With National Lamington Day coming up this Monday 21 July, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate one of our most beloved and debated desserts. Keep reading to find out how to score a half-price lamington this Monday from Husky Bakery, exclusively for you.
Each year on 21 July, Australians pay a sweet tribute to one of our most iconic treats, the humble lamington, affectionately nicknamed “lammos” or “lammies”.
Whether it’s rolled in coconut the old-fashioned way or given a playful twist with cream and jam or one of the endless creative variations out there, this chocolate-dipped sponge has found fans far and wide.
Australia proudly claims the origin, tracing it back to Queensland in the late 1800s, when one of the maids in the household of the state’s Governor Lord Lamington accidentally dropped a piece of sponge cake into melted chocolate. Thinking fast, she rolled it in coconut to make it easier to handle and just like that, an icon was born.
Over in New Zealand, there’s another version of the tale. Locals claim that a coconut-covered cake was already being enjoyed around the same time in Dunedin, down on the South Island. While the true origin is still up for debate, one thing is clear: the lamington holds a special place in the hearts and bakeries of both countries.
We spoke to Justine Bryce, owner of the Husky Bakery and asked her when did she try her first lamingtons and what do they mean to her. “Lamingtons have always held a sentimental spot in my heart, thanks to childhood memories of my grandmother making them from scratch.”
While flavours have come and gone, Justine says the original still wins hearts every time. “The classic lamington – sponge cake dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut – is definitely still our locals’ most loved,” she says.
That hasn’t stopped the bakery from adding a few twists. Alongside the traditional version, they also offer a raspberry jam-and-cream filled lamington, and a popular lamington flower cake. “It’s shaped like a flower using our waterjet cutter and filled with cream and jam, so there’s no slicing needed,” Justine explains.
The bakery’s state-of-the-art waterjet cutting machine – one of only a handful in Australia –also allows for cakes in almost any shape imaginable. “When The Today Show visited Huskisson, we even cut their logo out of cake,” she says. “It really lets us get creative.”
While gluten-free or dairy-free options aren’t currently on the menu, the bakery remains focused on quality, tradition, and the flavours their local customers return for again and again.
As a New Zealander/Kiwi living in Australia, I’m more than happy to celebrate both stories – and both iconic slices. Whether you’re a traditionalist or love a modern twist, National Lamington Day is a sweet reminder of the crowd pleaser that unites us.
Half Price Lammies for JBW Readers
In celebration of National Lamington Day on Monday 21 July, Husky Bakery will be offering a sweet deal: mention “Jervis Bay Weekend magazine” and receive 50% off these prices for the following feel-good bites: Plain lamingtons $3, Jam and cream lamingtons $4, Lamington flower cakes $16.50. Head to 11 Currambene Street Huskisson between 6.30am and 4.30pm, one per customer.
More Great Lammie Locations
If you are around Vincentia or Sanctuary Point you will find these delicious, coconut dusted chocolate sponge Lammies.
Vincentia: Bayview Bakery Café, 2 The Wool Rd located in the Vincentia Shopping Village, get your lamington fix between 6:30am and 4:30pm.
Sanctuary Point Bakery, Shop1/20Paradise Beach Road, lamingtons from 5.45am till 4pm this Monday.
Sanctuary Point Bakehouse Espresso Group, 197 Kerry St, Sanctuary Point lammie hours on Monday are 8am till 4pm.
