Description on Lamington: – Lamington is the meeting point of indulgence and simplicity. They are delicacies from down under, and are celebrated throughout all corners of Australia, showcasing all they can offer to avid dessert lovers both at home and abroad. Good old sponge cake cubes get the chocolate icing treatment, followed by a roll in desiccated coconut, creating lovely, squishy cake, enrobed in crunchy, rich chocolate.
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What are Lamingtons?
Lamington: These are sponge cakes in small rectangular cubes are coated with chocolate icing and desiccated with coconut. It starts with a light, airy sponge cake which provides and excellent foundation for the rich chocolate and coconut shell. These delicious sweet treats are served usually as a dessert or snack that goes well with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
The name that inspired “Lamington” is somewhat disputed, with many different tales, including being named after Lord linetogel login Lamington, who was the governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. But, regardless of where the name comes from, there is no doubting that Laming tons have an important place in Australia’s culinary history, and are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Laming tons are not just a tasty treat but a national emblem, appearing in cookbooks, cafe menus and bakeries throughout Australia. Those simple yet delicious flavors and textures have won over hearts and palates.
The History of Lamingtons
The origins of Laming tons date back to the 1900s, although the exact history is quite misty. A common theory states that the Lamington was created by accident when a maid-servant accidently dropped the Governor of Queensland’s favourite sponge cake into some melted chocolate that he also loved to snack on and then to avoid wastage, she dipped or coated the lot in desiccated coconut.
The Lamingtons grew in popularity, and have been a favourite Australian treat ever since, enjoyed at many gatherings, from picnics to the children’s birthday party circuit. Tomorrow, July 21, is National Lamington Day which commemorates this sweet treat and its place within Australian culture.
From such humble beginnings, Lamingtons have transformed to a national classic, with plenty of current-day variants, mirroring Australia’s rich and varied kitchen universe.
Traditional Lamington Recipe
Traditional Lamingtons are made using 6 basic ingredients and are very simple to bake. Ingredients FOR THE SPONGE CAKE: Flour Sugar Eggs Butter Milk Baking powder First, the sponge cake is baked and cooled, and cut in squares, then dipped in a chocolate icing made from cocoa powder, icing sugar, butter, and milk.
Dip the sponge cake in chocolate icing and then roll it in coconut – you want to coat each square evenly with coconut. The Lamingtons are then cooled before being served enabling the flavors to mix together to give an ideal affair of richness.
Despite purists still claiming the traditional method to be the best, there are many variations and additions of Lamingtons, meaning that Laming tons are for everyone and anyone!
Variations
Similarly to any classic dessert, modern twists always come from chefs wanting to reinvent the magic of the classic Lamington recipe. A favorite variant is to slather jam or cream in between the sponge layers which further enhances the taste and reduces the dryness of the dessert.
There are also Lamington recipes available online with modern twists, being gluten-free and vegan, substituting the traditional ingredients for more contemporary ingredients such as almond flour, coconut oil and plant-based milk. By doing this, however, everyone can have the taste of Laming tons, even those who are not able to consume their normal counterpart due to whatever dietary requirement they may have.
Lamingtons with a lemon or raspberry flavoured sponge cakes are also popular. There is a Lamington for everyone, whether you like to stick with the tried and true or branch out a bitradouro.
Perfection for Making
To succeed at Lamingtons it is all in the detail and a few tips along the way. It is important to sift the flour and baking powder to prevent lumps, which will help keep the sponge cake light.
The chocolate icing should be nice and thick to spread over sponge cake. If the icing is runny, the Lamingtons will become moist as you can’t deep fry them.
Lightly press the desiccated coconut onto the chocolate icing so it sticks to the sponge, then roll the coated cake in the coconut until completely covered. Refrigerate the Lamingtons for at least one hour before serving to allow the Lamingtons to set and for the flavors to develop and texture to firm up.
