Classic Australian Lamingtons Recipe
Iconic Australian lamingtons — squares of soft vanilla sponge dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. This easy lamington recipe makes the classic Australian treat perfect for morning tea or fundraisers.
About This Recipe
Lamingtons are one of Australia's most recognisable baked treats — soft white sponge cubes coated in a thin chocolate icing and rolled generously in desiccated coconut. The secret to good lamingtons is a slightly stale sponge (easier to handle), a thin chocolate coating (too thick makes them heavy), and plenty of coconut. The jam-filled variant is equally beloved.
Ingredients
Serves 16
- 4large eggs
- 150 gcaster sugar
- 150 gself-raising flour
- 30 gcornstarch
- 60 gunsalted butter(melted)
- 2 tbsphot water
- 300 gicing sugar(for coating)
- 40 gcocoa powder(for coating)
- 125 mlboiling water(for coating)
- 30 gunsalted butter(for coating)
- 200 gdesiccated coconut
Instructions
- 1
Bake the sponge
Beat eggs and sugar 5 minutes until thick and pale. Fold in sifted flour and cornstarch. Stir in melted butter and hot water. Pour into a lined 20×30cm tin. Bake at 180°C / 350°F for 25–28 minutes. Cool completely, then refrigerate overnight — a cold sponge is easier to cut and coat.
- 2
Make the chocolate icing
Sift icing sugar and cocoa into a bowl. Stir in boiling water and butter until smooth. Keep warm over hot water.
- 3
Cut the sponge
Cut cold sponge into 16 even squares. Place coconut in a wide shallow dish.
- 4
Dip and coat
Using two forks, dip each sponge square quickly into the chocolate icing, letting excess drip off, then immediately roll in coconut. Place on a wire rack to set.
Pro Tips
- →
Refrigerate the sponge overnight — it handles without crumbling.
- →
Work quickly when dipping — the chocolate sets fast.
- →
For jam lamingtons, slice each square in half and spread with raspberry jam before coating.
Variations
- •
Jam lamingtons: slice each cube in half, fill with raspberry jam and whipped cream before coating.
- •
White chocolate lamingtons: replace dark cocoa coating with melted white chocolate thinned with cream.
Storage
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Lamingtons can be frozen for 1 month.
History & Origin
Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, Governor of Queensland from 1896–1901. One story says his cook accidentally dropped a sponge cake into melted chocolate, then rolled it in coconut to make it easier to handle. They became an Australian icon — Lamington drives are a traditional fundraising method in Australian schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lamington?
A lamington is an Australian cake made from squares of vanilla sponge dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. It's one of Australia's most iconic baked goods.
Why do my lamingtons fall apart when dipping?
The sponge needs to be thoroughly cooled and ideally refrigerated overnight before cutting and dipping. A fresh, warm sponge crumbles.
What day is National Lamington Day in Australia?
National Lamington Day is celebrated on 21 July each year in Australia.
Can lamingtons be made ahead?
Yes — they keep well for 3 days in an airtight container. The sponge actually benefits from being made a day or two ahead.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (250g / 8.8 oz) · 16 servings total
Time Summary
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