Lamington

Lamington

File:Lamington.jpg

A plate of lamingtons

Lamington is a traditional Australian dessert that consists of squares of sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and rolled in desiccated coconut. It is named after Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. Lamingtons are a popular treat in Australia and are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

History

The exact origins of the lamington are disputed, but it is believed to have been created in the early 20th century. One popular theory is that it was invented by Lord Lamington's chef, Armand Galland, who needed to quickly create a dessert for unexpected guests. Galland supposedly dipped leftover sponge cake in chocolate and coconut to create the first lamington.

Ingredients

To make lamingtons, you will need the following ingredients:

• 250g unsalted butter
• 1 cup caster sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 cups desiccated coconut
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• Buttercream or jam (optional)

Preparation

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make lamingtons:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a square baking dish. 2. In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. 3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. 4. Sift in the flour and gently fold it into the mixture. 5. Gradually add the milk and mix until the batter is smooth. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the surface. 7. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. 8. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares. 9. In a separate bowl, combine the icing sugar, cocoa powder, and boiling water to make the chocolate icing. 10. Dip each square of cake into the chocolate icing, ensuring it is fully coated. 11. Roll the coated cake in desiccated coconut until it is evenly covered. 12. Place the lamingtons on a wire rack to set.

Serving

Lamingtons can be served as is or with a layer of buttercream or jam sandwiched between two squares. They are often enjoyed with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Lamingtons are a popular treat at morning or afternoon tea gatherings, as well as special occasions such as Australia Day.

Variations

While the classic lamington recipe calls for plain sponge cake, there are several variations that incorporate different flavors. Some popular variations include:

• Chocolate lamingtons with a raspberry jam filling
• Lemon lamingtons with a lemon curd filling
• Coffee lamingtons with a coffee-flavored icing

See Also

• Lord Lamington
• Australian cuisine