These Raspberry Almond Friands are elegant, bite-sized mini dessert recipes that are surprisingly simple to make. You’ll love their delicate texture and the delightful balance of sweet raspberries and nutty almonds, perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Almond Flour: Essential for the texture; you can’t easily substitute this with other flours for friands.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for best control over flavor.
- Egg Whites: Key for the light, airy texture.
- Fresh Raspberries: Frozen raspberries work too, just don’t thaw them first.
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup (75g) almond flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, for topping
Optional:
- A pinch of salt (enhances flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 friands
- Tools Needed: Friand pan or muffin tin, mixing bowls, whisk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-hole friand pan or a standard muffin tin. This ensures your mini dessert recipes won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour, and baking powder (and a pinch of salt, if using). Mixing these thoroughly now prevents lumps later.
3. Fold in Wet Ingredients
Add the egg whites and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your friands tough.
4. Fill the Pans
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared friand or muffin holes. Fill each about two-thirds full. This leaves room for the raspberries and for the friands to rise.
5. Add Berries and Almonds
Gently place 3-4 raspberries on top of each friand. Sprinkle a few sliced almonds over each. These additions make your mini dessert recipes beautiful and flavorful.
6. Bake Your Friands
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy note.
- Mixed Berry: Use a mix of small berries like blueberries and blackberries instead of just raspberries.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1/4 cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Spiced Almond: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Raspberry Almond Friands in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?
No, egg whites are crucial for the unique light texture of friands. Using whole eggs would result in a denser cake.
What if I don’t have a friand pan?
A standard muffin tin works perfectly. The shape will be slightly different, but the taste remains the same.
Can I make these gluten-free?
While almond flour is gluten-free, this recipe uses a small amount of all-purpose flour. You can experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, but the texture might vary.
Why are my friands dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to dry friands. Mix until just combined and remove them from the oven as soon as a skewer comes out clean.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before filling the pans and baking.
Are these suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! Friands are perfect mini dessert recipes for parties, brunches, or afternoon tea because they are easy to eat and look elegant.