Lamingtons

Delicious Lamingtons: a refined and flavorful dessert

If you're looking for a quick and simple dessert that will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, Lamingtons are the perfect choice! These fluffy cakes, covered in chocolate and coconut flakes, are not only a visual delight but also a true taste pleasure. Their origins are lost in history, but today they are famous and loved all over the world, often served at festive events or as a treat during relaxation moments.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 24

Ingredients

- 5 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 130 g granulated sugar
- 1 packet (approximately 8 g) vanilla sugar
- 100 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- 500 g dark chocolate (minimum 55% cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 250 ml hot milk
- 300 g coconut flakes
- Red currant jam (or personal preferences like sour cherry or raspberry)

Step by step: Preparing Lamingtons

1. Preparing the sponge cake

Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and light in color. This process is essential for obtaining a fluffy sponge cake.

Add the melted but warm butter and continue to mix gently. Once the ingredients are well combined, sift the flour together with the baking powder directly into the bowl, mixing with a spatula until homogeneous. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture of the cakes.

2. Baking

Grease a rectangular baking pan (33x22 cm) with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the sponge cake mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Ideally, prepare the sponge cake a day in advance, as it will cut more easily and absorb the flavors better.

3. Preparing the chocolate glaze

After the sponge cake has cooled completely, prepare the chocolate glaze. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Add the hot milk and mix well until homogeneous. This glaze will give the Lamingtons a rich texture and an intense chocolate flavor.

4. Assembling the Lamingtons

Cut the sponge cake into 24 equal squares, then cut each square in half horizontally. Use a teaspoon to add a small portion of red currant jam between the two halves. This detail will add a touch of freshness and a pleasant contrast with the chocolate.

5. Coating in chocolate and coconut

Use a fork to dip each piece of sponge cake in the chocolate glaze, ensuring it is evenly coated. After removing them from the chocolate glaze, roll each piece in the coconut flakes, covering all sides. This layer of coconut adds a crunchy texture and a unique flavor.

6. Cooling and serving

Place the Lamingtons on a rack or on a plate covered with parchment paper to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in the refrigerator. These treats can be enjoyed as they are or served with a cup of tea or coffee.

Practical tips

- Ingredients: Use fresh eggs and high-quality butter for a more intense flavor. Also, ensure that the chocolate has a high cocoa content for a richer taste.
- Jam: You can experiment with different types of jam according to your preferences. Try combinations like raspberry or sour cherry to diversify the flavors.
- Storage: Lamingtons store well in the refrigerator and can be consumed for a few days, but it is recommended to eat them fresh to enjoy the fluffy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with white chocolate, but it will change the flavor and may require adjusting the amount of sugar in the recipe.

What can I do with leftover sponge cake?
You can use leftover sponge cake to make trifle by mixing it with whipped cream and fresh fruits.

How can I customize the recipe?
Add flavors like almond or orange essence to the sponge cake mixture for an extra layer of flavor. You can also replace the coconut flakes with ground nuts or hazelnuts.

Possible variations

- Lamingtons with cream: Add a thin layer of chocolate cream between the two halves of sponge cake for an extra richness.
- Vegan Lamingtons: Use flax eggs or mashed bananas as egg substitutes and vegan butter to create a vegan version of this delicious dessert.

I conclude this recipe with a personal note: Lamingtons are perfect to make together with loved ones. Whether you have kids or friends, the process of assembling these treats can become a fun and joyful activity. So, don't hesitate to turn cooking into a pleasant experience! Enjoy and Happy Holidays to everyone!