Indulge in the irresistible charm of a classic Australian treat with this delectable Lamington cake recipe. Lamingtons are iconic sponge cakes coated in chocolate icing and desiccated coconut, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures. This Lamington cake takes the traditional dessert to new heights by layering moist sponge cake with luscious chocolate ganache and fluffy coconut cream, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Whether served as a sweet treat for afternoon tea or as a show-stopping dessert for special occasions, this Lamington cake is sure to impress. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
the sponge cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
the chocolate ganache:
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
the coconut cream:
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
assembly:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
- While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chopped chocolate until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the melted chocolate. Stir until smooth and well combined. Let the ganache cool to room temperature.
- While the ganache is cooling, make the coconut cream. Open the chilled coconut milk can and scoop out the thick coconut cream that has risen to the top. Place it in a mixing bowl and discard the remaining liquid.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the coconut cream, and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cake has cooled, remove it from the baking pan and cut it into squares or rectangles.
- Dip each cake piece into the chocolate ganache, coating it completely. Allow any excess ganache to drip off.
- Roll the chocolate-coated cake pieces in desiccated coconut, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coconut-coated cake pieces on a wire rack to set for about 30 minutes.
- Once set, assemble the Lamington cake by layering the chocolate-coated cake pieces with coconut cream between each layer.
- Finish by spreading a thin layer of coconut cream over the top and sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate the Lamington cake for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the coconut cream to set.
- Slice and serve the delectable Lamington cake, and enjoy every heavenly bite!
Tips:
- For best results, use high-quality chocolate and coconut milk for the ganache and coconut cream.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before dipping it into the ganache to prevent the chocolate from melting too much.
- Store any leftover Lamington cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
With its layers of moist sponge cake, velvety chocolate ganache, and fluffy coconut cream, this delectable Lamington cake is a true celebration of flavor and texture. Whether enjoyed as a sweet indulgence for dessert or as a special treat for afternoon tea, this Australian classic is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave you craving more. Treat yourself to the irresistible charm of a homemade Lamington cake and savor the delightful experience it brings with every bite.
