Lamingtons - The backstory
Entry by: Subiksha Kannan
Growing up in Australia as an Indian-Australian, has certainly shaped me to become the strong-willed, independent and compassionate woman I am today. There’s something about the warmth of the welcoming and free-spirited Australian culture that gives everyone a sense of belonging, even amidst the utterly diverse population. To me, Australia means community, family and home.
A staple food for every Australian barbecue or fundraiser (besides the obvious - Beer), is the perfect Australian delicacy- Lamingtons. The construct of a Lamington is the perfect balance of sweetness, with a rich chocolate sauce soaking into the sponge cake rolled in grated coconut which gives it a distinctive texture. Lamingtons truly are an Australian Icon.
Having relocated to India recently, recreating Australian food at home brings back a flood of childhood memories from my time in Australia. To me, biting into the moist buttery sponge cake dipped in a decadent chocolate glaze, coated with flaky coconuts is the taste of Australia.
Lamingtons - The taste of Australia
Recipe Source*: recipetineats (https://www.recipetineats.com/classic-lamingtons/)
Ingredients Butter Sponge
• 125 g unsalted butter
• 220g caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• 260g flour
• 3.5 tsp baking powder
• 125 ml milk
Chocolate Glaze
• 480g icing sugar
• 22g cocoa powder
• 15g unsalted butter
• 150ml boiling water
Coating
• 250g desiccated coconut
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease cake pan and line with baking paper.
2. Sift flour and baking powder together, twice.
3. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter is smooth,.
5. Add half the flour and fold gently to combine, then stir in half the milk. Repeat with remaining flour and milk. 6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Stand for 5 minutes then lift the cake out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
8. Cut cooled cake into 2inch squares.
9. For Chocolate Glaze - combine ingredients in a bowl and mix to form a smooth syrup.
10. For desiccated coconut- cut coconut into small cubes, then blitz in food processor. Dry roast on low flame for 10-15mins.
11. To assemble the Lamingtons: first coat with chocolate syrup then roll onto coconut.
12. Let it sit for 1-2hours or until set, then serve.
*Note: The recipe and method was lightly altered.
Disclaimer : All content on this post was shared by a participant of the Great Bay Area Bake-Off. The blog does not claim any ownership, copyright or content responsibility. All credits belong to the participant.