Lamington Cakes - A Scrumptious Delight

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 125 grams of unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 125 grams of caster sugar
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 250 grams of self-raising flour
• A pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons of milk
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

For the Icing:

• 400 grams of icing sugar
• 100 grams of cocoa powder
• 175 milliliters of boiling water
• 200 grams of desiccated coconut

Instructions

Preparing the Cake:

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes creamy and pale.
2. Incorporate the Eggs: Gradually add the beaten eggs into the mixture, ensuring each addition is well mixed before adding more.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and salt, then fold them into the creamy mixture along with the vanilla extract and milk. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to blend all the cake ingredients until smooth.
4. Bake the Cake: Transfer the mixture into a well-greased and base-lined cake tin. Smooth the surface with a palette knife. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cake has risen and is firm to the touch.
5. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Loosen the edges, then turn it out onto a wire rack and remove the lining paper. Let it cool completely overnight.

Preparing the Icing:

1. Mix the Icing: In a mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and icing sugar. Create a well in the center and pour in the boiling water. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable chocolate icing.

Assembling the Lamingtons:

1. Cut the Cake: Slice the cooled cake into 24 equal sections.
2. Dip and Coat: Using two forks, dip each cake slice into the chocolate icing, ensuring it is fully coated. Immediately roll the coated cake in desiccated coconut.
3. Set the Lamingtons: Place the coated cakes on baking paper and allow them to set.

This recipe yields 24 servings, with a preparation time of 20 minutes (plus overnight cooling) and a cooking time of approximately 30 minutes.

Interesting Facts and Statistics

• Origin: Lamingtons are named after Lord Lamington, a former Governor of Queensland, Australia. The dessert was created by his chef in the late 19th century.
• Popularity: According to a 2019 survey by Roy Morgan, 68% of Australians have eaten a Lamington in the past year, making it one of the country's most popular desserts.
• World Record: The largest Lamington ever made weighed 2,361 kg (5,203 lbs) and was created in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 2011. Source: Guinness World Records.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Conclusion

Lamington cakes are a delightful treat that combines the richness of butter cake with the exotic flavor of coconut. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy these scrumptious cakes with friends and family, and share the joy of this iconic Australian dessert.

For more information on the history and cultural significance of Lamingtons, visit the National Museum of Australia.