National Lamington Day

National Lamington Day is celebrated every year on July 21st. This is an Australian event, but it has spread to almost the entire southern hemisphere. The holiday is dedicated to a popular dessert made from a buttery texture biscuit and covered with chocolate. The treat is topped with a sprinkle of shredded or dry coconut. It is important to Australian culture, so an entire day is set aside for it.

The History

Statistically, lamingtons are the most popular delicacy in Australia and are enjoyed all year round, as well as made on special occasions like Australia Day. The Australians also call them lammos. Gradually, the treat spread to New Zealand. According to the most plausible version, this dessert originated in Queensland. There are also several opinions regarding its names. Some believe it is named after Lord Lamington, who governed Queensland in the 19th century, while others believe that the dessert was named after his wife, Lady Lamington.

Interesting Facts

• There are several legends about the origin of this cake, both associated with a cook who served in the household of Lord Lamington. The first is about unexpected guests who had to be treated with something. The chef used the leftover vanilla sponge cake, dipped it in chocolate and then coconut flakes. The second legend tells how the cake accidentally fell into chocolate and, to make it more appealing, the chef used coconut flakes.
• There are a huge number of lamington recipes in the world; most are made with jam and cream, but the traditional way is a vanilla sponge cake covered with chocolate and coconut flakes.
• The recipe never mentioned the inventor of the treat.

How to take part

On National Lamington Day, visit different cafes and try homemade lamingtons. If you like to cook, bake a dessert and invite your friends over. Fortunately, the cake recipe is simple and does not require special skills. Be sure to read more about Australian culture and the role of the lamington in it.

When is National Lamington Day celebrated in 2024?

National Lamington Day is observed on July 21 each year.

Observations