Raspberry Lamingtons

Introduction

Raspberry Lamingtons are a deliciously unique take on the classic Australian treat. These fluffy sponge cake squares are soaked in a vibrant raspberry syrup and then rolled in desiccated coconut, resulting in a chewy exterior and a moist, fruity center. The combination of tart raspberry and sweet cake makes for a balanced, irresistible dessert that will quickly become a favorite.

I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering—the joy on everyone’s face was unforgettable. The raspberry syrup adds a burst of flavor that really sets these apart from the traditional lamington. The coconut coating adds a delightful texture, making every bite a little bit different from the last.

What I love about Raspberry Lamingtons is how versatile they are. You can serve them as a fun, fruity treat at a party or enjoy them as a sweet indulgence anytime. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily whip up a batch of these irresistible squares. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in the mood for something sweet, these lamingtons are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Afternoon tea
• Birthday parties
• Picnics and gatherings
• Dessert lovers
• Raspberry fans

Why You’ll Love This Raspberry Lamingtons

Here’s why Raspberry Lamingtons will become your go-to treat:

• Soft and Moist Sponge Cake: The sponge cake base is light, airy, and absorbent, soaking up the raspberry syrup perfectly.
• Tangy Raspberry Flavor: The raspberry syrup adds a burst of fresh, tangy sweetness to each bite, balancing the richness of the cake.
• Chewy Coconut Coating: The desiccated coconut adds a chewy, slightly crunchy exterior, giving the lamingtons their signature texture.
• Simple and Fun to Make: This recipe is easy to follow, and the process of dipping and coating the lamingtons is fun for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family get-together, a bake sale, or a special event, these lamingtons are a crowd-pleaser.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 16 lamingtons
• Calories per serving: Approximately 180-200 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 28g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Raspberry Lamingtons:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 cup raspberry jam
• 1 cup desiccated coconut
• ¼ cup raspberry syrup (made with fresh raspberries, sugar, and water)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sponge Cake: A light and fluffy cake that absorbs the raspberry syrup without becoming soggy, creating a perfectly balanced texture.
• Raspberry Jam: The jam provides sweetness and a subtle tartness that enhances the flavor of the raspberry syrup.
• Coconut: Desiccated coconut is essential to the texture of lamingtons, providing a chewy, slightly sweet outer layer that contrasts with the soft cake inside.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and tenderness to the cake, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Raspberry Lamingtons:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Raspberry Syrup:

7. Make the Raspberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh raspberries, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup water. Heat over medium heat until the raspberries break down and the syrup thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside to cool.

Assemble the Lamingtons:

8. Cut the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into 16 squares (4 rows and 4 columns).
9. Coat the Cake in Raspberry Syrup: In a shallow dish, pour the raspberry syrup. Dip each square of cake into the syrup, ensuring it is well-coated but not soaked.
10. Roll in Coconut: Immediately roll the syrup-coated cake in the desiccated coconut, making sure it’s fully covered on all sides.
11. Cool: Place the coated lamingtons on a wire rack and allow them to set for 10-15 minutes, so the coconut adheres properly.

How to Serve Raspberry Lamingtons

Raspberry Lamingtons are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• As a Tea-Time Snack: Serve these lamingtons with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• For Parties and Gatherings: These lamingtons are perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or any event that calls for a sweet treat.
• With Fresh Berries: For an extra burst of freshness, serve these lamingtons with fresh raspberries or other berries on the side.
• Gift-Giving: Package them in a cute box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Raspberry Lamingtons

Here are some tips to ensure your Raspberry Lamingtons are perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Raspberries for Syrup: Fresh raspberries will give you the best flavor, but you can also use frozen if necessary.
• Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the sponge cake is completely cool before cutting it into squares to prevent the syrup from making it too soggy.
• Don’t Over-soak the Cake: When dipping the cake into the syrup, be quick to avoid it becoming too soggy. A light dip is enough to soak the cake properly.
• Use Sweetened Coconut: Sweetened desiccated coconut will enhance the flavor, but you can use unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet exterior.
• Customize the Jam: If you want a stronger raspberry flavor, you can mix some raspberry jam into the syrup to intensify the berry taste.
• Serve Fresh: Lamingtons are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations for Raspberry Lamingtons

Here are 5 variations you can try for Raspberry Lamingtons:

• Strawberry Lamingtons: Replace the raspberry jam and syrup with strawberry jam and fresh strawberries for a different berry twist.
• Chocolate Lamingtons: Dip the sponge cake in a chocolate syrup or ganache instead of raspberry syrup, and roll in coconut for a chocolatey variation.
• Lemon Lamingtons: Use lemon zest in the sponge cake batter and swap raspberry syrup for lemon syrup for a citrusy, tangy flavor.
• Coconut Cream Lamingtons: Fill the lamingtons with a dollop of coconut cream before dipping them in raspberry syrup and coconut for a creamier treat.
• Vegan Lamingtons: Replace the butter with dairy-free butter, use non-dairy milk, and make sure the raspberry jam is vegan-friendly.

Freezing and Storage for Raspberry Lamingtons

• Freezing: These lamingtons freeze well! Place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Raspberry Lamingtons

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Raspberry Lamingtons easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps you achieve the fluffy sponge cake texture.
• Shallow Dish for Syrup: A shallow dish makes it easier to dip the cake evenly in the raspberry syrup.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack allows the lamingtons to set without becoming soggy.
• Sharp Knife: Use a sharp knife to cut the sponge cake into even squares for neat lamingtons.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions for Raspberry Lamingtons

1. Can I use other fruit for the syrup?
   Yes, you can experiment with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruit syrup.
2. Can I make these lamingtons gluten-free?
   Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
3. Can I make the cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake the sponge cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to assemble the lamingtons.
4. How do I know if the cake is baked properly?
   Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and spring back when touched.
5. Can I use store-bought raspberry jam?
   Yes, store-bought raspberry jam works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure it’s smooth and free of large fruit chunks for easier coating.

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Conclusion

Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering a perfect combination of light, airy cake and tangy raspberry syrup, all enveloped in a chewy coconut coating. These treats are not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Easy to prepare and fully customizable, they’re the ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, packing them for a picnic, or gifting them to someone special, these lamingtons are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.

I’d love to see how your Raspberry Lamingtons turn out! Snap a picture, share it on social media, and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy baking!