So Dear Readers, who caught some of the Oprah Australia special on the past few nights? What did you think of it? Did you love it or did you not? I myself am a huge Oprah fan. You can say what you want about her but I adore her positivity and her ability to use her influence for good. I was one that joined in the queue hoping to get tickets to the show but sadly the ballot came and went and there were no tickets. I would have to content myself watching it from home. I tuned in curious to see how Australia would be portrayed. I love hearing about how other people perceive us (do people still think we ride kangaroos to work and keep pet koalas?).
I watched all four episodes with Mr NQN next to me for a couple of them pretending to be asleep but with one eye on the tv and ended up feeling a massive sense of pride at how beautifully Australia was shown. It was of course meant for a different audience, an overseas audience and a predominantly American audience. Things that we Australians take for granted are in fact wondrous to others such as the beaches. I was surprised to hear some negative responses to her trip-I suppose that’s going to happen but one thing that no-one could complain about was her thoughtful remarks about the Queensland and Victorian floods that saw as a result a reported $20 million in donations. As a frequent, recent visitor to both of these states, I thought that was wonderful.
Anyway, back to the elephant in the room, the huge Australia shaped lamington. I had just read Cakelaw’s deliciously sweet blog where she made chocolate and caramel lamingtons and my interest was piqued. How about just a caramel lamington? I always prefer caramel to chocolate flavoured items (I haven’t lost you have I?) and I thought that it would be a great idea to do a caramel lamington. And then shape it into Australia too. Just because.
This cake can also be achieved easily in a smaller form using an Australia shaped cookie cutter but in the absence of one I decided to do a big cake to share with everyone. The cake itself is a lovely, light vanilla cake like a madeira cake from yesteryear and rolling it in some dulce de leche infused cream seemed like the easiest way to impart the requisite flavour of caramel to the cake. The cake is I have to admit fabulously good with the soft, fresh vanilla cake glazed with the rich caramel and sprinkled in coconut.
Sentimentally, my favourite bit of the Oprah Australia shows was where they sang what should be the National Anthem “I Still Call Australia Home”, that gorgeous song that would make even the most hardened cynic rethink their armour. Yes it’s a sentimental song but it’s beautiful too!
So tell me Dear Readers, what did you think of the Oprah Australia special? And what will you be doing this Australia Day?
P.S. You can donate here at the Queensland Government website, the RSPCA or you can volunteer to help with the cleanup here. And of course support the farmers by buying local produce, even if it’s a little less pristine and perfect than before.
Caramel Lamington Map of Australia
An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
For cake
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 eggs at room temperature
- 2 1/3 cups self-raising flour, sifted
- 1 cup milk soured with a squeeze of lemon juice in it
For coating
- 200g dulce de leche (or caramel top and fill)
- 1 cup (250ml) thickened cream
- 1 leaf titanium strength gelatine
- 1 cup whipped cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional if you are filling the cake in the centre with cream)
- 2 cups desiccated coconut
You will also need to print out a map of Australia. I found one here which was set in the right orientation for printing and didn’t need any adjustments.
Buyer’s tip: You can buy dulce de leche at South American grocery stores
1. Line a 20x20cm (8×8 inch) square of round tin with baking parchment. Preheat oven to 170C/340F. Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale. Sift the flour into a separate bowl.
2. Place soured milk in a jug and add eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined. While the beater is mixing at the lowest speed, in three alternating lots add the eggy milk and then the flour and mix until combined. Pour into the lined tin and bake for 1 hour until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Don’t worry about any cracks, it will sink down a little and besides which we’re going to flip it over so that the surface is totally smooth!
The baked cake which you will flip over…
3. In a heavy based saucepan heat the cream and the dulce de leche or caramel top ‘n fill until the caramel is melted and the mixture is smooth. Strain through a sieve. In a small bowl soak the gelatine leaf in cold water for 5 minutes and squeeze it dry and then add it to the caramel mixture while it is still warm. Stir well.
To get a smooth surface like this!
4. Take the print out of the map of Australia and trim it around the edges-I didn’t do all the nooks and crannies because I didn’t think that I would able to cut it out. Place the trimmed map on top of the cake. I found that I could trace it with about 5mm more space (I wanted to use up as much cake as possible) so I trimmed it with a slight border. Also don’t forget to cut out Tasmania!
5. If you want to, you can split the cake in half horizontally and fill it with whipped vanilla cream (1 cup cream whipped with 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste).
6. Place the cake on a cooling rack on top of a tray to catch any drips. With an angled palette knife, spread the caramel sauce on top of the cake and down the side using the palette knife to spread it along the side of the cake. There should be more than enough caramel sauce to do this and you should have about 1/2 cup leftover (chef’s treat-go on!).
