Australian Lamingtons
Category: Desserts
Serves: 35 pieces
These iconic Australian treats are a delightful combination of soft sponge cake, rich chocolate, and shredded coconut. Perfect for afternoon tea or any sweet occasion, these Lamingtons are a fun and flavorful dessert to make.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 100g |
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 200g |
| Eggs | 5 |
| Vanilla pod | 1 |
| Sugar | 130g |
| Baking powder | 16g |
| Jam (preferably raspberry) | 170g |
| Shredded coconut | 300g |
| Dark chocolate | 500g |
| Heavy cream | 300g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the cake base:
Begin by melting the butter over low heat. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly. In the meantime, prepare the sponge cake batter: in a stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar for about 10 minutes at medium speed, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. -
Mix dry ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Split the vanilla pod in half and scrape the seeds into the flour mixture. Stir to combine. -
Combine and bake:
Add the melted butter to the egg mixture, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Once the batter is fully combined, grease and flour a 30.5×22.5 cm (12×9-inch) rectangular baking pan. Pour the batter into the pan, spreading it out evenly. -
Bake the cake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-forced oven. Bake the cake for 30 minutes, or 20 minutes if using a fan oven. The cake should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. -
Cool the cake:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely, which should take approximately two hours. -
Prepare the chocolate coating:
While the cake cools, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to steam. Roughly chop the dark chocolate and melt it using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add the warm cream to the melted chocolate and mix until smooth. Keep the chocolate mixture warm so it doesn’t set prematurely. -
Assemble the Lamingtons:
Once the cake has cooled, cut it into squares approximately 4×4 cm (1.5×1.5 inches). Slice each square horizontally to create two layers. -
Coat the Lamingtons:
Place the shredded coconut in a shallow bowl. Take each piece of cake, dip it into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll it in the shredded coconut until it is completely covered. -
Serve and enjoy:
Arrange the completed Lamingtons on a platter and allow them to set for a few minutes before serving. These delightful treats are now ready to be enjoyed!
These Lamingtons are a fun and easy way to indulge in a traditional Australian dessert. Their combination of soft, spongy cake, silky chocolate, and coconut makes them a crowd favorite. They can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
