Top treat: Lamingtons set to hit the shelves in the UK

LAMINGTON STOCK
A version of the Aussie Lamington will be sold at Marks and Spencer in the United Kingdom. -AAP Image

Marks & Spencer is launching its version of the lamington in a move it claims is the first time the Australian treat is to be widely sold on the high street in the United Kingdom.

M&S is selling two versions of the coconut-coated sponge cube - a "classic" chocolate and coconut and a caramelised biscuit version, first launched by Woolworths in Australia in July.

The classic lamington is a square of sponge cake, coated in chocolate icing and tossed in coconut.

The M&S chocolate version consists of a buttermilk-enriched chocolate sponge coated in chocolate sauce, rolled in coconut flakes and topped with hand-piped jam and buttercream.

The "trendy" caramelised biscuit lamington - a rich chocolate sponge rolled in caramelised biscuit crumb and finished with hand-piped buttercream and salted caramel sauce - went viral on social media following its launch.

M&S said its versions are baked in the UK and cost four pounds ($A8.30) for a pack of two.

"Lamingtons are definitely the most iconic cake from Down Under and it's very exciting to be the first to bring our version of this beloved Aussie classic to the UK high street," M&S Food product developer for bakery treats Alice Birch said.

Lamingtons are thought to be named after Lord Lamington, governor of Queensland from 1896 to 1901.

His chef supposedly whipped up the very first batch to feed unexpected guests using only leftover sponge cake, chocolate and coconut.