7. Sprinkle with the desiccated coconut and press some against the sides of the cake.
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99 Comments | Add your own
Hehee, looks great Lorraine! I couldn’t watch Oprah, she’s just wayyy over the top for my liking!
I have never had a lamington before but this looks so good I have to try this. I have all the ingredients in my pantry too!
Great! I love that Aussie cake/treat!
Cheers,
Rosa
Oprah is taking over the world!
More lamingtons! I’m inspired!
Love it! I especially like the little Tassie. How cute!
Hope you have a great Australia Day tomorrow
Mmmm caramel in the middle I thought it was a caramel cake until I saw that picture with all the delicious dribbling down the side. Although lamingtons are not a fav of mine I could always be tempted with caramel.
I am with you about Oprah. She’s an accomplished woman and did it all herself. The cake looks wonderful. Did you ever try lump of Dulce in a cup of hot coffee?
addicting…
That looks AMAZING. I want it!
Yummie, this cake looks delicious and love the dulce de leche…so rich in flavor
I have to confess my true love is with caramel, not chocolate, so this is the ultimate lamington i would say. How about you make it for our Australia day party tomorrow…
I agree with your choice of national anthem and I loved the Australian Oprah special. It was filmed absolutely gorgeously!
Makes me proud to
I have a similiar thought about my “Australia Day” treat, seems great minds think alike.
oh Lorraine! You might just have read my mind…..a certain coconut covered cake may also be gracing my countertop this evening
Oh man that looks awesome. I do love caramel but I dont think I could pick it over chocolate.
How great does THAT look. I’m salivating!!
This cake makes me proud to be Australian *tear*
Americans seem to think our country is TINY.
I have a friend in the US, they keep asking if his house has flooded. He lives in Cecil Park
This Australia day I’ll be heading to Big Day Out!
Cute! I love it! You should submit it to Mr P for Re-Inventing the Lamington. I didn’t watch any of the Oprah specials except the first one – but I love it when the Qantas choir sings I Still Call Australia Home. Tomorrow it will be just chillin’ for me – bliss.
The Oprah Australia Special was infections. I taped the episodes and thought I’d just watch bits and pieces but I ended up watching them all.
Australia, you really did turn on your charm when Oprah came to town!
SSG xxx
Another triumph, Lorraine!
Having spent most of 2010 out of Oz, and having to fly back out on Thursday with my Christmas visit nearly spent, I cried and cried at the end of the Oprah show. I still call Australia home, too!
Gorgeous! I am posting my own “rethought lamington” on Australia day too!
I only saw the first Oprah and thought it was great. I do love a lamington.
Hi Lorraine,
I thought Oprah’s special shows on Australia were wonderful.. Made me proud to be an Aussie… As for Qld… being a ex-Qlder (grew up in Nth Qld) it was so sad and distressing to see my State in such a mess.. but Anna Bligh said something that made me sit up and stand proud to be a Qlder… They make them strong north of the Border and we are tough and nothing can keep us down. I have family in Brisbane and Caboolture and even though they weren’t affected they were out there helping their mates in the clean up. Proud to be Australian and even Prouder that I am a Qlder! Love the Aussie Lamington! Have a great Australia Day everyone!
Smiles Roz
That looks fantastic Lorraine. I much prefer caramel to chocolate too.
I loved the Oprah special and I have to say it brought on some tears too, especially the vocals at the finale.
Last night I started to write a post about lamingtons for Australia Day too. Apart from loving them, I’m feeling very proud to be Australian after watching the events of the Qld flood and the massive response people had to help.
What a great idea! Caramel is great for a change from chocolate.
I think the Oprah special came at just the right time for Australia, hopefully by the time the floods have receeded, we can prepare for a new flood- of cashed up tourists.
Buy local!! We all have our little flaws and blemishes, but think inner-beauty!
Sorry missed the Oprah episode but I’m not sorry I missed this post. Lamington’s oh yum!
Wow, I was thinking about making lamingtons tomorrow but I think I’m going to do this instead. I also love caramel and so does hubby. Thanks!
I agree with you on caramel over chocolate. I agree with you on ‘I still call Australia home!’ – I proudly do and oft shed a tear when hearing it. As far as Oprah – well, hope I am allowed to disagree on just ONE point. She is an intelligent and cluey lady who has a right to all she has made – my flavour, well no!! Too Chicago for me!!
Yum! Australia never looked so good!
I once tried to make a patriotic pavlova but it turned out lopsided with a sunken Northern Territory! Yours looks way better.
