Easy Australian Lamingtons Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of Australia into your kitchen, this Easy Australian Lamingtons Recipe is the perfect place to start. These delightful little cakes are fluffy, moist, and completely covered in a luscious chocolate glaze, then rolled in delicate coconut flakes that add just the right texture and flavor contrast. Whether you’re making them for a casual afternoon tea, a festive gathering, or just because you deserve a sweet treat, these lamingtons are seriously addictive and surprisingly simple to create from scratch. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this classic Aussie favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right is the first step to perfect lamingtons. Each item brings a special element that balances flavor, texture, and that classic appearance you’ll love.

• 125 grams unsalted butter – using room temperature butter helps create a smooth, tender vanilla cake base.
• 165 grams caster sugar – fine sugar that dissolves quickly for a sweet but light crumb.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – or vanilla extract, which adds that warm, fragrant note essential to the cake’s flavor.
• 2 large eggs – these bind everything together while giving your cake structure and richness.
• 260 grams self-raising flour – saves time by combining flour and leavening, giving the cake its soft lift.
• ⅔ cup milk – makes the batter moist and tender without weighing it down.
• 375 grams icing sugar – essential for the silky smooth chocolate glaze that coats your lamingtons beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon butter – melted to add a subtle shine and richness to the chocolate glaze.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste – or vanilla extract to enhance the glaze’s flavor.
• 1 heaped tablespoon cocoa powder – unsweetened and adds that deep chocolate taste to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon golden syrup – contributes a glossy texture and delicate caramel undertones to the glaze.
• Boiling water – to loosen the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
• 3-4 cups desiccated coconut – fine and unsweetened, perfect for coating and giving that signature lamington look and texture.

How to Make Easy Australian Lamingtons Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Vanilla Cake

Start by beating the room temperature butter and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy – this step is what makes your cake light and tender. Next, add the vanilla bean paste and eggs one at a time, beating after each addition to incorporate air. Fold in the self-raising flour carefully to keep the batter airy, then stir in the milk for moisture. Pour the smooth batter into a lined baking tin and bake until golden and springy to the touch. Once cooled, cut the cake into even squares, which are the perfect size for dipping and rolling.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Glaze

The glaze is where the magic happens. In a bowl, sift together the icing sugar and cocoa powder to avoid any lumps. Add melted butter, vanilla bean paste, golden syrup, and then gradually stir in boiling water until the mixture becomes a thick yet runny chocolate glaze. It needs to be just thin enough to coat the cake evenly yet thick enough to cling beautifully.

Step 3: Dip and Coat with Coconut

Now the fun part begins! Using forks or skewers, dip each cake square into the chocolate glaze, making sure every side is covered. Then immediately roll it in the desiccated coconut. The coconut not only adds flavor and an appealing texture but also helps keep the moist glaze from dripping. Place the coated lamingtons on a wire rack or tray to set – patience is key here because letting them sit ensures the glaze firms up nicely.

How to Serve Easy Australian Lamingtons Recipe

Garnishes

To make your lamingtons even more inviting, consider sprinkling a little extra desiccated coconut atop before the glaze sets for an extra snowy finish. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds a touch of elegance. For celebrations, tiny fresh berries or edible flowers can be placed alongside for a pretty pop of color.

Side Dishes

Lamingtons pair beautifully with simple accompaniments like a cup of strong black tea or coffee, creating a classic Aussie teatime experience. Fresh fruit, especially berries, plays off the sweetness wonderfully and adds balance to each bite. For a truly indulgent treat, serve with whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, how about stacking your lamingtons into a pyramid or arranging them on a tiered cake stand? Wrapping the individual squares in cellophane with ribbon makes them perfect for party favors. Or for something unexpected, turn these into bite-sized lamington pops by inserting stick handles before dipping – they’re adorable and fun to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lamingtons keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they’re so delicious you may not have any! If your kitchen is particularly warm, storing them in the fridge can help, but be mindful the coconut may absorb moisture and lose some crispness.

Freezing

These cakes freeze exceptionally well. Place them on a baking tray in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature—it’s the easiest way to preserve their moist texture and rich flavor.

Reheating

Lamingtons are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer them slightly warmed, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave will soften the chocolate glaze and make them irresistibly gooey – but don’t overdo it or the coconut can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

You can, but you’ll need to add baking powder to your dry ingredients to mimic the rising effect. Usually, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder per 260 grams of plain flour works well.

What if I don’t have desiccated coconut?

Finely shredded unsweetened coconut is a good substitute, though it will be a bit softer in texture. Avoid flaked coconut as it’s too chunky for the classic lamington coating.

Is vanilla bean paste better than extract?

Vanilla bean paste contains the little specks of real vanilla pods and offers a richer, more intense vanilla flavor and speckled appearance, but vanilla extract works perfectly fine in both cake and glaze if that’s what you have.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the self-raising flour with a good quality gluten-free self-raising blend. Be sure to check the blend’s instructions as moisture requirements can vary slightly.

How long does it take for the glaze to set?

Setting usually takes about 30 minutes at room temperature. To speed this up, you can place the lamingtons in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, but let them sit out again before serving so they’re not too cold.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the secret to making this Easy Australian Lamingtons Recipe, I hope you feel inspired to bring a little Aussie sunshine into your kitchen. These charming, bite-sized cakes are perfect for sharing, gifting, or treating yourself to a sweet escape. Once you taste the fluffy cake, rich chocolate glaze, and coconut crunch all in one bite, I promise you’ll be reaching for the recipe again and again. Happy baking and even happier eating!

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