Easy Lamington Recipe – The Best Homemade Australian Lamingtons
If you love soft, fluffy sponge cake coated in rich chocolate syrup or sweet red syrup, then you’ll love this Easy Lamington Recipe! Lamingtons are a beloved Australian classic, traditionally enjoyed on Australia Day but also perfect for any time of the year.
These homemade lamingtons are incredibly light, moist, and covered in coconut, making them a delightful treat for bake sales, afternoon tea, parties, and school events. In this guide, you'll learn:
✔️ How to make traditional lamingtons from scratch
✔️ Tips for achieving the softest sponge cake
✔️ How to coat lamingtons without making a mess
✔️ Creative variations, including caramel and jam-filled lamingtons
Let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Easy Lamington Recipe
✅ Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps, perfect for home bakers.
✅ Soft & Moist – The sponge cake stays light and airy.
✅ Two Syrup Options – Choose between chocolate or red syrup.
✅ Customizable Fillings – Add whipped cream, jam, or caramel.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, bake sales, and afternoon tea.
Ingredients for Classic Australian Lamingtons
For the Sponge Cake:
- 2½ cups flour – Use all-purpose flour for a soft texture.
- ½ tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
- 1 tbsp baking powder – Helps the sponge rise.
- 1 cup sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture.
- 4 eggs – Room temperature eggs create a better structure.
- 1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist.
- 1 cup milk – Adds richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
For the Chocolate Syrup:
- 1 cup fresh milk – The base for the syrup.
- 3 tbsp margarine or butter – Adds richness.
- 1 cup icing sugar – Sweetens the coating.
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder – Provides a deep chocolate flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the taste.
For the Red Syrup:
- 1 cup hot water – Helps dissolve ingredients.
- ⅓ cup apricot jam – Adds a fruity, tangy sweetness.
- 2 tsp red or pink food coloring – Gives the syrup its iconic color.
For the Coconut Coating:
- 3 cups fine desiccated coconut – Separate into two bowls (one for chocolate, one for red).
For the Cream Filling (Optional):
- 1 cup fresh cream – Cold heavy cream works best.
- 1 tbsp icing sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream.
- 1 tsp vanilla essence (optional) – Adds extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Lamingtons
Step 1: Make the Sponge Cake
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
3️⃣ In another bowl, mix oil and sugar until smooth.
4️⃣ Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5️⃣ Pour in the milk and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
6️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms.
7️⃣ Pour the batter into a greased and lined baking pan.
8️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9️⃣ Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into squares.
💡 Tip: Chilling the sponge cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours makes dipping easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Syrup
1️⃣ In a saucepan, heat milk and margarine until the margarine melts.
2️⃣ Add icing sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, whisking continuously until smooth.
3️⃣ Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Red Syrup
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix hot water, apricot jam, and red food coloring.
2️⃣ Stir until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Lamingtons
1️⃣ Place the desiccated coconut in two separate bowls—one for chocolate lamingtons and one for red.
2️⃣ Using your right hand, dip a sponge cake square into the syrup, coating it evenly.
3️⃣ Use your left hand to roll the syrup-coated cake in coconut.
4️⃣ Place the coated lamingtons on a wire rack and allow them to set.
💡 Pro Tip: Work in small batches to prevent the syrup from drying out too quickly.
Step 5: Add the Filling (Optional)
- Cut each lamington in half and pipe whipped cream, caramel, or jam in the center.
- Gently sandwich the halves together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the lamingtons set for 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of cold milk!
Tips for Perfect Lamingtons
✔️ Chill the cake before dipping – This prevents the sponge from crumbling.
✔️ Use a fork or skewer to dip – Keeps your hands clean and makes coating easier.
✔️ Don’t rush the coating – Let excess syrup drip off before rolling in coconut.
✔️ Store in an airtight container – Keeps them fresh for up to 5 days.
✔️ Freeze for later – Lamingtons can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Lamington Variations & Customizations
✅ Caramel Lamingtons – Fill with caramel sauce instead of cream.
✅ Chocolate-Coated Lamingtons – Dip twice for an extra chocolatey coating.
✅ Berry Lamingtons – Use raspberry or strawberry jam instead of apricot.
✅ Gluten-Free Lamingtons – Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
How to Store & Freeze Lamingtons
Storing at Room Temperature
- Keep lamingtons in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
1️⃣ Arrange lamingtons in a single layer on a baking tray.
2️⃣ Freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container.
3️⃣ Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs: Easy Lamington Recipe
1. Why Are My Lamingtons Falling Apart?
The sponge cake may be too soft. Chill it before dipping to keep its shape.
2. Can I Use Butter Instead of Oil?
Yes! Replace the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor.
3. Do I Have to Use Desiccated Coconut?
Traditional lamingtons use coconut, but you can try crushed nuts or sprinkles.
4. Can I Make Mini Lamingtons?
Absolutely! Cut the sponge into smaller squares for bite-sized treats.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lamington Recipe is perfect for anyone looking to recreate the classic Australian treat at home. With a soft sponge cake, rich syrup, and coconut coating, these homemade lamingtons are a must-try!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
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