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## 6. Step-by-Step Easy Lamington Recipe
### Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake tin with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Sift together** flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Set aside.
3. **Beat eggs and sugar:** In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and sugar until light, fluffy, and pale yellow (about 5 minutes).
4. **Add vanilla and milk:** Stir in the vanilla extract. Slowly add the milk and melted butter, mixing gently.
5. **Combine wet and dry:** Gradually fold in the sifted flour mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the sponge light.
6. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. **Cool:** Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
### Step 2: Cut the Cake
* Once cooled, turn the cake out and remove the parchment paper.
* Cut the cake into roughly 2-inch squares, the traditional lamington size.
### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Icing
1. In a bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Add melted butter, vanilla, and milk. Stir well until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk; if too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar.
### Step 4: Assemble the Lamingtons
1. Place the desiccated coconut on a large plate or shallow tray.
2. Using a fork or skewer, dip each cake square into the chocolate icing, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Immediately roll the coated cake in coconut until fully covered.
4. Place the finished lamingtons on a wire rack to set. Allow them to dry for at least 30 minutes.
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## 7. Tips for Perfect Lamingtons
* **Use a light sponge:** The classic lamington sponge is soft and airy, not dense.
* **Cool cake completely:** Dipping warm cake will cause it to break apart.
* **Work quickly:** Chocolate icing thickens as it cools, so dip the cake squares promptly.
* **Use fresh coconut:** Desiccated coconut should be fresh to ensure a pleasant taste and texture.
* **Dry on racks:** Allow the lamingtons to dry on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
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## 8. Variations and Flavor Twists
* **Jam-Filled Lamingtons:** Slice the sponge squares in half and spread with raspberry or strawberry jam before dipping in chocolate and coconut.
* **Chocolate Sponge:** Replace vanilla with cocoa powder in the sponge for an extra chocolatey treat.
* **White Chocolate Lamingtons:** Use white chocolate icing instead of traditional chocolate and roll in shredded coconut.
* **Lemon Lamingtons:** Add lemon zest to the sponge and coat with lemon-flavored icing and coconut.
* **Vegan Lamingtons:** Substitute eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free milk.
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## 9. How to Store Lamingtons
* **Room temperature:** Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Keep for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezing:** Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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## 10. Serving Suggestions
Lamingtons are perfect on their own but can be served alongside:
* Fresh berries or fruit salad
* Whipped cream or ice cream
* A cup of tea or coffee for afternoon tea
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## 11. Nutritional Information
Lamingtons are a treat best enjoyed in moderation. Each cake square offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars, and provides a source of energy. To make them a bit healthier, you can reduce sugar or use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that this will alter the texture.
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## 12. Fun Facts About Lamingtons
* The lamington is often called Australia’s unofficial national cake.
* Lamington Day is celebrated every July 21st in Australia.
* The cake’s name was almost “Lord Lamington’s Delight” before being shortened.
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## 13. Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Can I use store-bought sponge cake?**
A: Yes, for a quicker version, but homemade sponge yields the best texture and flavor.
**Q: How do I fix lumpy chocolate icing?**
A: Make sure to sift your powdered sugar and cocoa before mixing. Warm milk slightly to help smooth the icing.
**Q: Can I make lamingtons gluten-free?**
A: Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend and adjust baking time.
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## 14. Final Thoughts
The lamington is a timeless dessert that brings joy with every bite. Its simple ingredients come together to create a treat that is both comforting and indulgent. With this easy lamington recipe, you can bring a little piece of Australia into your kitchen and enjoy baking a classic that’s loved by all ages.
Enjoy the process, savor the results, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and fillings to make the lamington uniquely yours!
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