Last Updated on February 5, 2021 by Chef Mireille
New Zealand Strawberry Lamingtons are a quick and easy dessert that is a nice treat to serve on Valentine’s Day. It’s also very kid friendly so a great option to serve at kid birthday parties!
It’s time for #foodoftheworld again and this time we are going to the Oceanic country of New Zealand. Rugged outdoors and a rich Maori aboriginal culture is what comes to mind when I think of New Zealand. I wanted to do a Maori dish as I have been highlighting other aboriginal native communities recently in my versions of Fry Bread and Canadian Bannocks, but alas time was not on my side. Instead, I am presenting this easy to put together treat.
Kiwis, the affectionate name for people from New Zealand, and Australians will argue endlessly who invented the popular Lamington. It’s an exercise in futility as in which came first – the chicken or the egg? Instead of trying to figure out which, I suggest you try both versions. While the chocolate version is most popular in Australia, in New Zealand the strawberry version is the local favorite.
In the Australian version, a simple sponge cake is topped with a chocolate layer and then grated coconut. In the NZ version, the sponge cake is instead topped with partially set strawberry jello and then the coconut. This is a super easy, basic sponge. Not the kind to eat on its own as it is rather bland, so better used as a vehicle for other desserts as in these Lamingtons or Strawberry Shortcake.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY LAMINGTONS
This is a low fat treat…so go ahead and indulge.
The addition of two simple ingredients transforms a rather ordinary sponge into a light and airy treat.
New Zealand Strawberry Lamingtons
Ingredients
Sponge Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup self rising flour
Other Ingredients
- 1 pkg. strawberry jello
- 1 cup dessicated coconut
Instructions
- To make the sponge, combine butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix well until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Using a rubber spatula fold in the flour until just combined.
- Transfer to prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Leave to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and leave to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare jello according to package instructions. Leave to chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.
- Spread coconut in a shallow bowl or plate.
- Cut sponge cake into 16 small squares. Dip first in jello and then coconut. Leave in refrigerator to set for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
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OMG, what a yummy looking NZ version of lamingtons. They look so fluffy and delicious. Pinned 🙂
OMG! those lamingtons are super tempting.
Lamingtons are my to bake list. Strawberry version is very tempting.
I didn’t know lamingtons were different in Australia and New Zealand. These do sound super yummy and would make a delicious sweet treat for my kids!
Glad you got something from the post and I am sure your kids would love these!
That looks like such a fun, festive treat for my Valentines! I love how easy they are! Can’t wait to try these!
exactly – a super quick and easy Valentine’s Day treat without too much work!
I’ll definitely need to try those, they look so yummy!!!
Thank you – I am sure you will love them!
I love lamingtons. They’re easy to make and this strawberry version is just perfect.
Thank you and this is perfect for all those who prefer fruit desserts over chocolate!
These sure do look good! Perfect for Valentine’s Day!
They are and so quick and easy to put together – so who could refuse these treats!
These look gorgeous and perfect for Valentine Day. I liked the idea of dipping them in jello and dessicated coconut makes them look so good.I will definitely try them out
yes isnt it such an easy recipe – you will find it easy and delicious!
Wow, perfect for the upcoming Valentine’s Day.. a different kind of dessert to enjoy. New Zealand Strawberry Lamingtons look so beautiful. With a jello and coconut coating, I definitely need to try the recipe.
Yes it is so quick and easy to put together I’m sure you will love it
Mirelle Lamington looks amazing in the beautiful pink color. I have never had these before. Will be trying them soon.
I am sure you will love them when you do!
Mir!!! I love your tip of using jello to make these yummy New Zealand Strawberry lamingtons!! I love lamingtons but always thought it was too much work but you have a totally new perspective. Thanks a lot!!!!
yes they are super simple to make!
what temperature?!?
oops – 350 F.