Lamington Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Introduction

Lamington Ice Cream Sandwiches are a delightful fusion of Australian classic and modern frozen treat. The lamington, a sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut, meets the refreshing coolness of ice cream in this innovative dessert. It is commonly made for parties, celebrations, or as a special treat due to its impressive presentation and satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Lamingtons:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut Coating:

• 4 cups shredded coconut

For the Filling:

• 1 pint (2 cups) of your favorite ice cream, slightly softened (vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry are excellent choices)

Substitutions:

• Gluten-free flour blend can replace all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
• Dairy-free milk and butter alternatives can be used for a dairy-free version.
• Different flavors of ice cream can be used to customize the sandwich.

Preparation Steps

Lamington Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Chocolate Coating Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
2. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. The coating should be easily dippable.

Tips for Efficiency and Better Flavor:

• Ensure butter is softened for easy creaming.
• Sifting dry ingredients ensures even distribution.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough cake.

Cooking Instructions

Baking the Lamingtons:

1. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Once completely cool, cut the cake into small squares or rectangles (approximately 2 inches).
4. Place shredded coconut in a shallow dish.
5. Dip each cake square into the chocolate coating, ensuring it is fully covered.
6. Immediately roll the chocolate-covered cake in the shredded coconut, pressing lightly to adhere.
7. Place the coated lamingtons on a wire rack to allow the chocolate to set.

Assembling the Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Once the lamingtons are set, carefully slice each lamington horizontally, creating a top and bottom layer.
2. Spread a generous scoop of slightly softened ice cream onto the bottom layer of each lamington.
3. Top with the other half of the lamington.
4. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and freeze for at least 30 minutes to allow the ice cream to firm up.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional Accompaniments:

• Serve Lamington Ice Cream Sandwiches as a standalone dessert.
• Pair with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Serve with a cup of coffee or tea.

Side Dishes & Garnishes:

• Garnish with a sprinkle of extra shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Consider a side of whipped cream or a scoop of additional ice cream.

Plating Ideas:

• Arrange the sandwiches on a chilled plate for an elegant presentation.
• Cut the sandwiches in half to showcase the ice cream filling.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Useful Cooking Tips:

• Use high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder for the richest flavor.
• Ensure the ice cream is slightly softened but not melted for easy spreading.
• Freeze the sandwiches for at least 30 minutes before serving to prevent the ice cream from melting too quickly.
• For a neater presentation, use a sharp knife to trim the edges of the sandwiches after freezing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overbaking the cake can result in a dry Lamington. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
• Using melted ice cream can make the sandwiches soggy. Make sure the ice cream is slightly softened but not runny.
• Skipping the freezing step can cause the ice cream to melt quickly and make the sandwiches difficult to handle.
• Failing to coat the lamingtons completely in coconut results in an uneven texture.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Lamington Ice Cream Sandwiches offer a unique and irresistible combination of flavors and textures, blending the comforting familiarity of lamingtons with the refreshing coolness of ice cream. Its cultural value as a modern twist on an Australian classic makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. Easily adaptable to various tastes with different ice cream flavors, this dessert is sure to impress. Try making Lamington Ice Cream Sandwiches at home and discover the joy of creating this delicious treat. For more inspiring recipes and cooking guides, visit foodrecipestory.com.