Lamington

What is Lamington?

A lamington is a sweet treat made from squares of light sponge or butter cake. Each piece is dipped in a thin chocolate sauce, which soaks into the outer layer, and then rolled in fine, dried coconut. The result is a soft, moist cake with a chocolatey, coconut-coated exterior. Some versions are filled with cream or strawberry jam, making them richer and adding a fruity note.

Where does Lamington come from?

The lamington is widely associated with Queensland, Australia, and is believed to be named after Lord Lamington, who was Governor of Queensland at the turn of the twentieth century. Stories about its creation often mention Lord Lamington's French-born chef, Armand Galland, who may have invented the cake to serve unexpected guests using leftover sponge cake. The earliest known reference to the name dates to 1896, but the exact origin remains debated, with several Queensland locations claiming the first lamington.

How is Lamington made?

To make lamingtons, squares of sponge or butter cake are prepared and allowed to cool. Each piece is dipped into a chocolate sauce, which is thin enough to soak into the cake's surface. The coated cake is then rolled in desiccated coconut, which sticks to the chocolate layer. Some lamingtons are sliced and filled with a layer of cream or strawberry jam before being assembled and coated.

How and when is Lamington eaten?

Lamingtons are enjoyed as a snack or with tea, often at gatherings, school events, or charity fundraisers known as 'lamington drives'. They are served at room temperature and can be found in bakeries, cafes, and homes. On National Lamington Day, many Australians celebrate by making or sharing lamingtons. The cake is easy to eat by hand and is popular with both children and adults.

Kinds of Lamington

While the classic lamington uses chocolate and coconut, many versions exist. Some have a filling of cream or strawberry jam. Other countries have similar cakes, such as kókuszkocka in Hungary, čupavci in Croatia and Serbia, and pink lamingtons in Malta, which use fruit-flavoured jelly. In Mauritius, red lamington cake is made with red dye and sometimes topped with whipped cream and fruit.

What Lamington means

Lamingtons are considered an Australian icon and are closely tied to Queensland's identity. They are often used in fundraising events and have a dedicated National Lamington Day on 21 July. The cake was named a Q150 Icon of Queensland in 2009, highlighting its place in local culture. The name is sometimes shortened to 'Lammo' or 'Lammos' in everyday speech.

Questions people ask about Lamington

Good reading and sources

• Lamingtons – provenance unproven but tastiness unquestionedThe Guardian, Article

• Lamington on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data