Australia is famed for its diverse wildlife, picturesque landscapes, and bustling cities. But there’s another facet to this country that deserves a spotlight — its mouthwatering desserts. In this post, we’ll delve into some iconic Australian sweet treats that you should definitely give a try.
Lamingtons: The National Cake of Australia
Let’s start with a classic. Lamingtons, often referred to as the “National Cake of Australia,” are delightful squares of sponge cake, dipped in chocolate, and then rolled in desiccated coconut. It’s a simple recipe, but the result is a cake that is moist, sweet, and utterly addictive.
Ingredients:
- Sponge cake
- Chocolate icing
- Desiccated coconut
Instructions:
- Cut the sponge cake into squares.
- Dip each square in the chocolate icing, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Roll the iced cake in the desiccated coconut.
- Set the lamingtons aside to set before serving.
Pavlova: A Dish Named After a Ballerina
The Pavlova, named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, is a dessert that embodies elegance and sophistication. This meringue-based dessert has a crisp outer shell and a soft, light inside, typically topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
- Egg whites
- Sugar
- Cream of tartar
- Cornstarch
- Vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
Instructions:
- Whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, cream of tartar, and cornstarch, continuing to whisk until the mixture is stiff and glossy.
- Shape the meringue into a disk on a lined baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until it’s crisp and dry.
- Once cooled, top the pavlova with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Anzac Biscuits: A Taste of History
Anzac biscuits have a history that reaches back to World War I, originally made by women on the home front and sent to soldiers abroad because they kept well during naval transportation. Today, these biscuits remain a favourite in Australia.
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats
- Desiccated coconut
- Flour
- Sugar
- Butter
- Golden syrup
- Bicarbonate of soda
Instructions:
- Combine the oats, coconut, flour, and sugar in a bowl.
- Melt the butter and golden syrup together, stir in the bicarbonate of soda, and add to the dry ingredients.
- Roll mixture into balls, place on a lined baking tray, and flatten gently.
- Bake until golden brown.
Tim Tams: Australia’s Favorite Biscuit
Tim Tams are more than just a biscuit — they’re an Australian institution. Invented in 1958, these chocolate-covered biscuits sandwich a creamy chocolate filling. With a satisfying crunch and decadent chocolate flavor, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate cookies
- Chocolate cream filling
- Chocolate coating
Instructions:
- Spread the chocolate cream filling on one cookie.
- Place another cookie on top to form a sandwich.
- Dip the sandwiched cookies in the chocolate coating, making sure it’s fully covered.
- Let the biscuits set in the fridge before serving.
Fairy Bread: A Childhood Classic
Fairy bread is a simple yet fun dessert popular at children’s parties. It’s merely buttered white bread sprinkled with colorful “hundreds and thousands” (nonpareils). The contrast of the soft bread, creamy butter, and crunchy sprinkles makes for a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- White bread
- Butter
- Nonpareils
Instructions:
- Spread butter on slices of bread.
- Sprinkle nonpareils over the buttered bread.
- Cut the bread into triangles or fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Golden Gaytime Ice Cream: An Australian Summer Staple
Golden Gaytime is a popular ice cream snack in Australia, comprised of toffee and vanilla ice cream, dipped in chocolate, and covered in honeycomb biscuits. It’s the perfect dessert for hot Australian summers.
Ingredients:
- Toffee ice cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Chocolate coating
- Crushed honeycomb biscuits
Instructions:
- Mix the toffee and vanilla ice cream together and shape into bars.
- Dip the bars in the chocolate coating.
- Roll the bars in crushed honeycomb biscuits.
- Freeze the bars until firm.
From Tim Tams to Golden Gaytime Ice Cream, Australia has a dessert to satisfy every sweet tooth. These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a whole world of Australian desserts waiting for you to discover and enjoy.
