Ingredients
* Start this recipe a day ahead
280g castor sugar
160g butter, diced
125g dark chocolate (75 per cent cocoa), chopped or grated
1 orange, juice and zest, plus extra zest to serve if liked (120ml juice)
175g self-raising flour, sifted
35g cocoa powder (100 per cent dark European cocoa)
3 eggs, lightly whisked
100ml pouring cream, whipped (to serve, optional)
For dipping
250g icing sugar
35g cocoa powder
200ml boiling water
150g-200g long-thread shredded coconut
Method
1. Preheat oven to 170C. Prepare a 19.5cm x 30cm lamington tin, grease and line with baking paper, ensuring the paper comes up the sides of the tin.
2. In a medium-size saucepan combine sugar, butter, chocolate, orange zest and juice. Heat gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from the heat and allow the chocolate mix to cool slightly.
3. Using a balloon whisk, add ¼ of the flour and whisk well to combine, then add remaining flour and cocoa powder, whisk to combine. Then whisk in eggs until just combined.
4. Pour mixture into tin and bake on the centre rack of the oven for 30-35 minutes. Test with a metal skewer to determine if ready. Allow to cool. Wrap in cling film and store in a cool place overnight.
5. To make chocolate icing, place icing sugar, cocoa and boiling water in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Allow to reach room temperature.
6. Prepare a large chopping board on your work surface. Place a wire rack next to it. Place the chocolate icing next to the board. Take a deep baking tray and fill with shredded coconut. Place the cake on the board and cut to desired size (4.5cm x 7cm), trimming edges. Once cut, dip one piece of cake in the chocolate mixture, allowing the cake to be submerged briefly. Place on wire rack to drain. Repeat until all pieces have been dipped.
7. Take the individual pieces of dipped cake and roll in the shredded coconut, patting lightly to ensure coconut clings to the cake. Place on a service plate and repeat process until all cake has been rolled. Top with more zest and whipped cream if using.