Sorry Lorraine, missed all of Oprah but love the lamingtons… I really must make them one day… i love the idea of putting jam in the middle with all that lovely dulce de leche frosting… it must be awesome with the coconut. Just my kind of cuddly — the food kind!
You had me standing on the chair in my lounge room, hand over heart, tears streaming down my face with the wonderful AMAZING Oprah vid.
I am so PROUD to be an Aussie, every year as the 27th of Jan approaches, the tried true and tested good ol recipes resurface and I ask myself….. WHY oh why don’t we work with these ingredients more often?
My entire family sat each evening to watch the Oprah in Oz special, the boys often grumbling, but…. who were the first to let the big crocodile tears go every time? The fellas.
‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’… ‘Oi, Oi, Oi’…. Happy Australia Day Lorraine!
Typo – 26th January! Not the 27th!
Love the big Aussie lamington, might have to buy some chocolate ones for tomorrow! Thanks for encouraging consumers to buy local. Small businesses in flood affected areas need lots of support right now!
Just watched the clip from the show with “I still call Australia home”. I still have tears in eyes now. Can’t even sing it myself without crying these days!!
I’ve never been an Oprah fan but yes, I am in awe of her power. Despite all the negative comments people make, the fact that people want to be associated with her and her great causes is pretty mind boggling. Love your map of Australia lamington, I cut my jelly map freehand =p
I LOVE Oprah too! Her intelligence, energy and confidence just blow me away…if only I had a smidgen of her talent I’d be happy!
Australia does not need Oprah for tourist promotion.
Let’s face it probably 85% of her viewers could not afford a bus ticket to an airport , let alone flight tix.
Overated T V “personality”
I love this idea! I am making a pav for Australia Day, I just might try to see if I can convince my meringue to make the Australia shape but imagine it will expand out of shape whilst baking. Nothing ventured, nothing gained and what’s the worst that can happen, my pav looks like a lump? Who cares!
While I personally don’t watch Oprah, I don’t she has achieved a lot of great things and brought hope and positivity to a lot of people. This sounds like looks like a fun and beautiful feature. Sorry to have missed it. And what a creative cake you’ve been inspired to make. If only I were so brave as to attempt the US ;p.
You West Islanders (Aussies) are claiming the Lamington too! I’ll give it too you today and seeing as though I have never had a caramel Lamington. Great post cheers for some inspiration – NZ shaped pav
This is brilliant as per usual NQN
As for Oprah, as always I cried like a baby. Ha
I think the Oprah shows were fantastic and a great promotion of this amazing country. I recorded all the shows and plan to re-watch again and again! I was born in the US and have lived here 11 years (been a citizen for 5 years) and I am very proud to call Australia home! We’re having lamb cutlets on the barbie of course for AU Day!
Oh wow your lamington map looks so good I think I might have to whip one up tonight!
I loved the Oprah down under shows. They made me want to tour around our wonderful country so I can’t imagine the impact they’d have on foreigners.
Hi NQN, long time reader, first time commentor.
I love your spin on recipes and nice job on the aussie cake!
I am a devoted Oprah fan love,love,love her! Didn’t receive any tickets either but I enjoyed each of the four shows and yes we know how wonderful this country is but damn it is always a pleasure to see it filmed in such a positive light! Anyway back to the task at hand – I adore lamingtons my sons favourite aussie cake I was going to make the lamington ice cream cake featured in this months Woolworths fresh magazine (but I was going to make the lamingtson as opposed to using the bought ones) but this one might sway me! Thanks for another fun post.
Lorraine that is way too cute… I have been known to eat dulce de leche out of the jar oops
I just read your post about the up-and-coming book, well done you! I’ve been reading your blog for quite a few years and will definitely be picking up a copy 
Dear Jacqueline (No 38 in today’s Q) – agree with your statements – good to see someone honest! : do not agree with your conclusion! The lady has tremendous power to influence what happens in many parts of the world! So many US citizens will be on planes to Oz ’cause Oprah said so’, wanting to see just what she did! Well, don’t know whether a koala will be conveniently there to bare his nether parts!!!
I missed all the Oprah shows because of TV trouble – I hope they are replayed! I love Oprah! Funnily, she reminds me of a school friend.
Your caramel lamington looks devine. The cake is a really great recipe using basic ingredients and souring the milk with lemon juice! Great old fashioned recipe! Thanks!
I love lamingtons!!!
They have lemon flavored ones in Hong Kong!
yay!! we both made lamingtons but yours is so much better
I watched it for the same reason as you – interested to see how Australia would be protrayed! (And I totally tried for tickets too.. I wanted free stuff!
