National Dish Australia: Iced VoVo (Recipe)
In this article
Meet the Iced VoVo, one of Australia’s most nostalgic teatime treats! This charming biscuit layers a crisp, buttery base with a soft marzipan topping and a bright stripe of raspberry jam. A fixture at any proper morning tea, it brings a slice of Australian character to your kitchen. Whether you serve it as a dainty dessert or an afternoon nibble, its sweet, pretty finish is sure to win you over.
About Iced VoVo
The Iced VoVo is far more than a simple biscuit — in Australia it is cherished as a genuine national icon. This delightful creation pairs a crisp, buttery biscuit base with a tender marzipan topping and a ribbon of fruity raspberry jam. Perfect for any morning tea or coffee catch-up, the Iced VoVo carries a real sense of Australian charm. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a casual snack, its unique flavour is guaranteed to delight.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 150 g plain flour
- 100 g butter
- 75 g sugar
- 1 egg
- 50 g raspberry jam
- 50 g marzipan
- 100 g icing sugar
- 2 tablespoons water or lemon juice
Shopping for the ingredients
Shopping for the Iced VoVo is a straightforward affair. Most of the ingredients you need are readily available in any regular supermarket. Do choose a good-quality raspberry jam to bring out the very best flavour. If you plan to bake a larger batch, simply scale the quantities up accordingly. For a spread of Aussie classics, pick up what you need for a few Anzac Biscuits at the same time.
Preparing the dish
Begin by getting your workspace ready. Make sure you have all the ingredients to hand along with the right equipment, such as a mixing bowl and a baking tray. This preparation stage is key to avoiding any last-minute rush while you bake. Keep a little extra flour nearby to dust your work surface and stop the dough from sticking.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and mix well to combine.
- Gradually work in the flour until you have a smooth, even dough.
- Spread the dough evenly onto a greased baking tray.
- Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once cooled, spread the raspberry jam evenly over the biscuit base.
- Roll out the marzipan thinly and lay it over the jam.
- Mix the icing sugar with water or lemon juice and drizzle it over the marzipan.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make the Iced VoVo gluten-free, simply swap the plain flour for an alternative such as rice flour or almond flour. This not only gives the biscuit base a slightly different texture but also makes it ideal for anyone with coeliac disease. For a lactose-free version, replace the butter with plant-based margarine. These adjustments are easy to make and open the recipe up to a wide range of dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegans can replace the egg in the recipe with apple purée or a flaxseed substitute. Use vegan butter or margarine as well to avoid any animal products. Take care to check that all your other ingredients are plant-based too. That way you can enjoy the Iced VoVo in full, without sacrificing any of its flavour.
More tips and tricks
To make the Iced VoVo even more interesting, experiment with different jam flavours such as strawberry or apricot. This can lend the recipe a fresh twist and make each bite that little bit more exciting. Scattering chopped nuts or chocolate chips over the base is another unexpected but welcome variation. Remember, baking should be fun, so do feel free to get creative! Fans of chewy sweets might also enjoy a batch of Caramel Slice alongside.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Everyone has their own preferences, so it is well worth tailoring this recipe to suit yours. Do you love a mix of fruit and nut? Add a scattering of chopped nuts over the jam before laying on the marzipan. The more adventurous can experiment with a spiced icing to give the Iced VoVo an unexpected but delicious depth of flavour.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have some of the traditional ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. The sugar, for example, can be replaced with agave syrup or honey. For a gluten-free option, use the special blends or flours mentioned earlier. You can also opt for homemade jam to keep full control over what goes into it.
Drink pairing ideas
The Iced VoVo pairs beautifully with a whole range of drinks. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea is the perfect match for its sweetness — a classic Flat White works especially well. For something more refreshing, try cold lemon water or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime. And if you fancy something special, a fruity smoothie will draw out the flavours nicely.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the Iced VoVo at its best, arrange the biscuits on a pretty plate and garnish with fresh berries. A light dusting of icing sugar adds an elegant touch. Use small serving platters to show off each piece attractively. A lovely backdrop, such as a wooden table or a colourful cloth, can lift the whole spread even further.
A bit of history
The Iced VoVo has a long history in Australia and is often served as a traditional biscuit in homes and cafés alike. It rose to popularity in the early 1900s and has been a staple of Australian tea culture ever since. The name “VoVo” comes from the brand that first brought the beloved biscuit to market. Today the Iced VoVo is handed down from generation to generation and remains a much-loved fixture of Australian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Iced VoVo
To sum up, the Iced VoVo is not only a delicious biscuit but also a fascinating piece of Australian culture. With its distinctive flavour and easy preparation, it makes a wonderful addition to any coffee break or celebration. Experiment with different ingredients and make the recipe your own. Enjoy the Iced VoVo with friends and family, and bring a touch of Australia into your home.
