Chocolate Lamingtons

### Instructions

#### 1. Prepare the Sponge Cake

**Preheat the Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the cake from sticking.

**Make the Cake Batter:**
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until a smooth batter forms.

**Bake the Cake:**
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 2. Make the Chocolate Coating

While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder to remove any lumps. Add the vanilla extract and milk to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth, pourable icing. You can add more milk if the mixture is too thick, but make sure it’s still thick enough to coat the cake squares without running off.

#### 3. Cut the Cake into Squares

Once the cake has completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares or rectangles, depending on your preferred size. Aim for about 1 ½ to 2-inch pieces.

#### 4. Coat the Lamingtons

**Dip in Chocolate:**
One by one, dip each cake square into the chocolate coating. Make sure the cake is thoroughly covered in the chocolate glaze. You can use a fork or tongs to avoid getting your hands too messy.

**Roll in Coconut:**
After the cake is coated in chocolate, immediately roll it in the desiccated coconut, ensuring the entire surface is covered. The coconut gives the Lamingtons a lovely texture and flavor that pairs perfectly with the moist chocolate cake.

#### 5. Let Them Set

Once all your Lamingtons are coated, place them on a wire rack or a tray to allow the chocolate to set. Let them sit for about 20-30 minutes until the coating is firm and dry to the touch.

#### 6. Serve and Enjoy

Your delicious **Chocolate Lamingtons** are now ready to serve! These sweet, chocolate-covered treats are perfect for afternoon tea, as a party snack, or simply as a delightful dessert to share with friends and family. Enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and savor the fluffy, chocolatey goodness in every bite!

### Tips for Success

– **Ensure the Cake is Fully Cooled**: Make sure the cake is completely cool before cutting it into squares and dipping in the chocolate. A warm cake might break apart when dipped, so patience is key.
– **Use Fresh Coconut**: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh desiccated coconut. If you can, avoid using sweetened coconut, as the natural flavor of unsweetened coconut works perfectly with the sweet chocolate coating.
– **Extra Variations**: While the classic Lamington is chocolate and coconut, you can get creative with your fillings or coatings. For a different twist, you can add a jam or whipped cream filling inside the cake for added flavor.
– **Storage**: Lamingtons can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They also freeze well, so you can make a large batch and freeze some for later enjoyment.

### Why You’ll Love Chocolate Lamingtons

There’s something magical about **Chocolate Lamingtons** that makes them utterly irresistible. The combination of the light, fluffy sponge cake and the rich chocolate coating creates a satisfying contrast in texture. The coconut adds a wonderful crunch and extra sweetness, making these treats a perfect balance of flavors.

Lamingtons are also a great dessert to make ahead of time, as they stay fresh for several days and can be enjoyed at any time. They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just as a sweet snack when you’re craving something indulgent but simple.

### A Taste of Australia in Every Bite

**Chocolate Lamingtons** are an iconic Australian dessert that captures the essence of the country’s love for simple, delicious treats. Whether you’re Australian or not, these little squares of cake are a fun and tasty way to bring a bit of Australia’s culinary tradition into your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try, and treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of Lamingtons!