The Lamington recipe is one of the most iconic dessert recipes from Australia. Known for its soft sponge cake, rich chocolate coating, and coconut exterior, Lamingtons are loved for their simplicity and comforting flavor.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make Lamingtons from scratch, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and popular Lamington variations.
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What Is a Lamington?
A Lamington is a traditional Australian cake made from light vanilla sponge, dipped in chocolate icing, and rolled in desiccated coconut. Some Lamington recipes include a layer of jam or cream in the center, while others are served plain.
Lamingtons are commonly enjoyed as:
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Afternoon tea treats
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Bake sale favorites
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Classic homemade desserts
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Party and celebration cakes
Looking for eco-friendly packaging for baked goods?
Why This Lamington Recipe Works
This Lamington recipe is designed for consistent, bakery-style results at home.
Key benefits of this recipe:
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Soft yet sturdy sponge cake
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Smooth chocolate coating that doesn’t soak in
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Even coconut coverage
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Easy steps suitable for beginners
The method follows traditional Australian baking techniques while keeping the process simple and practical.
Classic Lamington Recipe (From Scratch)
Ingredients for Lamington Sponge Cake
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1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup (200 g) caster sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 cups (300 g) self-raising flour
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½ cup (120 ml) milk
Ingredients for Chocolate Icing
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3 cups (360 g) icing sugar
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¼ cup (25 g) cocoa powder
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
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½ cup (120 ml) milk (adjust as needed)
Ingredients for Coconut Coating
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2–3 cups desiccated coconut
Equipment Needed for Making Lamingtons
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Rectangular baking pan (9 × 13 inch)
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Mixing bowls
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Wire cooling rack
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Two shallow bowls (icing & coconut)
Step-by-Step Lamington Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lamington Sponge Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time.
Gently fold in the self-raising flour, alternating with milk, until just combined.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Chill and Cut the Cake
Once cooled, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps prevent crumbling.
Cut the sponge cake into even squares, depending on your preferred Lamington size.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Icing
Sift the icing sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl.
Add melted butter and milk, whisking until smooth. The icing should be thin enough to coat but thick enough to cling.
Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 4: Coat the Lamingtons
Place desiccated coconut in a shallow bowl.
Dip each cake square into chocolate icing, turning gently. Let excess icing drip off, then roll in coconut.
Place on a wire rack to set. Repeat with remaining pieces.
Traditional Lamington Recipe Tips
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Chill the sponge cake before coating
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Work quickly when dipping into icing
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Stir icing regularly to maintain smooth texture
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Use desiccated coconut for best results
Popular Lamington Recipe Variations
Jam-Filled Lamington Recipe
Slice Lamingtons in half horizontally and fill with strawberry or raspberry jam. This is one of the most traditional Lamington variations.
Cream-Filled Lamington Recipe
Fill Lamingtons with lightly sweetened whipped cream. These should be stored in the refrigerator.
Mini Lamington Recipe
Cut sponge cake into smaller cubes for bite-sized Lamingtons, ideal for parties and dessert platters.
Chocolate Lamington Recipe
Add cocoa powder to the sponge and use dark chocolate icing for a richer chocolate flavor.
Lemon or Citrus Lamington Recipe
Replace chocolate icing with lemon glaze and roll in coconut for a lighter, refreshing version.
How to Store Lamingtons
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Room temperature: 2-3 days in an airtight container
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Refrigerated (filled Lamingtons): up to 3 days
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Freezing: sponge cake can be frozen before coating
Common Lamington Recipe Mistakes
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Cake falling apart → cake not chilled
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Soggy Lamingtons → icing too thin
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Uneven coating → icing not stirred
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Dry sponge → overbaking
Lamington Recipe FAQs
What is the best cake for a Lamington recipe?
A light vanilla sponge or butter cake works best.
Should Lamingtons be refrigerated?
Only filled Lamingtons need refrigeration.
Why are my Lamingtons soggy?
This happens when the icing is too thin or the cake is still warm.
What coconut is best for Lamingtons?
Unsweetened desiccated coconut is traditional.
Can I make Lamingtons ahead of time?
Yes. The sponge cake can be baked and frozen in advance.
Conclusion
This classic Lamington recipe gives you everything you need to make soft, moist, and perfectly coated Lamingtons at home. With simple ingredients and clear steps, it’s ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Whether you prefer traditional Lamingtons or creative variations, this recipe delivers reliable results every time.
