Indulge in the light and airy texture of lady fingers, the perfect base for tiramisu or a charming dessert on their own. These delicate sponge biscuits are easy to make and will impress your guests with their delightful taste. Ideal for dipping in coffee or serving with fresh fruits, this recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 lady fingers, with a preparation time of 20 minutes and a cooking time of 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 lady finger) contains approximately 50 calories, 1g of protein, 10g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fat. This is based on a serving size of one lady finger.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks in two large bowls.
- Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gradually add half of the granulated sugar.
- In the second bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Sift the flour over the mixture and fold it in gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
- Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in 3-inch long strips, leaving space between each.
- Dust the piped batter with powdered sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, or use honey instead of granulated sugar for a healthier option.
Serving and Pairings
Lady fingers pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or whipped cream. They are also an excellent base for trifles, tiramisu, or served with fresh fruit and custard.
Storage and Reheating
Store lady fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense lady fingers.
- Not allowing the batter to rest before baking can affect the texture.
- Using a non-stick baking sheet can cause sticking issues.
- Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar can result in a less crispy exterior.
- Underbaking will leave the center doughy.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh eggs for better volume in the egg whites.
- Ensure your mixing bowls are completely clean and dry for whipping egg whites.
- Experiment with flavoring by adding lemon zest or almond extract.
- For a decorative touch, pipe the lady fingers in different shapes.
FAQs
Can I make lady fingers in advance?
Yes, lady fingers can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. They are best used within a few days for optimal freshness.
What can I use lady fingers for?
Lady fingers are versatile and can be used in desserts like tiramisu, trifles, and charlottes. They can also be enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Can I freeze lady fingers?
Yes, lady fingers can be frozen for up to a month. Ensure they are fully cooled before placing them in an airtight container.
Why did my lady fingers not rise?
If your lady fingers did not rise, it may be due to overmixing the batter or not whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks.
How do I store leftover lady fingers?
Store leftover lady fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion
Making lady fingers is a rewarding and straightforward process that yields delicious results. Whether you use them in a layered dessert or enjoy them on their own, these delicate treats are sure to impress. Try this recipe today to elevate your dessert game!
Lady Fingers
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks in two large bowls.
- Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gradually add half of the granulated sugar.
- In the second bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Sift the flour over the mixture and fold it in gently until just combined.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip.
- Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in 3-inch long strips, leaving space between each.
- Dust the piped batter with powdered sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and firm to the touch. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
