Imagine everything you love about classic Australian desserts swirled together in a riot of color and sprinkle-coated joy—that’s what you’ll find in Fairy Bread Lamingtons! This playful mashup brings together the cloud-soft vanilla sponge of traditional lamingtons and the vibrant, nostalgia-inducing rainbow sprinkles of fairy bread, creating a treat that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. Whether you’re planning a lively celebration or just want a moment of pure, sprinkle-dusted happiness, these lamingtons promise to delight kids and grownups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Fairy Bread Lamingtons so magical? It’s the balance of simple, quality ingredients that each bring something important to the recipe—tender sponge for the base, a sweet glaze to bind everything together, and eye-popping sprinkles for the finishing touch. Here’s what you’ll need and why every choice matters:
- Vanilla Sponge Cake: Provides the soft, fluffy foundation—use a prepared or homemade version, cut into neat 2-inch squares for perfect portions.
- Powdered Sugar: Delivers a smooth, sweet glaze that holds the sprinkles and adds that classic frosted finish.
- Milk: Helps dissolve the sugar and gives the glaze just the right consistency for dipping.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm fragrance and depth of flavor to both cake and glaze.
- Unsalted Butter: A touch of melted butter brings richness and ensures the glaze tastes silky and indulgent.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: Choose nonpareils or 100s and 1000s—the star of the Fairy Bread Lamingtons show, adding crunch and pure fun.
- Desiccated Coconut (Optional): For those who love lamingtons the traditional way, rolling in coconut adds extra texture and a hint of tropical flair.
How to Make Fairy Bread Lamingtons
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
Start by making the glaze, which is the delicious glue that holds your sprinkles in place. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. The glaze should be thick enough to coat and cling but not so dense that it’s hard to dip.
Step 2: Arrange Your Sprinkles
Pour your rainbow sprinkles into a shallow bowl or onto a large plate. If you’re opting for desiccated coconut as an extra layer, have a separate dish ready for that too. This setup makes the dipping process seamless and keeps things tidy, which is especially handy if kids lend a hand!
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Sponge Squares
With your prepared vanilla sponge cake cut into even squares, work one piece at a time. Dip each square into the glaze, turning gently with a fork or your fingers to ensure all sides are covered. Let the excess glaze drip off—it’s key for avoiding soggy lamingtons.
Step 4: Sprinkle-Covered Magic
Immediately press or roll your glazed sponge square into the rainbow sprinkles, making sure every surface is generously coated. For fans of the classic, roll the base or edges in desiccated coconut for extra crunch and contrast—that little touch turns Fairy Bread Lamingtons into something truly special.
Step 5: Set and Serve
Place your finished lamingtons on a wire rack or a parchment-lined tray and let them set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. This quick rest allows the glaze and sprinkles to firm up, so every slice holds together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Fairy Bread Lamingtons
Garnishes
The beauty of Fairy Bread Lamingtons lies in their cheerful appearance, but adding a little extra flair never hurts! Top each lamington with an extra dusting of rainbow sprinkles or a light drizzle of melted white chocolate for the ultimate wow factor. For a party tray, tuck in a few edible flowers or marshmallows to amplify the sense of whimsical fun.
Side Dishes
Serve your lamingtons with a pitcher of cold milk, a pot of black tea, or a fruity punch for a perfectly balanced treat. If you’re creating a dessert spread, pair them with strawberries, bite-sized fruit skewers, or mini pavlovas—the sprinkles and coconut tie all the flavors together in the most joyful way.
Creative Ways to Present
Fairy Bread Lamingtons beg for a playful presentation! Stack them on a tiered cake stand for an afternoon tea, thread them onto colorful skewers for grab-and-go party fun, or arrange them in rainbow order for a photo-worthy centerpiece. However you display them, they’ll bring instant smiles to every celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Fairy Bread Lamingtons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so the sponge stays tender, and the sprinkles remain crunchy and bright.
Freezing
If you want to make Fairy Bread Lamingtons ahead, freeze the sponge cake squares unglazed. When ready to serve, thaw, glaze, and roll in sprinkles for optimal freshness—freezing fully decorated lamingtons may cause the sprinkles to lose their crunch.
Reheating
These lamingtons are best enjoyed at room temperature, but if your sponge feels a touch cold from storage, let them sit out for 15 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the glaze and melt the sprinkles.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought sponge cake for Fairy Bread Lamingtons?
Absolutely! Store-bought sponge is a speedy shortcut, and since it’s often a bit drier, it actually holds up perfectly during dipping and glazing. Just make sure to cut it into even pieces for consistent results.
What’s the trick to getting sprinkles to stick evenly?
The key is to dip the sponge squares while the glaze is still fresh and tacky, then immediately roll them in the sprinkles. Don’t wait too long between the glaze and the sprinkles, or they won’t adhere as well.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free sponge cake as your base. All other ingredients in Fairy Bread Lamingtons are typically gluten-free, but double-check your sprinkles and coconut for hidden gluten or allergens.
Are there creative variations for Fairy Bread Lamingtons?
Of course! Try using chocolate sprinkles, mixing pastel nonpareils, or flavoring your glaze with a little lemon or almond extract for a twist. Swap plain coconut with toasted for more depth, or even sandwich two cake squares with jam in the center for a delightful surprise.
Can kids help make Fairy Bread Lamingtons?
This is the ultimate recipe for little hands! Set up a dipping station, provide aprons, and let kids dip, roll, and decorate to their hearts’ content. It’s messy, colorful, and all about having fun in the kitchen together.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s playful, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable, Fairy Bread Lamingtons are pure happiness in every bite. Gather your favorite people, unleash your creativity with sprinkles, and bring a taste of Aussie party magic home—you’re in for treats and smiles all around!
Print
Fairy Bread Lamingtons Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 lamingtons 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fairy Bread Lamingtons are a delightful twist on the classic Australian treat, combining the fun and color of fairy bread with the beloved lamington. Perfect for kids’ parties or any festive occasion!
Ingredients
Sponge Cake:
- 1 prepared vanilla sponge cake (cut into 2-inch squares)
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Coating:
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (nonpareils or 100s and 1000s)
- 1 cup desiccated coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each sponge square into the glaze, then roll in sprinkles. Optionally, coat with desiccated coconut.
- Set: Place lamingtons on a wire rack or tray to set for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve: Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use day-old sponge cake for easier handling.
- Freeze the sponge before cutting for less mess.
- Great for kids’ parties and fun, colorful celebrations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Australian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lamington
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
