Lamingtons
Australia · Oceania
Lamingtons are Australia's most beloved baked treat — cubes of fluffy sponge cake dipped in a rich chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. They are found at every school fete, bakery, and afternoon tea table across Australia. Some versions are also filled with jam and cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 225g unsalted butter, softened
- 225g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 300g icing sugar
- 50g cocoa powder
- 100ml boiling water
- 50g butter, melted
- 200g desiccated coconut
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Grease and line a 20×30 cm baking tin.
- 2
Beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until pale and fluffy.
- 3
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then fold in the flour and vanilla. Add milk to loosen.
- 4
Pour into the tin and bake for 20–25 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- 5
Allow the sponge to cool completely, then refrigerate for 1 hour (this firms it up and makes dipping easier).
- 6
For the chocolate icing: whisk together icing sugar, cocoa, boiling water, and melted butter until smooth. Set over a bowl of warm water to keep fluid.
- 7
Cut the sponge into 5 cm squares.
- 8
Using two forks, dip each square into the chocolate icing, turning to coat all sides. Allow excess to drip off.
- 9
Immediately roll in the desiccated coconut until evenly coated.
- 10
Set on a wire rack to firm up for 30 minutes before serving.
Chef's Tips
Chilling the sponge is essential — it prevents crumbling when you dip it in the icing. Work quickly once the icing is ready as it sets fast. For a variation, split the squares and fill with raspberry jam and cream before dipping.
Where to Buy Ingredients
Find the ingredients you need at these stores:
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