How to Make Raspberry Lamington Cake: An Aussie Treat with a Fruity Twist

The lamington: a fluffy, airy sponge cake, dipped in chocolate and coated in coconut. It’s a beloved Australian classic for a reason! But what happens when you infuse this iconic treat with a burst of fresh raspberry flavor? You get a raspberry lamington cake – a delightful twist on the original that will have you saying “G’day” to your new favorite dessert.

This recipe guides you step-by-step through baking a perfect raspberry lamington cake, from whipping up a delicate sponge to creating a luscious raspberry sauce that adds a tangy punch. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this surprisingly easy-to-make, yet utterly delicious, Australian-inspired treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Raspberry Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries

For the Raspberry Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 2 cups (300g) icing sugar
• 1/2 cup (40g) cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut Coating:

• 2 cups desiccated coconut

Tools of the Trade

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Two large mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Saucepan
• Sieve or sifter
• Rubber spatula
• Two forks
• Baking tray

Baking Your Raspberry Lamington Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparing the Raspberry Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the fresh raspberries using a spatula.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before proceeding to the next step.

2. Making the Raspberry Sauce:

1. While the cake is baking, prepare the raspberry sauce. Combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the raspberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and pass the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds, if desired. Set aside to cool.

3. Assembling the Lamingtons:

1. Once the cake has cooled completely, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it from the pan. Cut the cake into squares of your desired size.
2. Prepare your workstation by placing a wire rack over a baking tray. This will catch any excess chocolate and coconut.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, cocoa powder, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Dip each cake square into the raspberry sauce, ensuring all sides are evenly coated.
5. Using two forks, gently lift the sauce-coated cake square and allow any excess to drip back into the bowl.
6. Immediately dip the cake square into the chocolate coating, again ensuring all sides are covered.
7. Lift the cake square from the chocolate coating and allow any excess to drip off.
8. Finally, roll the chocolate-covered cake square in the desiccated coconut, pressing gently to help the coconut adhere.
9. Place the finished lamington on the prepared wire rack and repeat with the remaining cake squares.
10. Allow the lamingtons to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Lamington Perfection:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs will help create a smoother batter and lighter cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cooling Completely: It’s crucial to let the cake cool completely before cutting and dipping. This will prevent it from crumbling.
• Thin Sauce: If the raspberry sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of water.
• Double Dipping: For an extra indulgent treat, you can dip the lamingtons in the chocolate coating twice. Just be sure to let the first layer set slightly before dipping again.

Serving and Storing Your Raspberry Lamingtons

These delightful lamingtons are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For optimal freshness, keep them refrigerated.

Raspberry Lamington Cake Slice

FAQs About Making Raspberry Lamington Cake

Can I use frozen raspberries for this recipe?

While fresh raspberries are preferred for optimal flavor, you can use frozen raspberries for both the cake and the sauce. Make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before incorporating them into the recipe.

What can I use as a substitute for desiccated coconut?

If you don’t have desiccated coconut on hand, you can use finely chopped nuts, sprinkles, or even cocoa powder for rolling the lamingtons.

Can I make these lamingtons ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the lamingtons a few hours ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Raspberry Lamington Cake Ingredients

A Final Word: Indulge in the Sweetness

Baking is a journey of flavors and creativity. This raspberry lamington cake recipe is your passport to experiencing a classic Australian treat with a delightful twist. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it – try different berry variations, experiment with different extracts in the chocolate coating, or get creative with your decorations.

So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this delicious adventure. Share your creations and baking experiences with us in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your lamington triumphs!

For more baking inspiration and exciting recipe ideas, browse through our collection of delectable treats on Family Cuisine. We’ve got something to satisfy every sweet tooth!