How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons at Home
Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful twist on the classic Australian treat, combining fluffy sponge cake coated in rich chocolate and rolled in coconut, with a luscious raspberry jam center that bursts with fruity flavor. Learn to make Raspberry Lamingtons at home with this easy recipe, perfect for a sweet treat bursting with fruity flavor and fluffy cake. Whether you’re baking for afternoon tea or a special occasion, these vibrant, bite-sized desserts will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fruity and Decadent: The raspberry jam adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich chocolate and coconut.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh raspberry jam make this recipe easy even for beginners.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, airy sponge cake pairs beautifully with the smooth coating and coconut crunch.
- Impressive Presentation: These colorful lamingtons stand out on any dessert table with their bright raspberry center.
- Customizable: The recipe adapts well to different jams or coatings if you want to mix it up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating Raspberry Lamingtons that are moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the light sponge to the luscious chocolate coating and shredded coconut, every element contributes to this irresistible dessert.
- Self-raising flour: Helps create a fluffy and tender sponge that rises perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture crucial for a soft cake base.
- Sugar: Sweetens the sponge and balances tart raspberry jam.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
- Raspberry jam: The fruity heart of these lamingtons, providing vibrant flavor.
- Cocoa powder: Used in the chocolate glaze for that deep chocolatey taste.
- Desiccated coconut: Rolls the lamingtons for signature texture and tropical aroma.
Variations for Raspberry Lamingtons
Feel free to put your own spin on Raspberry Lamingtons! This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.
- Berry Mix: Swap raspberry jam for mixed berry or strawberry preserves for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate Cake Base: Use chocolate sponge to intensify the chocolate flavor in every bite.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk.
- White Chocolate Coating: Try melting white chocolate instead of cocoa for a creamier, sweeter lamington.
How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Preheat your oven, grease and line a square cake tin, then cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently fold in sifted self-raising flour alternated with milk until the batter is smooth. Pour into the tin and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before cutting.
Step 2: Cut and Layer with Raspberry Jam
Once cooled, slice the sponge cake into equal squares—about 2 inches each. Spread a generous amount of raspberry jam on half of the squares, then place the remaining squares on top to form little sandwich cakes that are bursting with jam.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Coating
In a heatproof bowl, combine cocoa powder, icing sugar, milk, and melted butter, whisking until smooth and glossy. This will be the luscious chocolate coating that binds the coconut to the cake.
Step 4: Dip and Coat the Lamingtons
Using a fork or skewer, dip each jam-filled cake square into the chocolate mixture, ensuring every side is covered. Then immediately roll it in desiccated coconut, pressing lightly so the coconut sticks well. Place on a wire rack or tray lined with parchment paper to set.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Allow the Raspberry Lamingtons to chill for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate coating before serving. This step helps the flavors meld and makes the lamingtons easier to handle.
Pro Tips for Making Raspberry Lamingtons
- Use room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temp blend better, yielding a lighter sponge.
- Don’t over-mix the batter: Fold gently to keep the cake soft and airy.
- Jam thickness matters: Opt for a thick raspberry jam to prevent sogginess but keep that fruity burst.
- Work quickly when dipping: The chocolate can harden fast, so coat the cakes one by one efficiently.
- Store in an airtight container: Keeps the lamingtons moist and fresh for longer.
How to Serve Raspberry Lamingtons
Garnishes
Consider topping each lamington with a fresh raspberry or a sprinkle of edible glitter for a festive touch. A light dusting of icing sugar can also enhance the presentation and add extra sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair Raspberry Lamingtons with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of hot tea or coffee complements the flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Raspberry Lamingtons on a tiered dessert stand for a stunning high-tea display, or pack them into decorative boxes for gifts or party favors. You can also skewer mini lamingtons for an easy-to-eat finger food option at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration can dry them out, so it’s best avoided unless your kitchen is very warm.
Freezing
Lamingtons freeze wonderfully. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
Raspberry Lamingtons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer, give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave to soften just before serving—avoid overheating to preserve texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam instead of raspberry?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, blackberry, or any other favorite fruit preserves to customize the flavor.
Are Raspberry Lamingtons gluten-free?
Traditional recipes use wheat flour, but you can make a gluten-free version by substituting with gluten-free self-raising flour blends.
How long do Raspberry Lamingtons keep fresh?
They taste best within 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the sponge cake a day before, wrap it well, and store it at room temperature before assembling the lamingtons.
What’s the best way to serve Raspberry Lamingtons?
Serve them slightly chilled or at room temperature alongside tea, coffee, or a creamy accompaniment like whipped cream or ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Lamingtons are such a joyful treat to make and share, combining fluffy cake, tangy raspberry jam, and a sweet chocolate-coconut exterior. Once you try this recipe at home, you’ll understand why they’re loved by so many. Give it a go and enjoy each bite of these scrumptious homemade delights!
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Raspberry Lamingtons
Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful Australian-inspired dessert featuring fluffy sponge cake squares filled with luscious raspberry jam, coated in a rich chocolate glaze, and rolled in desiccated coconut. This recipe offers a perfect balance of fruity tanginess and chocolatey sweetness with a soft, airy texture and a delightful coconut crunch, ideal for teatime or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 lamingtons 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 100g butter, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Filling
- Raspberry jam (thick consistency), quantity as needed for layering
Chocolate Coating
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups icing sugar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Coating
- Desiccated coconut, enough to roll all lamingtons
Instructions
- Prepare the Sponge Cake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a square cake tin with parchment paper. Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gently fold in the sifted self-raising flour alternated with the milk until the batter is smooth and well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding.
- Cut and Layer with Raspberry Jam: Once cooled, slice the sponge cake into approximately 2-inch squares. Spread a generous amount of thick raspberry jam on half of the squares. Top each jam-covered square with the remaining sponge squares to form sandwich cakes filled with raspberry jam.
- Make the Chocolate Coating: In a heatproof bowl, combine cocoa powder, icing sugar, milk, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and free of lumps to create the chocolate glaze.
- Dip and Coat the Lamingtons: Using a fork or skewer, dip each jam-filled sandwich square into the chocolate coating, ensuring all sides are evenly covered. Immediately roll the coated lamingtons in desiccated coconut, pressing lightly so the coconut adheres well. Place them on a wire rack or tray lined with parchment paper to set.
- Chill and Serve: Allow the Raspberry Lamingtons to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the chocolate coating firm up. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for a lighter, fluffier sponge.
- Fold the batter gently to keep the sponge soft and airy—avoid over-mixing.
- Choose a thick raspberry jam to prevent sogginess while keeping a bold fruit flavor.
- Work quickly when dipping to prevent the chocolate from hardening before rolling in coconut.
- Store lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamington
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Raspberry Lamingtons, Australian dessert, sponge cake, chocolate coating, coconut, raspberry jam, gluten-free dessert