Lamington Wreath

Introduction

The Lamington Wreath is an enchanting twist on the classic Australian treat, perfect for celebrations and festive gatherings. Imagine bite-sized squares of moist, fluffy sponge cake, lovingly coated in rich chocolate icing and rolled in a generous layer of coconut, all arranged in a charming wreath shape. It’s a dessert centerpiece that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures—the softness of the cake, the silkiness of the chocolate, and the satisfying crunch of the coconut.

My first encounter with the Lamington Wreath came during a holiday party where I was captivated by its presentation and irresistible flavor. The idea of turning a beloved classic into a stunning edible wreath felt ingenious. The slight bitterness of the chocolate complements the sweetness of the cake, while the coconut adds a tropical flair that keeps you coming back for more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—you can add a touch of raspberry jam between the cake layers, drizzle it with white chocolate for an elegant finish, or decorate it with fresh berries and edible flowers for a festive touch.

Perfect for:

Christmas dessert tables
Holiday parties
Edible gifts
Festive celebrations
Lamington enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Lamington Wreath will become a holiday favorite:

Eye-Catching Design: The wreath arrangement is visually stunning and festive.
Classic Flavor: Combines the timeless taste of chocolate and coconut.
Soft and Moist Cake: The sponge cake is light, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up the chocolate coating.
Customizable: Personalize with decorations like berries, mint leaves, or sprinkles.
Perfect for Sharing: Bite-sized pieces make it ideal for group celebrations.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the lamingtons in advance and assemble later.
Great for Gifting: Wrap the wreath or individual lamingtons for a unique homemade gift.
Fun to Make: A creative project for the whole family during the holiday season.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by both kids and adults.
Adaptable Presentation: Arrange in a wreath or other shapes to suit the occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours
Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12-16 pieces
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-220 calories
Key Nutrients: Carbs: 28g, Fat: 10g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

For the Sponge Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk

The Chocolate Coating:

2 cups powdered sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¾ cup hot water
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Assembly:

3 cups desiccated coconut
Fresh cranberries or red candy (for garnish)
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Desiccated Coconut: Adds texture and flavor while complementing the chocolate coating.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Fresh Berries and Mint: Optional garnishes that add a pop of color and festivity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Sponge Cake:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.

Prepare the Chocolate Coating:

Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, hot water, and butter until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more hot water if needed.

Assemble the Lamingtons:

Cut Cake: Trim edges and cut the cooled cake into 1-inch cubes.
Dip in Chocolate: Using a fork or skewer, dip each cube into the chocolate coating, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Coat with Coconut: Roll the chocolate-covered cubes in desiccated coconut, then place them on a wire rack to set.

Create the Wreath:

Arrange on Platter: Place the lamingtons in a circular wreath shape on a serving platter.
Decorate: Garnish with fresh cranberries or red candies and mint leaves to mimic a holly wreath.

Serve or Store:

Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to set fully.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Lamington Wreath:

As a Centerpiece: Display on a decorative platter for a stunning table centerpiece.
With Coffee or Tea: Perfect for pairing with a warm beverage.
As Party Favors: Wrap individual lamingtons in cellophane for take-home treats.
With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream.
On Dessert Buffet: Add to a selection of festive treats for variety.
As an Edible Gift: Present in a festive box for a homemade holiday gift.
During Brunch: Serve as part of a holiday brunch spread.
With Hot Chocolate: Pair with a festive drink for a cozy treat.
On a Cake Stand: Elevate the presentation on a tiered cake stand.
As Mini Wreaths: Create smaller wreaths for individual servings.

Additional Tips

Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerate the cake briefly before cutting to minimize crumbs.
Use a Cooling Rack: Place the lamingtons on a wire rack while the chocolate sets to avoid mess.
Double Dip: For extra chocolate flavor, dip the cubes a second time before coating with coconut.
Even Coating: Use two forks to evenly coat the cake cubes in chocolate.
Flavor Variations: Add a splash of vanilla or rum extract to the chocolate coating for added depth.
Clean Edges: Trim the edges of the cake for a more uniform appearance.
Coconut Toasting: Lightly toast the coconut for a golden color and nutty flavor.

Recipe Variations

Dark Chocolate Coating: Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor profile.
Fruit-Filled Lamingtons: Sandwich jam or whipped cream between two cake cubes before dipping.
Gluten-Free Lamingtons: Use gluten-free flour to make the sponge cake.
White Chocolate Version: Replace the chocolate coating with melted white chocolate.
Nutty Twist: Add finely chopped nuts to the coconut coating for extra crunch.
Vegan Lamingtons: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives.
Berry Garnish: Add raspberries or blueberries for a colorful touch.
Mint Chocolate Wreath: Use mint extract in the chocolate coating for a festive twist.
Holiday Colors: Add red and green sprinkles to the coconut for a Christmas-themed look.
Layered Lamington Cake: Stack the cubes into a layered cake instead of a wreath.

Special Equipment

8-Inch Square Pan: For baking the sponge cake.
Wire Rack: For setting the lamingtons.
Whisk: To mix the chocolate coating.
Forks or Skewers: For dipping and handling the cake cubes.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking during assembly.
Decorative Platter: To present the finished wreath.

FAQ Section

Can I make the sponge cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.
What if I don’t have desiccated coconut?
Use shredded coconut as a substitute.
How do I avoid the cake crumbling while dipping?
Chill the cake cubes before dipping to keep them firm.
Can I use store-bought cake?
Yes, store-bought sponge cake works as a shortcut.
What’s the best way to store the wreath?
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze lamingtons?
Yes, freeze individual lamingtons for up to 2 months and thaw as needed.
How do I prevent the coconut from clumping?
Toss the coconut occasionally while coating the lamingtons to keep it fluffy.
Can I add food coloring to the coconut?
Yes, mix a few drops of food coloring with the coconut for festive colors.
How do I make a larger wreath?
Double the recipe and use a bigger platter for a larger wreath.
Can I use frosting instead of chocolate coating?
Yes, frosting works, though the texture and flavor will differ.

Conclusion

The Lamington Wreath is a delightful twist on the classic Australian dessert, transforming fluffy sponge cakes coated in rich chocolate and coconut into a festive and eye-catching centerpiece. Perfectly balanced with the sweetness of the chocolate and the light, tropical flavor of the coconut, this dessert is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to bring a bit of celebration to the table, the Lamington Wreath is sure to impress your guests.

This dessert is not only stunning but also surprisingly simple to assemble. The individual lamingtons can be arranged into a wreath shape and adorned with fresh berries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar to create a truly festive look. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite flavors or decorations, making it uniquely yours.

I can’t wait to see how your Lamington Wreath turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dessert your own!