Lamingtons

Lamingtons - The classic dessert with a touch of elegance and flavor

Who doesn't love a dessert that combines fluffy texture with a delicious syrup and a crunchy coating? Lamingtons are a perfect choice for a special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds. These cakes, coated with chocolate and either coconut or toasted nuts, have an interesting story, being associated with moments of joy and conviviality. Whether it's a family gathering, a get-together with friends, or just a simple treat after a long day, Lamingtons are the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients for the cake base:
- 5 eggs
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 100 ml oil
- 100 ml sparkling water
- 250 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch of salt

Ingredients for the syrup:
- 50 g chocolate
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 2-3 tablespoons cocoa
- 250 g butter/margarine
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons rum essence

Ingredients for decoration:
- Coconut (or)
- Ground toasted nuts

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the syrup: Start by placing all the syrup ingredients (chocolate, milk, cocoa, butter, powdered sugar, and rum essence) in a saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the butter completely melts and all ingredients combine well. Let the syrup simmer gently for 1-2 boils, then remove from heat and let it cool. The rum essence will add a pleasant flavor, so don’t skip it!

2. Preparing the cake base: Begin by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with sugar for about 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes a light-colored cream. Gradually add the oil, followed by the sparkling water.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder over the yolk mixture and gently fold with a spatula. Then, gradually add the beaten egg whites, being careful not to deflate them. Add the rum essence for extra flavor.

4. Baking the base: Pour the obtained mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper (approximately 30x25 cm) and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Check if it’s done using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is perfectly baked.

5. Cooling and cutting: Once the base has completely cooled, remove it from the tray and cut it into equal-sized squares (approximately 5x5 cm).

6. Soaking the cakes: Dip each piece into the cooled syrup, ensuring it is well coated, then place them on a large plate to absorb the syrup.

7. Decorating: After the cakes have absorbed the syrup, roll each piece in coconut or ground toasted nuts. This will add a crunchy texture and delicious taste.

Chef's tip: For an even more intense flavor, you can add a bit of vanilla extract to the cake batter or experiment with different types of nuts for decoration. Also, if you want a contrast of flavors, you can replace the coconut with ground almonds.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of flour?
- Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour, but the recipe may require adjustments in the proportions of ingredients.

2. How long do Lamingtons last?
- These cakes store well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for about 3-4 days.

3. Can I freeze the cakes?
- Yes, Lamingtons can be frozen, but it is recommended to cover them only with syrup, without the coconut decoration, to prevent texture deterioration.

Serving suggestions: These delicious cakes pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. You can serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of Lamingtons contains approximately 250 calories, but also provides a good dose of carbohydrates and healthy fats, especially if you use nuts as decoration. Additionally, the eggs in the batter are rich in protein, contributing to a balanced diet.

So, don’t hesitate to try this Lamingtons recipe that will bring a touch of joy and flavor to your life! It may quickly become your favorite dessert, and your loved ones will surely appreciate the effort put in. Enjoy!