australiandessert
Lamingtons
Australia's beloved national cake — soft vanilla sponge squares dipped in dark chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. Simple, iconic, irresistible.
Prep
30 min
Cook
25 min
Servings
16
Difficulty
Medium
★★★★★
4.7(534 ratings)#cake#coconut#Australian#chocolate#baking
About This Recipe
Lamingtons are Australia's beloved national cake — squares of vanilla sponge dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut, named after Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland. They appear at school fetes, morning teas, and national celebrations, and on 21 July — National Lamington Day — Australians celebrate with great enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Serves 16
- 200 gbutter(softened)
- 200 gcaster sugar
- 4eggs
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 250 gself-raising flour
- 60 mlmilk
- 400 gicing sugar(for chocolate icing)
- 80 gcocoa powder
- 80 mlboiling water
- 200 gdesiccated coconut
Instructions
- 1
Bake sponge
Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Fold in flour and milk. Bake in a greased 20×30 cm tin at 180 °C for 25 min. Cool completely, then freeze 1 hour for easier handling.
- 2
Make icing
Sift icing sugar and cocoa together. Add boiling water, stir to a smooth, pourable icing.
- 3
Cut and dip
Cut sponge into 16 squares. Dip each in chocolate icing using forks, letting excess drip off.
- 4
Coat in coconut
Roll dipped squares in desiccated coconut. Place on a wire rack to set.
Pro Tips
- →
Work quickly when dipping — the icing sets fast and needs to be on the warm side to flow evenly.
- →
Weigh dry ingredients on a scale instead of using cups — grams are the difference between a tender and a tough crumb.
- →
Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature before mixing; cold ingredients seize fats and produce a dense, uneven texture.
- →
Read the recipe through once before starting — knowing what's coming prevents the small timing mistakes that compound into bigger ones.
Variations
- •
Fill with whipped cream and jam for a special version
- •
Use raspberry icing instead of chocolate
- •
Add a layer of strawberry jam between sponge layers
- •
Vegetarian: swap the protein for roasted king oyster mushrooms, smoked tofu or cooked chickpeas — adjust seasoning slightly upward to compensate.
Storage
Store at room temperature up to 3 days. The coconut coating helps keep the cake moist.
History & Origin
Lamingtons were allegedly created by accident when Lord Lamington's cook dipped a leftover sponge cake in chocolate sauce and coconut to avoid waste. They first appeared in print in 1900 and have been a fixture of Australian life ever since.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why freeze the sponge first?
A frozen sponge is firmer and doesn't crumble when dipped in the icing — easier to handle.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — most of the components can be prepared up to a day in advance and refrigerated separately. Reheat gently and assemble just before serving so textures stay distinct.
What can I substitute if I don't have all the ingredients?
Stay close to the role each ingredient plays: swap aromatics for similar ones (shallot for onion, lime for lemon), and keep the fat-acid-salt balance intact. Spice blends can usually be approximated with what's in the cupboard.
How do I know it's authentic?
Authenticity sits on a spectrum — what matters more is honoring the technique and balance of flavors. If the dish tastes harmonious and respects how cooks in its home region would build it, you're on solid ground.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 16 servings total
Calories270kcal
Protein4g
Carbohydrates38g
Fat12g
Fiber2g
Protein4g
Carbs38g
Fat12g
Time Summary
Prep time30 min
Cook time25 min
Total time55 min
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