Are you ready to elevate your baking skills with a classic lady fingers recipe? These light and airy cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for layering in desserts like tiramisu or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, lady fingers are a must-try. Follow this recipe to create the perfect texture and flavor that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
– 4 large eggs, separated
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 lady fingers. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (2 lady fingers) contains roughly 120 calories, 3g of protein, 2g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, and 5g of sugar. This is based on a serving size of 2 lady fingers for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the egg mixture and combine.
4. Sift the flour and salt together, then gently fold it into the egg mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions.
7. Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
8. Pipe 3-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
9. Dust the piped lady fingers with powdered sugar.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, you can use almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Lady fingers are perfect for serving with coffee, tea, or as a component in desserts like tiramisu, charlotte, or trifle. They can also be enjoyed on their own with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Storage and Reheating
Store lady fingers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes to regain their crispness.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not beating the egg whites enough can result in dense cookies.
- Overmixing the batter after adding egg whites can deflate the mixture.
- Skipping the dusting of powdered sugar can lead to a less appealing texture.
- Not using parchment paper can cause sticking.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can result in undercooked or burnt cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume.
- Ensure your mixing bowls and beaters are clean and dry.
- Experiment with different flavors by adding citrus zest.
- Practice piping for even-sized lady fingers.
FAQs
Can I make lady fingers in advance?
Yes, lady fingers can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container for several days. They are great for preparing desserts ahead of time.
What can I use instead of eggs?
Flaxseed meal or aquafaba can be used as egg substitutes, but the texture may differ slightly.
Are lady fingers gluten-free?
Traditional lady fingers are not gluten-free, but you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
How do I know when lady fingers are done?
They should be lightly golden and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I flavor lady fingers?
Absolutely! You can add extracts like almond or orange zest to enhance the flavor profile.
Conclusion
This lady fingers recipe is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. With a light texture and subtle sweetness, these cookies are perfect for pairing with an array of desserts or enjoying on their own. Try making them today, and you’ll see why they are a beloved classic!
Lady Fingers
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the egg mixture and combine.
- Sift the flour and salt together, then gently fold it into the egg mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Pipe 3-inch long strips onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Dust the piped lady fingers with powdered sugar.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden and firm to the touch.