National Lamington Day

Delighted girl takes a bite of a scrumptious lamington, wearing a sundress, vintage style, picnic setting with friends.. — National lamington day illustration

Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! Get ready to sink your teeth into a delightful treat because today we're celebrating National Lamington Day!

When is Lamington Day?

It's national lamington day on the 21st July.

The Birth of the Lamington

Let's dive into the sugary history of these delectable confections. The Lamington is a quintessential Australian dessert that consists of squares of sponge cake, dipped in chocolate icing, and then rolled in shredded coconut. They are named after Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901.

Legend has it that Lord Lamington's chef accidentally dropped a piece of sponge cake into a bowl of chocolate sauce. Instead of letting it go to waste (because let's be honest, wasting cake should be a crime), he quickly coated it in coconut to avoid sticky fingers, and voila! The first Lamington was born.

A National Obsession

Ever since that fateful day, Lamingtons have become a national obsession in Australia. You can find them in bakeries, cafes, and even supermarket shelves. Australians hold this sweet treat close to their hearts, consuming millions of Lamingtons each year.

But apart from being a tasty treat, Lamingtons also have a special place in Australian culture. They often make appearances at bake sales, school fundraisers, and tea parties. Plus, they're a staple during Australia Day celebrations, proving that the Lamington is a true-blue Aussie dessert.

Celebrating National Lamington Day

So, how exactly can you join the Lamington party? Well, first things first, you'll need some Lamingtons. You can either visit your favorite bakery, or if you're feeling adventurous, try making them yourself. There are plenty of recipes online, and trust me, the effort is well worth it.

Once you have your Lamingtons in hand, gather your loved ones for a Lamington feast. Turn it into a friendly contest and see who can eat the most Lamingtons in a minute (just make sure everyone's wearing stretchy pants).

Did You Know?

Did you know that the largest Lamington ever made weighed a whopping 2.4 metric tons?! That's right, folks, a bakery in Queensland went all out to satisfy Lamington cravings on a grand scale. Imagine trying to dip that giant sponge in chocolate sauce!

History behind the term 'Lamington'

1896

The Invention of Lamington

The term 'lamington' originated in 1896 when the Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington, was served a cake covered in chocolate and coconut. This scrumptious treat was created by Lord Lamington's French chef, Armand Galland, who improvised with some stale cake. The Governor loved it so much that he asked for the recipe, thus giving birth to the delectable dessert known as the lamington.

1893

A Sweet Experiment

The lamington is believed to have originated in 1893 in Brisbane, Australia. It is named after Lord Lamington, who served as the Governor of Queensland at the time. The story goes that Lord Lamington's cook, Armand Galland, was asked to create a dessert for unexpected guests. With limited ingredients, Galland dipped pieces of stale sponge cake into chocolate and then rolled them in desiccated coconut, creating the first lamingtons. They were an immediate hit and became a beloved Australian treat.

1900

The Invention of the Lamington

The term 'lamington' originated in the year 1900 in Brisbane, Australia. It is named after Lord Lamington, who was the Governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901. The story goes that Lord Lamington's French chef, Armand Galland, accidentally dropped a piece of sponge cake into a dish of melted chocolate. To salvage the cake, Galland decided to coat it in coconut flakes and the delicious treat was born.

1913

Popularized by Women's Associations

In the year 1913, lamingtons gained popularity when women's associations in Australia started making and selling them for fundraising events. The simplicity of the recipe, with its sponge cake base, chocolate coating, and coconut coating, made it an easy treat to prepare and sell. These fundraising efforts further spread the love for lamingtons across the country, cementing their status as an iconic Australian dessert.

1901

The National Spread of Lamington

By the early 1900s, the term 'lamington' had gained popularity throughout Australia. It became a staple in many bakeries and was commonly served at afternoon teas and social gatherings. The National Lamington Day in Australia is celebrated on July 21st each year to honor this iconic Australian sweet.

1901

A Royal Reception

In 1901, Lord and Lady Lamington attended a reception at Government House in Queensland. Lady Lamington served lamingtons during the event, introducing them to high society. This further popularized the lamingtons, and they quickly became a favorite among the upper class.

Late 20th Century

Variations and Controversies

In the late 20th century, various variations of lamingtons began to emerge. Some included fillings such as cream or jam, while others experimented with different flavors like strawberry or passionfruit. However, these deviations from the traditional recipe sparked debates and controversies among lamington enthusiasts. In 2006, the National Trust of Queensland declared that a 'true' lamington should consist of a square-shaped sponge cake coated in chocolate icing and rolled in coconut. This declaration aimed to preserve the traditional lamington recipe.

1912

Lamingtons for a Noble Cause

During World War I, lamingtons gained even more significance. They were often included in care packages sent to Australian soldiers overseas. The shelf-stable nature of the cake made it a perfect choice for long journeys, and soldiers cherished the taste of home that these sweet treats provided.

1927

Fundraising Phenomenon

By 1927, lamingtons had captured the hearts and taste buds of Australians across the country. They were often used as a fundraising tool for local schools, churches, and community organizations. Lamington drives, where volunteers would distribute lamingtons in exchange for donations, became a common sight. This not only helped raise funds but also spread the popularity of lamingtons to even more people.

1935

The Great Lamington Debate

In 1935, a lively debate emerged between the states of Queensland and Victoria over the true origin of the lamington. Both claimed the famous cake as their own. Queensland argued that it was invented by their French chef, while Victoria laid claim to the lamington as the creation of a local woman named Amy Schauer. The debate remains unresolved to this day, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the lamington's history.

1950s

An Iconic Bakery Staple

During the 1950s, lamingtons solidified their place as an iconic Australian bakery staple. Bakeries across the country started producing lamingtons in large quantities, ensuring they were readily available to satisfy the nation's sweet tooth. The soft sponge cake, chocolate coating, and coconut shavings became synonymous with Australian dessert culture.

Today

National Lamington Day and International Fame

Lamingtons have achieved international fame and recognition. In Australia, every year on July 21st, National Lamington Day is celebrated, honoring this beloved dessert. The day is marked by various events, competitions, and fundraisers centered around lamingtons. Furthermore, lamingtons have transcended their Australian origins and can be found in numerous countries around the world, from New Zealand to the UK, and even Japan, where they have become a popular confectionery item.

2006

Lamingtons Go Global

Over the years, the fame of lamingtons has spread beyond Australia. These chocolate-coated sponge cakes coated in desiccated coconut have become popular internationally, with variations and interpretations appearing in various countries. The delightful combination of flavors and textures continues to captivate taste buds worldwide.

2006

National Recognition

On July 21, 2006, the lamington was officially recognized as an Australian icon by the National Trust of Queensland. This recognition highlighted the cultural significance and enduring popularity of the lamington in Australian society. Today, the lamington continues to be a celebrated and cherished dessert, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.