Homemade Vegan Lamingtons

This Homemade Vegan Lamingtons Recipe is a twist on the iconic treat! A soft vanilla sponge, a jam filling, and coated in dark chocolate and shredded coconut.

Homemade Vegan Lamingtons may just be one of my favorite desserts. It’s true! I love desserts with spongecakes, chocolate, and coconut, and this one hits all the right spots.

What are Lamingtons?

Lamingtons are a popular Australian dessert that consists of small squares or rectangles of sponge cake, coated in a layer of chocolate icing and then desiccated coconut. These delightful treats are named after Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland, Australia, from 1896 to 1901.

Lamingtons are known for their delicious combination of textures and flavors. The soft and airy sponge cake contrasts with the rich chocolate coating and the slightly chewy texture of the coconut. While the classic version remains popular, some variations include fillings such as jam or cream between the layers of sponge cake.

Why make this Homemade Vegan Lamingtons Recipe?

Vegan Lamingtons are a modern, plant-powered spin on the Aussie classic that’ll have you craving more. These delectable treats bring together the goodness of chocolate, the fluffiness of sponge cake, and that irresistible coconut crunch, all without a trace of animal products.

Choosing to make a Homemade Vegan Lamingtons recipe means opting for a kinder, more compassionate treat. No need for dairy or eggs—just pure, guilt-free enjoyment.

Forget complicated ingredient lists. With plant-based milk, flour, sugar, and coconut, you’re creating magic without the fuss. Embrace the simplicity of vegan baking that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Whether you’re planning a gathering or potluck, or just want to surprise your squad, these Vegan Lamingtons are shareable perfection. Show your friends that vegan desserts are the life of the party.

So, gather your plant-based ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the vegan Lamington magic begin.

Homemade Vegan Lamingtons Ingredients

This recipe consists of 3 steps:

• Making the vanilla sponge
• Shaping and layering with jam
• Coating in chocolate and coconut

For the Vanilla Sponge Cake you will need:

Flour: serves as the base of the sponge cake, providing structure and texture. It contributes to the overall fluffiness and consistency of the cake.

Sugar: sweetens the cake, enhancing its flavor. It also plays a role in the texture, contributing to the tenderness and moistness of the sponge.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise by creating bubbles in the batter. Baking powder reacts when mixed with wet ingredients, and baking soda activates with the acid (apple cider vinegar) to produce carbon dioxide, leading to a light and airy texture.

Salt: enhances the overall flavor of the cake. It balances the sweetness and contributes to the complexity of taste.

Plant-based milk, such as soy or almond, adds moisture to the cake and serves as a vegan alternative to traditional dairy. It also contributes to the richness of the batter.

Neutral oils like sunflower or canola provide moisture to the cake and help create a tender crumb. They also contribute to the overall richness.

Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity of vinegar reacts with baking soda, aiding in the leavening process. It contributes to the lightness and fluffiness of the cake.

Vanilla Paste: adds a rich, aromatic vanilla flavor to the cake, enhancing its overall taste. It provides a depth of flavor beyond what vanilla extract alone would offer.

For Filling and Coating you will need:

Jam: acts as both a filling and flavor component. It adds a burst of fruity sweetness and moisture to the layers, complementing the chocolate coating and coconut. We used cherry jam in this recipe, but raspberry or strawberry jam is also fine to use.

Powdered Sugar: is used in the chocolate coating. It sweetens the coating while contributing to its smooth and velvety texture.

Cocoa Powder is a key ingredient in the chocolate coating, providing a rich chocolate flavor. It’s responsible for the deep, dark color and decadent taste.

Plant-based milk in the coating recipe adds creaminess and helps achieve the desired consistency. It also ensures that the chocolate coating is vegan-friendly.

Coconut Oil: contributes to the texture of the chocolate coating, providing a glossy finish and a hint of coconut flavor. It solidifies at room temperature, creating a firm outer layer.

Dark chocolate is melted and mixed with other ingredients to create the chocolate coating. It adds richness, depth, and a luxurious chocolate taste to the Lamingtons.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the chocolate coating, rounding out the chocolatey taste with a touch of vanilla.

Desiccated coconut is used to coat the chocolate-covered Lamingtons, adding a layer of texture and a tropical twist. It complements the sweetness of the jam and the richness of the chocolate coating.

How to make Homemade Vegan Lamingtons

Alright, let’s dive into making these fabulous Homemade Vegan Lamingtons, darlings! We’re about to embark on a sweet journey that’ll leave you with a treat that’s as decadent as it is compassionate. Are we ready? Let’s roll!

Start by making the Sponge Cake.

Preheat and Line:
First things first, preheat that oven to a cozy 160°C / 320°F. Line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper because, trust me, we want those Lamingtons to come out looking as perfect as possible.

