We present to you Lamington bites, a bite-sized version of the beloved cake coated in chocolate icing and desiccated coconut. But wait, there’s more! These Lamington bites are filled with luscious cashew cream and tangy raspberry jam, adding a delightful twist to this iconic Australian treat. Get ready to indulge in a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Lamington Bites:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ cup whole milk
– 1 cup desiccated coconut (for coating)
For the Cashew Cream Filling:
– 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
– ¼ cup maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
For the Raspberry Jam:
– 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen raspberries
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Chocolate Icing:
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 3-4 tablespoons milk (dairy or plant-based)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Lamington Bites:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan (8×8 inches) with parchment paper.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
– Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Cashew Cream Filling:
– Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them thoroughly.
– In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the soaked cashews, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Raspberry Jam:
– In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and release their juices.
– If desired, mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, and add it to the raspberry mixture. This helps thicken the jam. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the jam thickens slightly.
– Remove from heat and let the raspberry jam cool completely.
4. Assemble the Lamington Bites (continued):
– Take a square piece of the cake and slice it horizontally in half, creating two thin layers.
– Spread a generous amount of cashew cream on the bottom layer of each cake square.
– Spoon a small dollop of raspberry jam on top of the cashew cream.
– Gently place the top layer of the cake square on top of the jam and press lightly to secure the layers together.
– Repeat this process for the remaining cake squares.
5. Coat the Lamington Bites:
– In a shallow bowl, place the desiccated coconut.
– Prepare the chocolate icing by sifting the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a bowl. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth and well combined. If needed, add more milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
– Using a fork or a toothpick, carefully dip each assembled cake square into the chocolate icing, coating it evenly on all sides.
– Allow any excess icing to drip off, then roll the coated Lamington bite in the desiccated coconut until fully covered.
– Place the coated Lamington bites on a wire rack to allow the icing to set.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
– Once the chocolate icing has set, transfer the Lamington bites to a serving platter.
– Serve these delectable treats as a sweet snack or a dessert, and watch them disappear!
– You can store any leftover Lamington bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Note: Feel free to customize your Lamington bites by adding a different flavor of jam or experimenting with different fillings like whipped cream or chocolate ganache.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You have successfully created a batch of irresistible Lamington bites filled with luscious cashew cream and tangy raspberry jam. These delightful treats offer a unique twist on the classic Australian Lamington, combining flavors and textures that will impress your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack or serving them at a special occasion, these Lamington bites are sure to be a hit. Get ready to savor the sweet delight of Australia’s culinary heritage!
