Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a rectangular baking tray with butter and line the bottom with baking paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Place the softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
This step helps create a soft, airy cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is incorporated before adding the next.
If the mixture looks slightly curdled, add a spoonful of the measured flour and continue mixing.
Step 4: Add the Vanilla
Pour in the vanilla essence and mix until evenly combined.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and finish with the flour mixture.
Mix gently until the batter is smooth and just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking tray and spread it evenly.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the center is still wet, bake for a few additional minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Cut the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tray for approximately 10–15 minutes.
Transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Once cooled, cut the cake into equal-sized squares.
For easier coating, you can refrigerate the squares for 30 minutes so they hold their shape better.
How to Make the Pink Syrup
Step 8: Combine the Syrup Ingredients
Place the sifted icing sugar, butter, and water in a saucepan.
Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
Step 9: Heat the Syrup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Simmer for approximately 4 minutes, keeping an eye on the consistency. Avoid reducing it too much, as the syrup should remain fluid enough to coat the cake.
Step 10: Add the Flavor and Color
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Add a few drops of strawberry essence and pink food coloring. Stir until the syrup has an even pink color and a pleasant strawberry aroma.
Allow it to cool slightly. It should be cool enough to handle but still fluid.
How to Prepare the Pink Coconut
Step 11: Color the Coconut
Place the desiccated coconut in a bowl.
Add a few drops of pink food coloring and mix thoroughly with a fork or your fingertips until the color is evenly distributed.
For a lighter pink shade, use only a small amount of coloring.
If the coconut becomes damp, spread it on a plate and allow it to dry slightly before using.
Assemble the Pink Lamingtons
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