Top 6 Australian Cakes

Delicate as the ballerina it was named after, Pavlova is the quintessential summer dessert. Whipped cream is typically dolloped on top of a snowy meringue, followed by a pop of color in the form of fruit, preferably the tart varieties which contrast the sweetness of the meringue. Research suggests Pavlova is a descendant of the German torte and was invented in the 1920s during Anna Pavlova's tour of Australia and New Zealand, although the exact inventor is still debated. The first recipe for Pavlova appeared in print in 1926, although it was not the dessert we know today, but was instead a multi-colored gelatine dish. The base of the cake is prepared almost identically as any meringue, by beating egg whites stiffly, then incorporating sugar, vinegar, and cornstarch. Traditional toppings include whipped cream or lemon curd, and the dessert is often prepared during Christmastime.Expand

The world-famous Australian culinary icon Lamington consists of a sponge cake that is dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with finely desiccated coconut. The cake is believed to have been created by accident when Lord Lamington's maid accidentally dropped his favorite cake in melted chocolate. Lamington, the eighth Governor of Queensland, suggested that the cake should be sprinkled with coconut in order to avoid the mess while consuming it - and the erroneous cake was proclaimed a massive success by all. Today, the cake is extremely popular due to its climate suitability, as it lasts longer in the heat when it's cut in bite-sized squares and covered in coconut. It is also a staple of fundraising events due to the fact that it can be easily made in large quantities. The cake can also be found throughout Australia and New Zealand in numerous supermarkets, cafés, and bakeries. The cake is also popular in Balkan and Eastern Europe - in Croatia, the same cake (without any fruit jam whatsoever) is called čupavci, and it's a Christmas staple. In Slovakia, the cake is called kokosové ježe, in Poland it's known as kostka kokosowa, while the Hungarian name is kókuszkocka.Expand

Lamingtons are simple sponge cakes coated in chocolate icing and sprinkled with desiccated coconut. This is a version of lamingtons made with jam and cream. The cake is usually made with flour, dark cocoa, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract, while the icing consists of dark cocoa and icing sugar. Once baked, the lamingtons are rolled in coconut, cooled, then cut horizontally and spread with fruit jam (usually strawberry or raspberry jam) and vanilla-flavored cream. The cake is topped with the remaining half of the lamington, and jam and cream lamingtons are then chilled until the cream sets. Just don't show this version to lamington purists because they usually loathe variations on the original. Expand

Lamingtons are simple sponge cakes coated in chocolate icing and sprinkled with desiccated coconut. This is a version of lamingtons made with the addition of chocolate cream. The cake is usually made with flour, dark cocoa, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract, while the chocolate cream layer consists of dark chocolate, dark cocoa, vanilla extract, icing sugar, heavy cream, and mascarpone. The regular icing is often made with icing sugar and dark cocoa. If properly prepared, double chocolate lamingtons should be moist and buttery inside and with a thick chocolate coating on the outside. Just don't show this version to lamington purists because they usually loathe variations on the original. Expand

Dolly Varden cake is an iconic cake that’s especially popular at children’s birthdays in Australia. The cake was named after a character named Dolly in one of Charles Dickens’ novels (Barnaby Rudge) and the ensuing fashion style with bright colors, bold patterns, and different layers of fabric. The earliest recipe for the cake calls for four layers: chocolate, a white layer made with egg whites, a rose layer made with cochineal, and a yellow layer made with egg yolks, along with the frosting. Once baked, the multi-colored layers are stacked to create a visually attractive cake, and nowadays the layers come in a variety of flavors and colors. What sets this cake apart is the addition of the centerpiece – a Barbie (or similar) doll is placed in the center of the cake so that the cake itself acts as the doll’s skirt.Expand

Apples are one of the most important crops in Tasmania, and this simple apple cake is a classic Tasmanian sweet treat that uses sweet apples, tart apples, or a combination of both varieties. The cake is made with a batter of flour, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and baking powder that is combined with sliced or diced apples flavored with cinnamon and lemon juice and zest. The combination is then baked until nicely colored and firm, but still moist. This sponge-like cake can be enhanced with ingredients such as raisins, currants, sultanas, and Tasmanian walnuts, and it is usually sprinkled with cinnamon or icing sugar before serving. Slices of this decadent apple cake can be enjoyed for breakfast with a cup of tea on the side, but they can also be served with cream as a dessert. Expand