 2 cups (200 g) desiccated coconut
Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- 20 cm (8 inch) square cake pan
- Baking paper
- Cooling rack
- Small saucepan
- Sieve (for icing sugar and cocoa)
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
First, let’s prepare the cake batter. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease your square cake pan and line it with baking paper for easy removal later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour and plain flour. Add the caster sugar and mix well. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the sugar gradually, continuing to mix until fully combined. The mixture should be pale and creamy.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until smooth. This will give your cake a lovely flavor.
Combine with Dry Ingredients
Now, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Pour in the milk as well. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense. You want a light and fluffy texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Check for Doneness
To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If there’s batter on the skewer, give it a few more minutes.
Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. This is important as it will make it easier to cut later.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Icing
While the cake cools, you can prepare the chocolate icing. This is what gives lamingtons their signature flavor and makes them a favorite among foodies.
Combine Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine the icing sugar and cocoa powder. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined.
Heat the Icing
Place the saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm and slightly runny. This will make it easier to dip the cakes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Cut the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, it’s time to cut it. Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into squares or rectangles. You can choose the size based on your preference. A standard size is about 5 cm (2 inches).
Prepare for Dipping
Place the cut pieces of cake on a plate or baking tray. This will make it easier to dip them into the chocolate icing.
Step 5: Coat the Cake in Chocolate and Coconut
Now comes the fun part—dipping the cake into the chocolate icing and coating it with coconut!
Dip the Cake
Take one piece of cake and dip it into the warm chocolate icing. Make sure to coat all sides. You can use a fork or your hands to help with this. Allow any excess icing to drip off before moving to the next step.
Coat with Coconut
Immediately roll the dipped cake in desiccated coconut. Make sure it’s fully covered. Place it back on the plate. Repeat this process for all cake pieces.
Set Aside to Set
Once all pieces are coated, let them sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the chocolate icing to set. You can also place them in the fridge for quicker setting.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your foodie delicious lamingtons are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply for enjoying yourself.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover lamingtons in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Why You’ll Love foodie Lamingtons
Lamingtons are not just tasty; they also hold a special place in Australian culture. They are often served at birthday parties, school fundraisers, and afternoon teas. Every bite is a blend of flavors and textures—the soft sponge cake, the rich chocolate, and the sweet coconut. It’s no wonder foodies adore these little treats!
Making lamingtons at home is a fun and rewarding experience. You can customize them with your favorite fillings or toppings. Some people even like to add a layer of jam or cream between the cake layers. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion
Now that you have this easy step-by-step recipe for Australian foodie lamington cake, it’s time to get baking! Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, lamingtons are sure to impress. They are a delightful way to experience Australian cuisine and share a bit of culture with your friends and family. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the delicious process of making these iconic treats. Happy baking!