) My housemate is vehemently anti-Oprah but watched the last one as her room was too hot (our apartment is very small), and so I had to refrain from singing along to “I still call Australia home”.
Also, Hugh Jackman is SUCH A MAN. Phwoar!
(You lamingtons, as ever, are gorgeous too!)
Mmm, delish Lorraine! I have to admit, I often like caramel better than chocolate too. Especially salted caramel. Yummo!
How patriotic! Love it! Happy Oz Day!
How creative – very appropriate for tomorrow’s celebrations. I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of lamingtons, but this sounds like a yummy variation!
I missed Oprah’s shows from Australia. I knew she went there, but somehow missed when it was airing. I like Oprah. She has done remarkable things. I did see Pierce Morgan’s new show (replaced Larry King on CNN, here in the states, not sure you see this) and what she had to say was so genuine. Who she was and what she has accomplished is astonishing for anyone to accomplish.
I love your Australia Day Lamington. As always you made this look and sound so enticing. Have a wonderful day of celebration.
Caramel and coconut~?!? Oh, yum! Hope you have a happy Australia Day.
have you thought of entering Mr P’s reinventing the lamington competition on Delicious Delicious Delicious?
i have lamingtons on the brain at the moment – it’s ridiculous! and this just took lamington to a whole new level. YUM!
i was lucky to score an oprah ticket through work but was sat behind the sound tower and barely saw her… that said, i still had fun! x
What a great way to improve the usual chocolate lamingtons. YUM!
I have been an Oprah fan for 20+ years. Her honesty, passion and genunine and generous nature are infectious. She ‘calls a spade a spade’ and has always tackled issues that others have avoided.
There are South American stores?? I think if I ever got my hands on a can of Dulce de leche, it would not make it to the cake!
I didn’t watch Oprah. Thought it would be too OTT.
Love love love Oprah! I get a little ho hum when she gets caught up in “the moment” and gets all philosophical…but other than that I think she’s great!
I saw a program that showed how you can make dolce de lece by boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk for a while, i can’t remember how log for tho…
tomorrow might consist of a swim and picnic down at Gordons bay…
MMMMMMMMMM,I know what I’ll be doing this Aussie Day!
What an intelligent way to re-invent the Lamington!And have it in the shape of OZ.
I’m going to track down those sparklers and put it onto the cake in the form of the southern cross(I just love putting candles/sparlers on cakes and this is the perfect excuse to do it!
To be honest,I cant say I am a dedicated Oprah viewer,however, I did take a lot of interest on the effect she had on her aussie guests.
I’ve never witnessed anything like that!What impressed me was how “positive” and respectful she was towards all she came across-her interactions between the local folk looked warm and genuine.
Happy Australia Day to you Lorraine,Mr NQN and Family and to all the NQN followers!!!!
What a great idea.Think I might whip up a batch of lamingtons for tomorrow. I loved Oprah too, just quietly. She kept telling us how much she loved us and our country. What’s not to like?
OoOOo! Great effort! My favourite lamington has got to be from Pierre Roelof’s.. as it had surprise chocolate pop crackling inside it.. nom nom!
tell me, is caramel top and fill REALLY similar to dulce de leche?
Cause I really want to make things with it and the thought of boiling a can of sweetened condensed milk scares the bejesus outta me!
I saw just one of the Oprah shows, but thought she did a great day and it made me feel proud to be an Aussie. Oprah’s overcome a lot from her childhood and I admire that.
Hopefully we’ll be at the beach on Australia Day as it’s going to be shockingly hot out west where I live.
Love this! So patriotic! I have to admit I never saw any of the Oprah stuff but i’m glad they showcased Australia in a positive light
Well, I am not an Oprah fan. But a caramel lamington, that I could go for! Your Australia shaped one is so adorable..
Happy Australia Day dear Lorraine…and this is a fabulous way to ring in the day! Gorgeously done, and so perfect in every way! Inspiring beyond belief… WTG!!
As an American watching Oprah in Australia, it made me want to hop on a plane immediately! First of all, it is warm there (24 degrees here). Second, everyone seemed so welcoming and friendly. Like visiting distant relatives. Hope Australians feel the same when they visit the states.
I am not an Oprah fan, but am pleased that you liked the way Australia was presented. She does do things well. (and no, I don’t think you ride roos to work!)
I love your patriotic cake, Lorraine. Happy Australia day!
this is so cute and very creative to map out your lamington this way. i just love it.
This looks wonderful, rich and yummy! great job!
Aren’t you clever! This looks amazing. And I’m with you on the caramel thing – just say dulce de leche and I’m your best friend!