Serve Suggestions
Depending on where one is eating or what the particular occasion is, lamingtons can be enjoyed in many different ways. If you like the tradition, pop your Lamingtons on the plate then and dust the top with cocoa or icing sugar for a bit of indulgence.
Lamingtons are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, adding to the dessert’s sweetness or aiding in balance the rich flavors of the beverages. If you like, you may wish to serve the Lamingtons with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
A little messy and playful, it makes the lamington great for picnics, parties and afternoon tea sessions where you can have a convenient dessert that can be eaten with your hands that appeals to a wide range of people. Add a punch of color by serving at with fresh berries, or go an extra mile and plate it on a tiered cake stand.
Where to Buy
Whilst they are a lovely treat to bake and to eat, homemade Lamingtons are something that you will find in every bakery, cafe, and supermarket across Australia. Members of some local bakeries bake Lamingtons in housefreshly every day making them a great dessert option for anyone with a sweet tooth.
These days, tupperwared Lamingtons are just as common at supper as pineapple chunks and fun-sized Mars Bars, far easier to pick up at the bakery section of a major supermarket. If you want to buy your iconic Aussie treats from small businesses and artisan bakers (eg local markets, specialty cake shops), these are also good Lamington creations to taste and enjoy!
Observed, whether homebaked or sourced from a reputable supplier, the pleasure taken in enjoying Lamingtons endures.
Lamingtons Around the World
Lamingtons are too deeply entrenched in Australian culture and, whilst their popularity has expanded to other regions of the world, they are still a treat being asked for far and wide. In the United Kingdom, Lamingtons were known as “Wellington squares” and enjoyed as part of afternoon tea.
A popular treat in New Zealand are Lamingtons, these can typically be purchased from bakeries and cafes to enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. The harmonious mingling of chocolate, coconut and sponge cake has won over dessert lovers worldwide, making Lamingtons a respected member of the international culinary canon.
As everything becomes more global, events abroad broadcasts more of Australian food including famous childhood favorites like Lamingtons, which not only spreads the name but also the creamy, sweet flavors of our quintessential sweet treat.
Traditional Lamingtons vs Healthier Options
If you want to enjoy that lamington flavour but in a healthier way, here are a few healthier – and maybe even more delicious -alternatives that exist to the traditional lamington. To cater for the gluten intolerant or those with celiac disease, gluten free Lamingtons are easy to make, utilising varieties like almond flour or gluten free flour blends.
For a completely plant-based option, Vegan Lamingtons use flaxseed meal, coconut oil and almond milk instead of the eggs and dairy. The vegan-friendly versions keep the Lamingtons flavours, while accommodating for a plant-based lifestyle.
In the sponge cake and icing you can use honey or maple syrup instead of using refined sugar (in these link that I still can not release). When constructing the recipe make it a little more nutritiously whole, toss the all purpose flour in exchange for flavors that may be different but just as tasty like whole wheat or oat flours.
We are giving you all the tools you need to enjoy the indulgent and delicious taste of Lamingtons “against the mat” (read: guilt-free using the most amazing delights full of nourishing and nutritious properties through simple ingredient swaps & adjustments.
Closing Thoughts ( Why Lamingtons are a Classic)
Lamingtons, then, are more than just a great dessert – they are a link to a culinary past that values the same ethos of easy cooking with the creativity and indulgence that comes from having the free time, disposable income, and global reach that comes from a fairly privileged lifestyle. Lamingtons have gone from humble beginnings to becoming a firm favourite in the hearts of all Aussies and sweet-tooth people around the world.
The resulting symphony of moist sponge, gooey chocolate icing and velvety coconut is a collection of flavors and textures that is a joy to taste with every mouthful. Classic Lamington nostalgia- Spend it in your home as a sweet stay at home treat, share with friends at a gathering or enjoy in a cosy cafe with all the warm positive feelings of comfort & joy. If you like reading this article then please consider reading our article about Curug Telu.
