National Dish Australia: Lamingtons (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Lamingtons, one of Australia’s best-loved teatime treats! These little squares of soft sponge cake are dipped in glossy chocolate and rolled in a snowfall of coconut, making them the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or an afternoon cuppa. Simple to prepare yet endlessly moreish, lamingtons carry a slice of Australian tradition into your own kitchen — give them a try and see why they have been adored for well over a century.
About Lamingtons
Lamingtons are not only a much-loved dessert in Australia but also something of a symbol of the country’s cultural identity. These delightful little cakes are built around a soft sponge base that is generously dipped in melted chocolate and then coated all over in desiccated coconut. Dating back to the 19th century, lamingtons remain hugely popular to this day. They are wonderfully versatile and can be varied with all sorts of fillings and toppings to suit your mood.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 100 g plain flour
- 50 g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- 60 ml milk
- 50 g butter
- 100 g dark chocolate
- 100 g desiccated coconut
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for lamingtons, it pays to choose good-quality products. Look for fresh flour and sugar, as these form the foundation of the sponge. Dark chocolate gives the lamingtons a deep, rich flavour, while good-quality desiccated coconut makes for a lovely outer coating. Visit your local supermarket, or pop into a health-food shop, to track down the best ingredients.
Preparing the dish
Preparing lamingtons is not at all complicated and does not take much time. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and getting your work surface nicely organised. It helps to have all the tools you need — bowls, a whisk or mixer, and a baking tin — within easy reach. That way the whole process runs smoothly and you avoid finding yourself short of anything halfway through.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a small baking tin.
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar, then add the egg and the milk.
- Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Once baked, let the sponge cool completely, then cut it into evenly sized squares.
- Melt the chocolate and dip each square in, before rolling them in the desiccated coconut.
- Leave the lamingtons to cool on a wire rack and enjoy!
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to make gluten-free lamingtons, you can simply use gluten-free flour. Just make sure all your ingredients, especially the chocolate, are free from gluten. For a lactose-free version, swap the butter for plant-based margarine and use a plant-based milk such as almond or soya milk. With these adjustments, nothing stands between you and a plateful of gorgeous lamingtons.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make lamingtons vegan, replace the egg with a chia or flax egg. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of chia or ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and leave it to swell for a few minutes. Use vegan butter or margarine as well, along with a dark chocolate that contains no dairy. This way, vegans too can tuck into this delicious treat!
More tips and tricks
For an even more intense flavour, you can enrich the chocolate with a hint of vanilla or coffee. These small additions make the lamingtons especially aromatic. You could also mix the coconut with chopped nuts or grated chocolate to create an interesting texture. Experiment a little and find your own personal favourite version — much as you would when perfecting a batch of Anzac Biscuits.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The recipe for lamingtons lends itself beautifully to all sorts of preferences. If you like things fruity, you can split the sponge squares after coating and fill them with a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam. For a special touch, you could also work some orange or lemon zest into the batter. That way you can make every bite unique and conjure up your very own creation.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are not keen on desiccated coconut, or simply do not have any to hand, you can use chopped nuts or chocolate chips to coat the outside of the lamingtons instead. When it comes to the chocolate, you can choose between milk and dark according to your own taste. Using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar is another wholesome alternative — a trick that works nicely for Golden Syrup Dumplings too. Tweaks like these help make the lamingtons even more delicious.
Drink pairing ideas
To enjoy your lamingtons, seek out drinks that complement this sweet treat perfectly. A strong coffee or a creamy cappuccino pairs wonderfully with the chocolatey sweetness of the lamingtons. A cup of black tea or a fruity tea also makes a lovely partner. For a non-alcoholic option, you might serve a glass of crisp apple juice.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part when you serve lamingtons. You can arrange the little cakes on a pretty cake plate and dust them with icing sugar for an elegant look. A smart napkin and colourful accompaniments such as fresh berries can round off the whole picture. Setting the lamingtons out on a slate board also lends a modern touch to your display, much as it would for a spread of Fairy Bread.
A bit of history
The story of the lamington reaches back to around 1900, when it was named after Lord Lamington, the then Governor of Queensland. There are various tales about how exactly the lamington came to be, but the generally accepted legend holds that it arose from a kitchen accident. Today lamingtons are a fixture of parties and celebrations across Australia and are enjoyed internationally too — a proud emblem of Australian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Lamingtons
In short, lamingtons are a delicious and traditional Australian sweet that lend themselves beautifully to any occasion. With their moist sponge and chocolatey coating, they are a genuine treat. Whether for a celebration or simply as a snack, lamingtons are always a good choice. Let this recipe inspire you and enjoy both the baking and the feasting!
