Lamington Cake Recipe

There’s something truly magical about the Lamington Cake that makes it a beloved treat far beyond its Australian roots. This delightful dessert features tender, fluffy cake squares generously coated in a rich, velvety chocolate glaze and then rolled in fresh, shredded coconut for that perfect balance of moistness and texture. Whether you’re diving in as an afternoon snack or serving it up at a special gathering, the Lamington Cake never fails to bring a smile and a sense of cozy joy to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, yet thoughtfully selected ingredients is the first step to transforming your kitchen into a haven of sweet bliss. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery softness of the cake base to the luscious chocolate coating that clings lovingly to every edge, finished by the coconut that adds a delightful tropical crunch.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light and tender cake structure.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and gives a delicate crumb.
• 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter, creating a tender crumb.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s depth.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic hint.
• 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
• 4 oz dark chocolate: For the luscious chocolate coating, choose something rich but not overpowering.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Merges with melted chocolate to provide a silky finish.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the coating.
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor for that perfect balance.
• 1/2 cup whole milk: Smooths out the chocolate mixture into a glossy coating.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut: This final roll gives Lamington Cake its signature look and delightful chew.

How to Make Lamington Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and line a square pan with parchment paper—this ensures your cake comes out without a fuss. Mix the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt, which form the backbone of your cake’s structure. Then, in a separate bowl, beat your softened butter and sugar until fluffy and light, setting the stage for a tender crumb. Add eggs one by one, making sure to whip in that vanilla extract for added warmth and aroma. Alternate folding in your dry mix and milk until the batter is smooth and inviting.

Step 2: Bake and Cool the Cake

Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan and let the oven work its magic for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to peek too often; patience here guarantees a cake that’s perfectly baked through. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely—this step is key to ensuring the chocolate coating adheres beautifully.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Coating

While your cake chills, prepare the rich chocolate coating. Gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together over low heat—this combination gives the glaze its smooth, glossy sheen. Stir in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and whole milk, blending everything into a silky chocolate sauce that’s just right for dipping.

Step 4: Dip and Roll

Cut the cooled cake into neat squares, perfect little canvases ready to be transformed. Using a fork or skewer, dip each piece into the chocolate coating, allowing the excess to drip back into the bowl. Immediately roll the coated squares in shredded coconut, ensuring every side is generously covered. This coconut layer is what makes Lamington Cake truly iconic and utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Set and Enjoy

Place your finished Lamingtons on a wire rack or tray and let them set for about 30 minutes, giving the chocolate a chance to firm up into that perfect mess-free shell. This moment of anticipation will be well worth it when you finally bite into the soft cake embraced by chocolate and coconut.

How to Serve Lamington Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Lamington Cake experience, consider light garnishes such as a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A few fresh berries on the side can add a juicy burst of color and brightness, while a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can turn each bite into a decadent dream.

Side Dishes

Lamington Cake pairs beautifully with a cup of robust black tea or freshly brewed coffee—the slight bitterness perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake. For a cool contrast, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy textures and create a well-rounded dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by arranging your Lamington Cake pieces on a tiered cake stand for an eye-catching display that’s perfect for parties. You could also thread them onto skewers with fresh fruit for a fun, bite-sized dessert pop. Wrapping individual Lamingtons in wax paper and tying them with a ribbon makes a thoughtful homemade gift that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best news is that Lamington Cake keeps wonderfully well when covered tightly in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps the chocolate stay delightfully soft without drying out the cake. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is an option, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy full flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Lamington Cake if you want to save some for later. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, allowing you a quick and indulgent treat whenever the craving strikes. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Lamington Cake is usually best enjoyed at room temperature, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, pop a piece into the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to soften the chocolate slightly without melting the coconut coating too much. Enjoy right away!

FAQs

What is Lamington Cake?

Lamington Cake is a classic Australian dessert consisting of sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate icing and rolled in shredded coconut. It’s loved for its soft, moist texture combined with a rich chocolate flavor and a pleasantly chewy coconut exterior.

Can I use other types of chocolate for the coating?

Absolutely! While dark chocolate offers a nice balance of sweet and bitter, you can experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate coatings to customize the flavor to your liking. Just keep an eye on the consistency of your glaze to ensure it’s perfect for dipping.

Is shredded coconut required?

Shredded coconut is a hallmark of the traditional Lamington Cake, providing that characteristic texture and flavor contrast. However, if you’re not a coconut fan, you might try finely crushed nuts or colored sprinkles as a fun twist.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Using softened butter and gently folding ingredients together without overmixing helps maintain a tender crumb. Also, make sure not to overbake the cake—pulling it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean keeps it soft and moist, perfect for Lamingtons.

Can I make Lamington Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking. Just be mindful of the change in texture, and you may want to add a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it to help with structure.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing Lamington Cake is like inviting a little bit of Aussie sunshine into your home, with every bite delivering a warm hug of chocolate, coconut, and cake happiness. I can’t recommend enough giving this delightful dessert a try—it’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and a conversation starter all rolled into one. Happy baking, and here’s to many joyful, sweet moments ahead!