Classic Australian Lamingtons

Ingredients

• Shredded coconut (2 cups)
• Icing sugar (2 cups)
• Boiling water (1/2 cup)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup)
• Milk (1/2 cup)
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons)
• All-purpose flour (2 cups)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Eggs (4)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
6. To make the chocolate sauce, combine the cocoa powder and boiling water in a bowl, stirring until the cocoa has dissolved. Stir in the icing sugar until the mixture is smooth.
7. Cut the cooled cake into 2-inch squares. Using a fork or skewer, dip each square into the chocolate sauce, ensuring all sides are coated. Roll in the shredded coconut, then place the lamingtons on a wire rack to set.
8. Allow the lamingtons to rest for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of tea or coffee.