Raspberry Friands

Makes 12

Prep time 25 mins

Cook time 25 mins

Friands are delicate cakes, typically almond-based, and inspired by the French financier. Unlike financiers, friands often include additional ingredient. These small cakes are made with ground almonds, egg whites, icing sugar, and flour, creating a moist and tender texture. Traditionally baked in oval moulds, this recipe adapts them for a standard 12-hole cupcake tin. Friands are versatile, allowing for a variety of flavours such as berries, citrus zest, or chocolate. Their light, airy texture and elegant appearance make them an ideal choice for afternoon tea or a refined dessert.

Ingredients:

• 5 large egg whites

• 130g melted and cooled butter

• 100g ground almonds

• 200g icing sugar

• 50g plain flour

• 150g raspberries

• 1 tsp vanilla paste

• 1 lemon

  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C/400˚F/Gas 6.

2. Lightly whisk the egg whites. Add the ground almonds, icing sugar, and flour, mixing lightly between each addition. Gradually add the cooled butter, mixing until well combined. Stir in the vanilla paste, lemon juice, and zest.

3. Grease a 12-hole cupcake tin with melted butter or baking oil spray. Line the bottoms with small disks of parchment paper.

4. Transfer the batter to a piping bag and pipe into the prepared molds, filling each two-thirds full. Alternatively, you can spoon the mixture in, though piping is neater and more accurate.

5. Place 2-3 raspberries on top of each friand and bake for 25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Once slightly cooled, remove the friands from the tin and peel off the parchment. Dust with icing sugar and serve warm.