Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful Australian treat consisting of sponge cake squares coated in raspberry jam and rolled in desiccated coconut. These soft, sweet, and slightly tangy cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a special dessert!

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Raspberry Coating:

• 1 cup raspberry jam (or more to taste)
• 1 cup desiccated coconut

Timing

Making Raspberry Lamingtons takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Sponge Cake

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined and smooth.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Cut and Coat the Lamingtons

1. Cut into Squares: Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into squares (about 2 inches).
2. Coat with Jam: Place the raspberry jam in a shallow bowl. Dip each square of cake into the jam, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Roll in Coconut: Roll the jam-coated cake squares in desiccated coconut until fully covered. Place on a wire rack to set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Enjoy: Serve the Raspberry Lamingtons at room temperature. They can be stored in an airtight container for several days.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Raspberry Lamingtons (per lamington, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Lamington
Calories	150
Protein	2g
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Different Flavors: Substitute raspberry jam with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or chocolate for a twist.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts into the coconut coating for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Coating: For a chocolate version, dip the lamingtons in melted chocolate before rolling in coconut.

Conclusion

Raspberry Lamingtons are a scrumptious and visually appealing treat that combines the softness of sponge cake with the sweetness of raspberry jam and the texture of coconut. These delightful cakes are sure to be a favorite at any gathering!