Lamington Cake

Happy National Lamington Day!  Yes, it is an actual day and if you're wondering about the history and origins of the humble lamington, you can find some info here.  And I do have attribute http://www.taste.com.au/ for this recipe and the above picture.

My sister and I had a tradition going for a few years of making lamingtons on Australia Day.  They really are so much yummier home-made than bought!  But now that I'm a little more time-poor, I tend to gravitate towards variations like this one - Lamington Cake, otherwise known as One Giant Lamington.

This cake is so delicious and the ganache really gives it a tasty edge.  I've also used this recipe to make Lamington Cupcakes, which always go down a treat!  What better excuse to indulge, than National Lamington Day!

Ingredients:
190g butter, softened
1 cup caster sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 eggs
2 1/3 cups self raising flour
1 cup milk
220g dark chocolate
1 cup thickened cream
1 cup desiccated coconut

Method:
Preheat oven to 170 degrees C.  Line a 20cm square cake pan.

Cream butter and sugar with electric mixer for 2 minutes until light.  Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla.  Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.  Add flour and milk alternately in two batches.  Pour into pan and bake for about 60 minutes.  Cool for five minutes, then remove from tin and cool on a rack.

Meanwhile, stir chocolate, cream and remaining vanilla in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until smooth (don't let the bowl touch the water).  Chill for about an hour, then spread over cake.  Sprinkle top and sides with coconut (warning - this bit gets messy!!)

You can also fill your lamington with jam and cream to make it that extra bit fancy!