A lamington is a classic Australian dessert. It consists of squares of sponge cake that are coated in a layer of chocolate icing and then rolled in desiccated coconut. Lamingtons are typically served at room temperature and enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee. This is the perfect food to batch cook. They freeze well and thaw easily.

The sponge cake used in lamingtons is traditionally made with ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The cake is baked until it is light and fluffy, and then it is cut into small squares or rectangles. The chocolate icing is made with cocoa powder, icing sugar, butter, and milk or water, and it is heated and stirred until smooth before being applied to the cake. The coated cake squares are then rolled in desiccated coconut, which adds a layer of texture and flavor.

Lamingtons are often enjoyed as a sweet treat during afternoon tea, at bake sales, or as a part of celebrations and events. They are considered a national culinary icon in Australia and are widely loved for their simple yet delicious combination of flavors.

Lamingtons are believed to be named after Charles Cochrane-Baillie, the 2nd Baron Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901.

The story goes that Lord Lamington’s chef was tasked with creating a unique treat for unexpected guests, and he improvised by cutting up leftover sponge cake, dipping the pieces in chocolate, and coating them with coconut to avoid getting messy hands. The guests loved the creation, and it became a popular treat from then on.

Eventually, it was named after the Governor himself.