Raspberry Lamingtons

These Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful twist on the classic Australian treat. Soft sponge cake cubes dipped in a luscious raspberry glaze and rolled in coconut make for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for tea parties, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these treats are sure to impress. Their vibrant color and rich flavor profile make them stand out at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you’ll whip up these Raspberry Lamingtons in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of raspberry and coconut brings a unique taste that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, afternoon tea, or festive celebration, these lamingtons fit right in.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite flavors or toppings to make these treats uniquely yours.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and texture make these Raspberry Lamingtons visually stunning.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Raspberry Lamingtons, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 2 8-inch square cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric Mixer: Essential for beating eggs to achieve the perfect volume and lightness in the sponge cake.
• Fine-Mesh Strainer: Helps remove raspberry solids efficiently, ensuring a smooth glaze for coating the cakes.

Ingredients

These Raspberry Lamingtons feature soft sponge cake cubes dipped in raspberry glaze and rolled in coconut for a delightful Australian treat.

Ingredients:
– 5 eggs, at room temperature
– 1 cup whole milk
– 6 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups sugar (400 grams)
– 2 cups cake flour (220 grams)
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons Vegan Gelatin powder
– 1 cup (200g) sugar
– 1¼ cup water, divided
– 10 oz. frozen raspberries, thawed
– 2 cups (250g) confectioners sugar
– ¼ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
– 2 cups desiccated coconut

How to Make Raspberry Lamingtons

Step 1: Prepare the Eggs

Place the eggs (while still in the shell) in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes. This will warm them up and help them whip to a higher volume later. Let them sit while you prep the cake pans and other ingredients.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch square cake pans and place parchment paper in the bottom of the pans.

Step 3: Warm Milk and Butter

Place the milk and butter in a saucepan and warm over low heat until the butter melts. Keep the pan on the lowest heat setting to stay warm while you beat the eggs.

Step 4: Beat the Eggs and Sugar

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and add the sugar. Beat on high speed for 8-15 minutes until they triple in volume and become pale yellow. When you stop mixing, the batter should fall back in ribbon-like patterns.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt over the egg mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—some flour streaks should still be visible.

Step 6: Incorporate Milk Mixture

Add vanilla to warm milk mixture, then pour it into your batter. Stir by hand using a spatula, scraping down sides to ensure all flour is mixed.

Step 7: Bake Cake Layers

Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 30-34 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Set aside on wire racks to cool in their pans.

Step 8: Prepare Vegan Gelatin

In a small dish, sprinkle Vegan Gelatin over 1/4 cup of water; allow it to soften for about 5 minutes.

Step 9: Make Raspberry Sauce

Combine remaining water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat until dissolved. Add raspberries; cook for about 5-8 minutes.

Step 10: Strain Raspberry Mixture

Pour raspberry mixture into fine-mesh strainer over a bowl. Press down firmly to extract as much liquid as possible; discard solids afterward.

Step 11: Incorporate Gelatin

Heat Vegan Gelatin in microwave for about 10 seconds until syrupy. Whisk it into raspberry mixture along with confectioners’ sugar until smooth; add food coloring if desired. Refrigerate this glaze for about 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 12: Cut Cake Squares

Set up wire cooling rack on top of lined baking sheet. Trim edges off cooled sponge cakes; cut into squares measuring about two inches each. Freeze squares for approximately 30 minutes.

Step 13: Coat Cake Squares

Prepare two bowls—one with raspberry glaze and another with coconut. Remove frozen squares from freezer; use fork to cover each square completely with glaze before rolling them into coconut on all sides. Place coated cakes onto wire rack.

Step 14: Set Before Serving

Once all squares are coated, place baking sheet back into refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes so they can set before serving your delicious Raspberry Lamingtons!

How to Serve Raspberry Lamingtons

Raspberry Lamingtons are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or celebrating a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Berries

• Serve with Strawberries: Fresh strawberries complement the raspberry flavor beautifully, adding a pop of color and freshness.
• Add Blueberries: A mix of blueberries and raspberries creates a vibrant berry medley that looks stunning on the plate.

Alongside Whipped Cream

• Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds richness and balances the sweetness of the lamingtons.
• Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, serve with coconut-infused whipped cream that enhances the coconut coating.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the sponge cake’s softness.
• Raspberry Sorbet: For a refreshing option, raspberry sorbet adds an extra punch of flavor while keeping things light.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Tea Cakes and Cookies: Create a stunning dessert platter featuring Raspberry Lamingtons along with an array of tea cakes and cookies for variety.
• Chocolate Dipped Fruits: Include chocolate-dipped fruits for an indulgent touch that pairs well with the lamingtons.

How to Perfect Raspberry Lamingtons

To achieve the best Raspberry Lamingtons, follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature whip better, resulting in a lighter cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in dry ingredients to keep the cake fluffy; overmixing can lead to denser cake.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Ensure the sponge is completely cool before dipping into raspberry glaze to prevent it from melting away.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh raspberries and high-quality coconut for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding almond extract or citrus zest to add more depth to your sponge cake.
• Store Properly: Keep leftover lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Raspberry Lamingtons

Raspberry Lamingtons pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table.
2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese complements the sweetness of lamingtons perfectly.
3. Chai Tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea create a warm pairing that fits well with this Australian treat.
4. Coffee or Espresso: Rich coffee balances out the sweetness, making it an ideal drink choice when serving lamingtons.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy counterpart that contrasts nicely with the lamingtons’ texture.
6. Chocolate Fondue: For chocolate lovers, serving lamingtons alongside chocolate fondue offers an exciting dipping experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Raspberry Lamingtons can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that may affect the final result.

• Not using room temperature eggs: Cold eggs don’t whip well. Always warm your eggs in a bowl of warm water for better volume.
• Overmixing the batter: This leads to dense cake. Mix just until the flour is incorporated to maintain lightness.
• Skipping the cooling step: If you glaze the cakes while they are still warm, the raspberry glaze will run off. Allow them to cool completely.
• Using stale coconut: Fresh coconut gives better flavor and texture. Check for freshness when purchasing desiccated coconut.
• Neglecting to chill before glazing: Freezing the cut squares helps the glaze adhere better. Don’t skip this step for optimal results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Raspberry Lamingtons in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Raspberry Lamingtons

• To freeze, place separated lamingtons in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Raspberry Lamingtons

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm each piece on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; cover with a lid and heat for around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make vegan Raspberry Lamingtons?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce and use non-dairy milk and butter alternatives.

Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh raspberries work well too! Just ensure they are ripe for the best flavor.

What can I serve with Raspberry Lamingtons?

They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee, making them perfect for afternoon snacks or gatherings.

How do I customize my Raspberry Lamingtons?

Feel free to experiment with different fillings like jam or cream, or try other toppings such as nuts or sprinkles.

Final Thoughts

Raspberry Lamingtons are not only delicious but also versatile. Their soft sponge cake combined with sweet raspberry glaze and coconut makes them an irresistible treat. Consider personalizing your lamingtons with various flavors or toppings to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delightful bites of this classic Australian dessert!