Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful treat that bring a taste of Australia to your kitchen. These small, 2-inch cubes of soft sponge cake squares are drenched in a luscious raspberry glaze and coated in coconut, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these sweet bites are sure to impress with their vibrant flavor and fluffy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, preparation is a breeze.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of raspberry and coconut creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for parties, afternoon tea, or as a sweet snack anytime.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful pink glaze and snowy coconut coating make for an eye-catching dessert.
- Freezer Friendly: You can prepare these lamingtons ahead of time and freeze them for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having the right equipment on hand makes all the difference in achieving perfect Raspberry Lamingtons.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Ensures even baking for the sponge cake, which is crucial for texture.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy sponge.
- Cooling rack: Provides proper ventilation so the sponge cake cools evenly without getting soggy.
Ingredients
These small, 2-inch cubes of soft sponge cake squares are drenched in a luscious raspberry glaze and coated in coconut.
For the Cake:
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 cups cake flour (220 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
For the Raspberry Glaze:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored vegan gelatin powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- 1¼ cup water (divided)
- 10 ounces frozen raspberries (thawed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
For Coating:
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sponge Cake
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients: cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Raspberry Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water with thawed raspberries. Cook until softened.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to extract juice; discard solids.
- Return juice to saucepan; add sugar and remaining water along with vegan gelatin powder. Stir until dissolved.
Step 5: Assemble Lamingtons
- Once cooled, cut the sponge cake into squares.
- Dip each square into the raspberry glaze allowing excess glaze to drip off.
- Roll each piece in desiccated coconut until fully coated.
Enjoy your homemade Raspberry Lamingtons as a delightful snack or dessert!
How to Serve Raspberry Lamingtons
Raspberry Lamingtons are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Fresh Fruits
- Serve with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or slices of kiwi for a colorful and refreshing contrast.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side enhances the flavors and adds a creamy texture.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Raspberry Lamingtons alongside other desserts such as brownies and mini cupcakes for an impressive dessert spread.
Paired with Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these lamingtons with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea to complement their sweetness.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Place a warm Raspberry Lamington on top of a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a decadent treat.
How to Perfect Raspberry Lamingtons
Creating the perfect Raspberry Lamingtons requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your lamingtons turn out amazing every time.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to come to room temperature. This helps achieve a light and fluffy sponge cake.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting flour, baking powder, and salt together aerates them, leading to a better cake texture.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cakes while they bake. Overbaking can dry them out, so test for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool Completely Before Glazing: Let the sponge cake cool completely before dipping it into the raspberry glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off.
- Coat Generously: Ensure each piece is fully coated in the glaze before rolling in coconut. This adds flavor and keeps the coconut adhered properly.
Best Side Dishes for Raspberry Lamingtons
To enhance your dessert experience, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Raspberry Lamingtons. They add variety and complement the sweetness perfectly.
- Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the sweetness of lamingtons. - Chocolate Mousse
Rich and creamy chocolate mousse creates a delicious contrast with the raspberry flavor in the lamingtons. - Coconut Macaroons
These chewy delights echo the coconut coating on Raspberry Lamingtons, making them an excellent pairing. - Mini Pavlovas
Light and airy pavlovas topped with whipped cream and fruit create a beautiful presentation alongside lamingtons. - Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses can add savory notes that balance out the sweet flavors of your dessert spread. - Chia Seed Pudding
A light chia seed pudding provides health benefits while adding texture and flavor without overpowering your main treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Raspberry Lamingtons, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final product’s taste and texture.
- Using cold ingredients – Always ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and a fluffier sponge.
- Overmixing the batter – Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cakes instead of light, airy ones.
- Skipping the cooling step – Allow your cake to cool completely before glazing. A warm cake will absorb too much glaze, making it soggy.
- Not measuring accurately – Use precise measurements for ingredients like flour and sugar. Improper measurements can lead to inconsistent results.
- Using stale coconut – Fresh desiccated coconut is key to achieving the right flavor and texture. Always check for freshness before coating your lamingtons.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Freezing Raspberry Lamingtons
- Wrap each lamington individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Raspberry Lamingtons
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave – Heat one lamington at a time on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place in a covered pan over low heat for several minutes, turning occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Raspberry Lamingtons?
Raspberry Lamingtons are small squares of sponge cake covered in raspberry glaze and rolled in coconut. They are a delightful dessert enjoyed across Australia.
Can I use fresh raspberries for the glaze?
Absolutely! Fresh raspberries can provide a wonderful flavor. Just ensure they are pureed properly before mixing with the sugar and water.
How do I customize my Raspberry Lamingtons?
You can experiment with different glazes such as chocolate or lemon icing instead of raspberry. Additionally, try adding nuts or dried fruits into the sponge cake for added texture.
Why did my sponge cake sink?
A sinking sponge cake is often caused by overmixing or insufficient baking time. Always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute regular cake flour with gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking. Adjustments may be needed for moisture content.
Final Thoughts
Raspberry Lamingtons are not only delicious but also versatile treats perfect for any occasion. Their soft texture paired with sweet raspberry glaze makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize them with different flavors or toppings based on your preferences!
Raspberry Lamingtons
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Raspberry Lamingtons, a sweet treat that brings a slice of Australia to your table. These charming sponge cake squares are drenched in a vibrant raspberry glaze and rolled in fluffy desiccated coconut, creating a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or treating yourself to a special dessert, these lamingtons are sure to impress with their bright color and irresistible taste. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them an ideal choice for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 10 ounces frozen raspberries (thawed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry mixture to the wet ingredients while stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the raspberry glaze, combine thawed raspberries and water in a saucepan over medium heat until softened. Strain to extract juice; return juice to the saucepan and add sugar and vegan gelatin powder. Stir until dissolved.
- Cut cooled sponge cake into squares, dip each into the raspberry glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off before rolling in desiccated coconut.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamington (45g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: <10mg
Keywords: Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for a fluffier sponge. Sift dry ingredients for better texture. Customize by using alternative glazes such as chocolate.
