Lamingtons are a beloved Australian foodie treat that never fails to delight.
These iconic cakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy afternoon tea, a lively birthday party, or a casual get-together. With their soft, airy sponge cake, rich, velvety chocolate coating, and a generous sprinkle of sweet coconut, they offer the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Each bite is a treat for the senses, making them a sure way to impress any foodie. Their simple yet irresistible nature has earned them a place as a favorite in Australian kitchens and beyond.
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 get the cake batter ready. Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats up, grease your square cake pan and line it with baking paper to ensure the cake comes out easily once baked. This simple step will save you time and effort later when it’s time to remove the cake from the pan.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
mix the self-raising flour and plain flour and Add the caster sugar and mix well.
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
mix the eggs, one at a time and mix well . Add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until smooth. This will give your cake a lovely flavor.
Combine with Dry Ingredients
add dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Pour in the milk as well. Mix until just combined. You want a light and fluffy texture.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, making sure it’s evenly spread. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring a level surface for even baking. Once the batter is set, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes—when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out of the oven!
Check for Doneness
To check if your cake is done, insert a skewer or toothpick into the center. If the skewer comes out clean, your cake is done. If there’s any batter on it, let the cake bake for 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. Next, transfer the cake to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Icing
While the cake cools, it’s the perfect time to prepare the chocolate icing. This rich, glossy icing is what gives foodie lamingtons their signature flavor and is one of the reasons they’re so beloved by foodies. The smooth, velvety texture of the icing pairs beautifully with the light, fluffy sponge, and the perfect coating of chocolate is key to creating that irresistible lamington taste. So, take your time to make sure the icing is just right, and get ready to dip your cake into this delicious, chocolaty goodness!
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 into perfect pieces! Grab a sharp knife and carefully slice the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. You can make them as small or large as you like, but a standard size is about 5 cm (2 inches) per piece, which makes for a nice, bite-sized treat. The key is to make sure the slices are even, so each lamington gets its fair share of soft sponge and decadent chocolate coating.
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 foodie Cake in Chocolate and Coconut
Now comes the fun part—dipping the soft sponge cake into the rich chocolate icing and coating it with a generous layer of coconut! This is where the magic happens, and the foodie lamingtons truly come to life. As you dip each piece, watch the chocolate glaze the cake perfectly, and then roll it in the shredded coconut for that signature texture and tropical sweetness. It’s a messy, delicious process that’s sure to bring a smile to your face with every lamington you create!
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 delicious, homemade lamingtons are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether you serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled, they’re sure to be a hit. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply for savoring on your own, these little treats are a sweet indulgence that everyone will love. Their light sponge, rich chocolate, and coconut coating make them irresistible, no matter the occasion. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Store any leftover lamingtons in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for about a week if you want to extend their shelf life. If you’d like to store them for even longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure they are well wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and preserve their delicious taste. This way, you can enjoy these tasty treats even after the initial batch is gone!
Why You’ll Love foodie Lamingtons
Lamingtons are much more than just a delicious dessert—they hold a cherished spot in the heart of Australian culture. These iconic treats are often served at a wide variety of gatherings, from lively birthday parties and school fundraisers to more relaxed afternoon teas. They have become a symbol of Australian hospitality and tradition, bringing people together to share a sweet bite and create lasting memories. What makes lamingtons so irresistible is the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. The soft, spongy cake provides a light and airy base, while the rich, velvety chocolate coating adds a deep, indulgent flavor. Then, the sweet coconut flakes offer a slight crunch and a tropical sweetness that ties everything together. No wonder these little squares of joy have earned such a devoted following among foodies and casual snackers alike!
Making lamingtons at home is not only a fun and rewarding culinary project, but it also allows you to get creative with customization. You can experiment with different fillings or toppings to suit your taste. For example, some people love to add a layer of jam or fresh cream between the cake layers, creating an extra burst of flavor and texture. Others might choose to drizzle their lamingtons with chocolate ganache for a richer finish or even swap out the coconut for finely chopped nuts or other fun toppings. The possibilities are truly endless, and you can tailor each batch to your preferences or even create unique variations for different occasions. Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a special celebration, or just a foodie treat for yourself, the process of making these iconic Australian desserts is sure to Bring a little happiness to your kitchen and indulge in your sweet cravings.
Conclusion
Now that you have this easy step-by-step recipe for Australian foodie lamington cake, it’s time to get baking! 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!