There is something truly delightful about making treats from scratch, especially when they turn out as wonderfully tasty as these Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe. This classic Australian dessert gets a plant-based makeover with a moist, fluffy sponge cake coated in a luscious vegan chocolate ganache and rolled in desiccated coconut. The result is a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will leave your friends and family amazed at how simple and delicious vegan baking can be. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, these lamingtons are an irresistible crowd-pleaser that you’ll be excited to share time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make your Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe is a joyful experience because the ingredients are straightforward yet pivotal to achieving that perfect flavor and texture balance. Each component is chosen to contribute to the softness of the cake and the rich, smooth coating that makes lamingtons so special.
- Self-raising flour, 2 ½ cups (310g): This provides the perfect rise and tender crumb essential for soft lamingtons.
- Granulated sugar, 1 ¼ cups (250g): Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture within the sponge.
- Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Gives the cake a light lift to keep it fluffy.
- Salt, ⅛ teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors in the cake.
- Dairy-free milk, 1 ½ cups (375g): Keeps the cake moist while ensuring it’s completely vegan.
- Neutral flavored oil or melted vegan butter, ½ cup (125g): Adds richness and tenderness to the sponge.
- Vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons: Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic note.
- Apple cider vinegar, 2 teaspoons: Reacts with baking powder to create a light texture and slight tang.
- Vegan chocolate or chips, 1 ¼ cups (210g), roughly chopped: Forms the luscious ganache coating that’s pure indulgence.
- Canned coconut cream, 1 cup (240g), thick scoopable: Adds creaminess and richness to the chocolate glaze.
- Raspberry jam, ~½ cup (160g), optional: Adds a fruity burst and extra moisture to the filling.
- Desiccated coconut, ~2 cups (160g): The final, irresistible layer that makes lamingtons uniquely delicious and texturally enticing.
How to Make Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lining a large baking tin with baking paper. Combine all the dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt — in a big mixing bowl, making sure there are no lumps. Then add the wet ingredients: dairy-free milk, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything until you have a smooth batter. Pour this into your baking tin and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake cool in the tin before you refrigerate it; chilling makes it easier to handle and slice.
Step 2: Chill the Cake
After the cake has cooled to room temperature, cover it to prevent drying and place it in the fridge for at least two hours or the freezer for an hour. This step is the secret to making your Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe come together beautifully. Chilling firms up the cake, making it easy to cut cleanly without crumbling. If you want to get a head start, chilling overnight works like a charm.
Step 3: Make the Ganache Coating
While your cake chills, melt the chopped vegan chocolate and the thickened coconut cream together gently in a small saucepan or double boiler over medium heat. Stir continuously, being careful to keep the temperature moderate so the ganache doesn’t split. If separation occurs, just keep stirring until it smooths out again. Allow it to cool slightly; it should be thick yet still easy to coat your cake pieces.
Step 4: Assemble Your Lamingtons
Once chilled, slice your cake horizontally if thick, or vertically if thin, then spread the raspberry jam evenly on one half before sandwiching it with the other. Cut the cake into evenly sized squares—12 to 16 pieces depending on your preferred size. Set up two shallow bowls: one with the chocolate ganache and one with desiccated coconut. Using a fork, dip each piece fully into the ganache, letting excess drip back into the bowl, then immediately roll it in coconut until completely coated. Set the finished lamingtons aside on a tray to firm up.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a special touch, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a tiny drizzle of melted vegan white chocolate over the coconut for a festive finish. Fresh berries on the side can complement the sweetness beautifully and add a pop of natural color.
Side Dishes
These lamingtons shine as an afternoon tea treat or dessert. Pair them with a refreshing cup of herbal tea, a rich cup of coffee, or even a creamy vegan hot chocolate for a cozy moment. Fresh fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries make excellent, light accompaniments that balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, present your lamingtons on tiered cake stands or rustic wooden platters sprinkled lightly with extra coconut flakes. You can also get playful with flavors: try substituting the jam with passionfruit curd or coconut lemon jam for an exotic twist that still honors the classic structure of the Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your lamingtons fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will maintain great texture and flavor for up to three days, making them perfect for preparing a bit ahead of time for a party or special occasion.
