Baking · serves 2

Lamingtons

Squares of sponge dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. Messy and unstoppable.

60 min A proper cook Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 250g plain flour
  • 200g sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 240ml milk
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 100ml sunflower oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing: 300g icing sugar, 3 tbsp cocoa, 20g butter, 120ml boiling water
  • 200g desiccated coconut

Method

  1. Milk and vinegar, 5 minutes.
  2. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Add the soured milk, oil and vanilla, mix to a smooth batter.
  3. Lined 20cm square tin. 180°C for 30 minutes.
  4. Cool completely, then chill for an hour. Cold cake dips without falling apart; warm cake disintegrates.
  5. Cut into squares.
  6. Whisk icing sugar, cocoa, butter and boiling water into a thin glaze.
  7. Dip each square on all sides with two forks, let it drip, then roll in coconut.
  8. Set on a rack. An hour to firm up.

Questions people ask about Lamingtons

How long does Lamingtons take?

About 60 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a proper cook. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of maida in Lamingtons?

Use plain atta for a denser, nuttier result, or a 50/50 mix if you want to keep some lift.

Can I make Lamingtons ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Lamingtons vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

Do I need an oven for Lamingtons?

Yes, this one needs an oven. If you do not have one, look at the no-oven filter on the baking page: eleven of the bakes here are built for a cooker, a pan or the fridge.

What do you serve with Lamingtons?

On its own, warm, with tea or coffee. Baking is chemistry, so scale it by weight rather than by eye: double every quantity, use a tin with roughly double the area, and expect to add ten minutes or so. Judge it by the skewer, not the clock.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

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