Dry ingredients:
In a big bowl, toss in flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all up like you’re creating a symphony of dry ingredients – make sure they are thoroughly combined.

Wet ingredients:
Now, in another bowl, let’s add the wet ingredients. Pour in the milk, oil, apple cider vinegar, and a splash of vanilla, and give it a good mix. Pour this goodness into the dry ingredients, creating a batter that’s about to become the star of our Lamington show.

Baking: 
Pour that batter into the prepped pan. Pop it in the oven and let it do its thing for 25-30 minutes. Test it with a toothpick – we want it to come out clean, no gooey surprises.

Cool and Cut:
Once your sponge cake is baked to perfection, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a kitchen rack to cool completely. Once it’s chilled, slice it into 16 equal squares, then slice each square horizontally to make a “sandwich”.

You could also just first slice the whole thing horizontally, then cut into squares, OR, bake it in two thin batches that you just place one on top of the other.

Jam It Up:
Spread your jam of choice on the bottom squares. Be generous, darling! Now, sandwich them with the top squares. Voilà, we’ve got Lamington bases ready for their chocolate makeover.

Make the Chocolate Coating:
Grab a bowl and let’s mix up some chocolate-coating magic. Powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, coconut oil, and a dash of vanilla are getting together for a sweet rendezvous. Heat and stir this dream team on low until everything is beautifully combined. Then, throw in pieces of dark chocolate and watch them melt into the mix.

Prepare the coconut:
Sprinkle desiccated coconut on a plate and set it aside. This is where the Lamington squares will do their coconut dance, so get ready for a rollin’ good time!

Dip and Roll:
Take each sponge square, dip it into the chocolate coating, and make sure any excess chocolate drips off. Then, immediately transfer it to the coconut plate and give it a good roll. It’s like our Lamingtons are getting dressed up for the sweetest party in town!

Repeat:
Repeat this process until all the sponge squares are coated and coconut-rolled. It’s a bit like creating a Lamington assembly line – efficiency with a sprinkle of fabulousness.

I admit, this step is a little time-consuming and at times I just want to be done with it, but it’s well worth keeping the pace steady until all is finished.

Set to chill:
Place those chocolate-coated beauties on a kitchen rack and let them sit for a few hours. We’re giving them time to set, so they’re ready to steal the show when served.

And there you have it, my lovely bakers! Vegan Lamingtons that are as charming as they are delicious. 

Enjoy, darlings! 🍫🥥✨

Serving Suggestions

Once your Vegan Lamingtons are all chilled and set, it’s time to serve them!

We admit, we just like to set them on a plate and put it in the center of the table. They are the perfect companion to a cup of coffee or a hot cup of tea.

You could also serve them on individual dessert plates, perhaps drizzled with a bit of vegan chocolate sauce for an extra touch of decadence.

Or, get creative and include Vegan Lamingtons on a dessert charcuterie board. Surround them with fresh fruit, nuts, and vegan chocolate for a delightful, shareable dessert experience.

These Lamingtons also make for a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a gesture of appreciation. Share the love by packaging Vegan Lamingtons in a beautifully decorated box or tin. Everyone would be happy to receive a homemade batch!

Storage tips

Storing your vegan lamingtons correctly will ensure they last longer!

Room Temperature:
If you plan to consume your Vegan Lamingtons within 1-2 days, storing them at room temperature is perfectly fine. Keep them in an airtight container to preserve their freshness and prevent them from drying out. Ensure the container is placed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Refrigeration:
If you anticipate keeping your Lamingtons for a longer duration, consider refrigerating them. Place the individually coated squares in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving, allow them to come to room temperature (15-20 minutes will do the trick) for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing for Future:
Vegan Lamingtons can be frozen for later. Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe, airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw the Lamingtons in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

This is perfect if you just want to enjoy a bite or two every once in a while, but can’t be bothered making the whole recipe each time.

Avoid Moisture:
Moisture is the enemy of Lamingtons. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation. If refrigerating or freezing, allow them to reach room temperature before sealing in an airtight container.

Airtight Containers are Key:
Regardless of the storage method you choose, using airtight containers is crucial. It helps preserve the freshness, texture, and flavor of your delightful Vegan Lamingtons.

Remember, the key to maintaining the integrity of Vegan Lamingtons lies in protecting them from air, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

Whether you’re savoring them immediately or saving them for later, these storage tips will keep your Lamingtons looking and tasting as scrumptious as the day you made them!

And don’t forget to always let them warm up if you keep them refrigerated so that the chocolate softens and the Lamingtons come to the perfect texture!🌱🍫🥥

More similar recipes:

The Best Vegan Chocolate Cake

Vegan Strawberry Shortcakes

Salted Caramel Apple Crumb Bars

Vegan Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

Vegan Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll

This recipe is sponsored by Hofer.