Lamingtons are a classic Australian treat that combines a soft sponge cake with a layer of chocolate and desiccated coconut. The delightful texture and rich flavor make them irresistible. I remember the first time I made these for my friends who were skeptical about vegan desserts. Their faces lit up with surprise and joy after the first bite, and I knew I had won them over. Let’s dive into this simple yet indulgent recipe!
Ingredients
For the sponge cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate coating:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the coating:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the almond milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate coating. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into squares or rectangles.
Dip each piece of cake into the chocolate coating, ensuring all sides are covered. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
Immediately roll the chocolate-coated cake in desiccated coconut, ensuring it’s well-coated.
Place the coated lamingtons on a wire rack or a plate to set. Allow them to sit for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate coating has firmed up.
Serve these delightful vegan lamingtons at your next gathering or enjoy them with a cup of tea. They are sure to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers! Enjoy your baking journey!