The Lamington: Australia's Most Beloved Cake Explained

What Is a Lamington?

A lamington is a simple but iconic Australian dessert: sponge cake squares dipped in chocolate and rolled in shredded coconut. Most of the time they are filled with jam but don't have to be to still qualify as a lamington.

Why It Matters to Australians

Lamingtons are tied to school fundraisers, family gatherings, and bakeries across the country. They are the ultimate comfort cake. Aussies grow up with them, and the taste sparks instant nostalgia, dreams of childhood, happy times, and most of all, they are delicious.

Lamingtons in the USA

Outside of Australia, lamingtons are almost impossible to find, and most Americans have never heard of them. That makes them a surprise treat when visitors discover them on a cafe menu in Chicago.

At Chapel Street, lamingtons are sometimes baked in-house, if you're lucky to come in on a day our bakers decide to be creative. They pair beautifully with a flat white or even a glass of Australian dessert wine. For Australians in Chicago, it's a taste of home. For locals, it is a window into a different food culture.