Lamingtons

[narla]

  Lamingtons are very popular in Australia and consist of a small square of white cake (sponge, butter, or pound) that is dipped in a sweet chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut. I suspect Lord Lamington (Governor of Queensland from 1896 - 190l), their namesake, might be surprised at how popular these cakes have become.Lamingtons are sold in most Australian bakeries and sell very quickly at bake sales. So quickly, in fact, that charities have what are called 'Lamington Drives' .



Cake Recipe:

2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Chocolate Frosting:

4 cups (1 lb.) (454 grams) confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted

1/3 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder (I like to use Dutch-processed)

3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter

1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

Coating:

2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut, finely ground



To make Lamingtons, you start with a white cake (home made or store bought) that has been cut into two inch (5 cm) squares. The squares of cake are chilled (to make it easier to frost) and then each square of cake is covered in a soft chocolate icing. Although most Lamington recipes advise you to 'dip' each square of cake into the frosting, I prefer to 'pour', as this prevents crumbs from getting into the icing.  Then roll each square of cake in unsweetened desiccated (dried) coconut. Place the Lamingtons on a wire rack to dry and then store in an airtight container for several days.
Desiccated coconut is different than the more common 'sweetened' coconut sold in plastic bags or cans in grocery stores. Desiccated coconut has a sweet coconut flavor and dry (not sticky) texture. You can find it in health food store or specialty food store, but if time doesn't permit this extra trip, just use sweetened coconut.

  
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place oven rack to middle position.  Butter, or spray with a nonstick cooking spray, the bottom and sides of an 8 inch (20 cm) square cake pan.  Set aside.

In a large bowl sift or whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Set aside.

In bowl of electric mixer, beat the butter until soft.  Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl.  Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and milk, in three additions, beginning and ending with flour.  

Spread the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.  Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool the cake in its pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Place a wire rack on top of the cake pan and invert, lifting off the pan.  Re-invert.  Once the cake has completely cooled cut it into 16 two-inch (5 cm) squares.  Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or even overnight.  The reason for doing this is that it is much easier (less crumbs) to coat a cold cake with frosting.

Chocolate Frosting:  Place the confectioners' sugar, cocoa powder, butter and milk in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.  Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and of pouring consistency.

To assemble Lamingtons:  Make a production line; put the 16 squares of cakes on a wire rack that is placed over a baking sheet (to catch the drips).  Have ready the coconut on a large plate and the chocolate frosting.  Spoon or ladle the chocolate frosting over each square of cake, making sure you cover all sides. (It is best to do a few squares at a time.)  With a small offset spatula or knife transfer the chocolate covered cake to the plate of coconut and roll the cake in the coconut, covering all sides.  Gently transfer the lamington to a clean wire rack to set.  Repeat with the rest of the cake squares.  Once the Lamingtons have set, store in an airtight container for several days.

Note:  When you ladle the frosting over the cake, some of the frosting will drip onto the baking pan.  Pour this frosting back in your bowl and reuse (strain if necessary).  If the icing becomes too thick to pour, simply place the frosting back over the saucepan of simmering water and reheat until it is of pouring consistency. (You may have to do this a few times as the frosting has a tendency to thicken over time.  Add a little more milk to frosting if necessary to get pouring consistency.)  

Makes 16 2-inch (5 cm) squares.

[zazou]

My hubby loves them, will make some soon, my fav. Oz recipe of all :-)

[sania19]

Thanks for posting, i will make this today bcoz its my daughter's Birthday she is 1year old now.

[margypops]

I love coconut, I know what you mean by dessicated coconut, these Lamingtons sound very tasty and would make a great holiday treat, maybe with Thanksgiving coming up soon .I may buy the cake for ease if I am stuck for time and frost and coconut it , if I have got a day free I will bake the sponge ...thanks Narla