Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Cut the Sponge Cake
- Trim Edges: Once the cake is completely cool, trim the edges to create a neat rectangle.
- Cut into Squares: Cut the cake into 2-inch squares.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Mix Powdered Sugar and Cocoa: In a medium bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Add Boiling Water and Butter: Gradually add the boiling water and melted butter to the sugar mixture, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Lamingtons
- Set Up Coating Station: Place the desiccated coconut in a shallow dish. Set up a wire rack with parchment paper underneath to catch any drips.
- Dip the Cake Squares: Using a fork or skewer, dip each cake square into the chocolate coating, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Coat with Coconut: Roll the chocolate-coated cake square in the desiccated coconut until completely covered.
- Set: Place the coated Lamington on the wire rack to set. Repeat with the remaining cake squares.
Step 5: Serve
- Enjoy: Once the chocolate coating has set, serve the Lamingtons. They are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Filling Option: Slice the cake squares in half and spread with raspberry jam or whipped cream before coating for a traditional variation.
- Chocolate Coating Consistency: If the chocolate coating becomes too thick, add a little more boiling water to thin it out.
- Storage: Store Lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Conclusion
Lamingtons are a delightful and classic treat that’s sure to impress. This recipe offers a simple way to create these delicious cake squares at home, complete with a rich chocolate coating and a coconut finish. Enjoy making and sharing these tasty Lamingtons with your family and friends!
Key Takeaway
Lamingtons offer a delicious blend of fluffy sponge cake, rich chocolate, and coconut, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. This classic Australian dessert is easy to make and can be customized with different fillings and coatings to suit your taste. Enjoy the process and the delightful results of this wonderful recipe!