Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples.
Fun to Make: Great for baking with kids or friends.
Delicious: The combination of chocolate, coconut, and sponge cake is irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Lamingtons, you’ll need:
Sponge Cake:
1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (225g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup (120ml) milk
Chocolate Coating:
4 cups (500g) powdered sugar
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup (180ml) milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Coating:
2 cups (200g) desiccated coconut.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Cut the Cake
Square Pieces: Once the cake has cooled completely, cut it into 2-inch (5cm) squares.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Coating
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder together. Add the milk and butter.
Heat and Mix: Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly warm. Remove from heat.
4. Coat the Cake Squares
Chocolate Dip: Using a fork or skewer, dip each cake square into the chocolate coating, ensuring all sides are covered.
Coconut Roll: Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cake square in the desiccated coconut until fully covered. Place on a wire rack to set.
5. Set and Serve
Allow to Set: Let the coated Lamingtons sit at room temperature until the chocolate has set.
Enjoy: Serve the Lamingtons with tea, coffee, or as a delightful dessert.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Uniform Size: Cut the cake into even squares for consistent coating and presentation.
Coating Technique: Use a fork or skewer to handle the cake squares when dipping in chocolate to minimize mess.
Variations
Filled Lamingtons: Split the cake squares and fill with jam or cream before coating.
Chocolate Variations: Use white chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor.
Nutty Coating: Mix finely chopped nuts with the coconut for added texture.
Conclusion
This easy Lamington recipe brings the taste of Australia to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of soft sponge cake, rich chocolate coating, and sweet coconut makes for a truly delightful treat. Perfect for any occasion, these Lamingtons are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade Lamingtons with this straightforward recipe!