Freezing
To enjoy these treats later, freeze your lamingtons in an airtight container for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to keep everything moist and delicious.
Reheating
Lamingtons are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you prefer, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the ganache slightly and release all those wonderful aromas.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the self-raising flour with a blend of almond flour and gluten-free flour along with a bit more baking powder and baking soda. This keeps the sponge tender while maintaining the classic lamington texture.
Is the raspberry jam necessary?
Not at all. The jam adds a lovely fruity layer, but you can skip it completely if you prefer a simpler version. The chocolate ganache and coconut coating alone are delicious and absolutely authentic.
Can I use other types of plant-based milk?
Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well. Just avoid flavored varieties to keep the cake’s taste balanced and true to the original Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe.
How do I prevent the ganache from separating?
Keep your heat moderate and stir constantly while melting the chocolate and coconut cream. If it does separate, remove from the heat and continue stirring; it usually comes back together smoothly.
What’s the best way to cut the lamington cake?
Make sure your cake is well chilled first. A serrated knife works best for clean cuts without crumbly edges. Depending on thickness, slice horizontally or vertically for the best lamington-sized pieces.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Easy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that can instantly win hearts at any event. The combination of moist cake, silky chocolate ganache, and buttery coconut is pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, these lamingtons make vegan baking feel like a celebration of flavor and fun. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Vegan Lamingtons Recipe
Easy Vegan Lamingtons are a delightful dairy-free twist on the classic Australian treat. Made with a moist self-raising flour cake, coated in a rich vegan chocolate ganache and rolled in desiccated coconut, these lamingtons are perfect for a vegan-friendly dessert or afternoon snack. The optional raspberry jam adds a burst of fruity flavor for a traditional taste experience. This recipe is simple, no complicated ingredients, and yields tender, flavorful squares that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 lamingtons
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Lamington Cake
- 2 ½ cups (310g) self-raising flour (see note 1 for substitutions)
- 1 ¼ cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (375g) dairy-free milk, room temperature
- ½ cup (125g) neutral flavored oil or melted vegan butter
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
Filling and Coating
- 1 ¼ cup (210g) roughly chopped vegan chocolate or chocolate chips, slightly sweetened
- 1 cup (240g) thick scoopable canned coconut cream
- ~1/2 cup (160g) raspberry jam (optional)
- ~2 cups (160g) desiccated coconut / fine shredded coconut
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 33 cm x 23 cm (13 in x 9 in) baking tin with baking paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to remove large lumps. Add the dairy-free milk, oil (or melted vegan butter), vanilla extract, and vinegar to the dry ingredients. Mix until you achieve a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cooled cake and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or freeze for 1 hour to firm up. This step makes the cake easier to handle and slice for coating. Alternatively, chilling overnight is also suitable.
- Make the Ganache Coating: In a small saucepan or double boiler over medium heat, melt the chopped vegan chocolate together with the canned coconut cream. Stir continuously until smooth and emulsified. Be careful not to overheat to avoid separation of the ganache. Let it cool slightly while maintaining a smooth consistency.
- Slice and Assemble the Lamingtons: Depending on the thickness of your cake slab, slice the cake horizontally into two layers or vertically if thin. Optionally, spread raspberry jam on one half and sandwich with the other half. Cut the cake into 12-16 squares.
- Coat the Cake Squares: Pour the chocolate ganache into a shallow bowl and place the desiccated coconut in another. Using a fork, dip each cake square fully into the ganache, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Immediately roll or toss in the coconut until evenly coated. Place coated lamingtons on a tray to set.
- Store: Place the finished lamingtons in an airtight container and refrigerate until serving. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Notes
- If you don’t have self-raising flour, substitute with 2 ½ cups (310g) plain flour plus increase the baking powder to 3 teaspoons total and add ½ teaspoon baking soda.
- For gluten-free vegan lamingtons, replace self-raising flour with 1 ¼ cups (125g) blanched almond meal and 1 ¼ cups (200g) gluten-free flour blend, using 3 teaspoons baking powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda.
- Chilling the cake is crucial as it makes slicing and coating easier and prevents crumbling. Keep the cake well-covered to avoid drying out.
- Coating the lamingtons can be a bit messy and takes some practice. For a quicker version, omit the jam and just dip the cake in chocolate ganache and coconut.