Do Lamingtons belong to New Zealand or Australia, the age-old question?

 

A lamington is a popular dessert that consists of a square or rectangular sponge cake, typically made from butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and baking powder. The cake is sliced into individual pieces, coated in a layer of chocolate or raspberry icing, and then rolled in desiccated coconut.

While there is some debate about the exact origin of lamingtons, they are widely associated with Australia. The most commonly accepted story is that lamingtons were named after Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland, Australia, from 1896 to 1901.

According to popular accounts, lamingtons were created by Lord Lamington's chef, Armand Galland, who needed to come up with a dessert on short notice for unexpected guests. He took leftover sponge cake, dipped it in chocolate, and covered it in coconut to make an easy and delicious treat. Lord Lamington enjoyed them so much that they became a regular feature in his social events.

There are claims that lamingtons may have had earlier origins in New Zealand. Many believe that the recipe for lamingtons was brought to Australia by Lord Lamington's wife, Lady Lamington, who was a New Zealander.

Regardless of the exact origin, lamingtons have become an iconic Antipodean treat and hold a significant place in both Australian and New Zealand culture.

Lamingtons are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee and are commonly found in bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets across Australia and New Zealand. They are considered a classic treat and are frequently served at parties, events, and as a part of afternoon tea.

Variations of lamingtons can include fillings such as jam or cream sandwiched between the layers of sponge cake. Some modern variations also experiment with different flavors of icing, such as strawberry or lemon. However, the traditional lamington features a simple combination of chocolate icing and coconut coating.

While there is some debate where the sweet treat originated, there is no debate where the much-loved sock brand was born, undisputedly New Zealand. Much like here namesake Lamington socks are also loved by our Australian Cousins with may Australian Stores now stocking this beloved treat for the feet.