Yummy, Yummy, Yummy, Oi,Oi,Oi
Happy Australia Day, Lorraine! The cake is gorgeous and what a wonderful tribute! I’m glad you shared the recipe, I’ve been dying to try lamington!
Yuummmooo!!!
I like Oprah, and same with you. No luck for me with the ticket. I’m glad she was here to promote Australia.
I will always call Australia home
Happy Australia Day! I lurve a lamington and yours looks supremely delicious. Love how it’s the shape of our great land. Very clever.
Speaking of other Australia Day artistic cake feats, did you catch on Sunrise this morning the cake the Planet Cake team made? It was a giant scale replica of the Sydney Opera House. AH-MAY-ZING!
it’s funny how i actually dreamed about this making an Australia-shaped lamington before i read ur post =P
I had to read it a few times to believe I was reading a preference for caramel over chocolate – what! – but love your idea of an Australian shaped lamington and I am quite partial to caramel so yes please
Happy Australia Day Lorraine! I absolutely enjoyed the Oprah specials after only seeing the first 2. I’ve recorded the other 2 eps and cant wait to watch it also. I really enjoyed seeing her enthusiasm about our country and australians in general. What I would do to be at that BBQ that Curtis Stone catered!
I think this delicious lamington variety would have fit in well in that event! What a great idea – I would prefer this over the ordinary choc version any day!
I’ve always loved Oprah, would do anything to get a ticket to one of her shows! Unlikely that that will happen though, seeing as it will be ending soon…
Every time i come here , i do it!
sorry , didn watch the show!
U make me to do it!
And i HAVE to do it , it= book mark ur recipes , specially ur own!
I dont know what shape i will go by but am definately making this !
At the rate i pick ur wonderful recipes , i’l have to bake twice a day:-)
Love the texture , the caramelly topping and the coconut !
Beautiful idea and bdw , nope
australian pride! truly, i think i’m the most patriotic non-australian in the world.
OMG….so wishing I was at Liss’s place yesterday!! That looks devine. My own attempt was a slight variation of your own butterfly lamington cupcakes.
I missed Oprah
She has done so much for Australian Tourism in the space of a week. Lets hope we can all live up to the hype!
I am a huge fan of Oprah. When I found out that I didnt get tickets I actually cried for days. One of the girls got tickets and she knew how much I loved her so she kindly gave me the necklace she got from the show. This Australia Lamington is great. What a fantastic idea. I agree I still call Australia home should be our anthem. I tear up when I hear it. I love this country.
That looks fantastic Lorraine. I’ve never been a fan of the lamington, but I would definitely like to try a caramal one!
I didn’t watch the Oprah specials – I IQ-recorded the first one, but I’m yet to watch it
I LOVED your big Australia-shaped lamington and I am inspired to make one for next year’s celebrations, complete with a cream centre, although I will probably go “old school” and use chocolate.
I still can’t believe I visited Australia last year without trying a lamington. Oh, the tragedy! But they had us so on the go all the time, there wasn’t time to go explore bakeries. Sigh. Guess I’ll have to just make my own then. Hmm, shall I make mine in the shape of the U.S? Boy, that could get complicated.
Caramel instead of chocolate? Thunder is going to strike you down, girl!
Your cake does look fabulously good! I’m so sad that I missed the Oprah series. I’ll have to catch them on reruns. I know I’d love watching them too. I fell in love with Australia, especially your beaches. xoxo Mum
how cute! i remember once doing a project on new zealand in elementary school. we were supposed to bring a food from the country with us, so my mom and i made lamingtons.
Hahaha, how adorable!!! And I love how you emphasised not to forget Tassie! I love Oprah and watched all 4 eps with Soy also pretending like she wasn’t watching!!
I was wondering how you were going to get the australia shape. I thought you might have had an australian shaped baking pan! Looks delicious and I love caramel flavoured things too! But I still love chocolate..
My hubby and I just returned from a seven week to Australia and New Zealand and new friends there said we “had to” taste Lamingtons…we did and love them…so today when searching for the recipe I came upon this site…looks delicious…I’ll make traditional Lamington’s first. And I love Oprah…watching her show helped me generate the enthusiasm BEFORE our visit
Made this delicious looking cake for Australia Day 2013…… big hit….. forgot the leftover caramel had geltaine in it and left in inn the fridge….. caramel jelly isnt that bad…… thanks lorriane this was an awesome recipe
Hi Katrina! Oh fantastic and I’m so pleased that it was a big hit!
Ooh caramel jelly! What a delicious discovery 
You’re very welcome Katrina!
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