Mini Strawberry Friands: Deliciously Moist Treats for Every Occasion

Mini Strawberry Friands are a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulate the essence of indulgence in a bite-sized form. Originating from France, these small almond cakes are traditionally made with egg whites, which give them a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of fresh strawberries not only enhances their flavor but also adds a vibrant pop of color, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion.

What I love most about Mini Strawberry Friands is their versatility; they can be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast, a charming afternoon snack, or a sophisticated dessert at dinner parties. The combination of nutty almond flour and juicy strawberries creates a harmonious balance of taste and texture that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to whip up a batch in no time. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100g) almond meal
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• Extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your friands bake evenly and rise beautifully.
2. Prepare your mini muffin tin by greasing it with butter or using non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the tin with mini paper liners for easier removal later.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This helps to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy but not stiff. You don’t need to whip them to peaks; just enough to break them up and incorporate some air.
5. Pour the frothy egg whites into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to combine the ingredients until just incorporated. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Once the batter is mixed, gently fold in the diced strawberries. This will add a lovely burst of flavor and color to your friands.

Cooking Process

7. Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, fill each cavity of the prepared mini muffin tin about three-quarters full with the batter. This allows room for the friands to rise without overflowing.
8. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
9. Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the friands without breaking them.
10. Carefully transfer the friands to a wire rack to cool completely. If you used paper liners, you can leave them in the tin until they are cool enough to handle.

Assembling and Serving

11. Once the friands are completely cool, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch. This step is optional, but it adds a nice sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
12. If you’d like, you can also garnish each friand with a slice of fresh strawberry on top. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the strawberry flavor.
13. Serve the mini strawberry friands on a platter or individual plates. They are perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or as a delightful dessert. Enjoy them fresh, or store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Tips for Perfect Mini Strawberry Friands

1. Make sure your butter is melted but not too hot when you add it to the batter. If it’s too hot, it can cook the egg whites and affect the texture of your friands.
2. Feel free to experiment with other fruits! Blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches can be substituted for strawberries, depending on what you have on hand or what’s in season.
3. If you want a more intense almond flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract.
4. For a nut-free version, you can replace the almond meal with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be different.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Mini Strawberry Friands are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. The moist almond flour base combined with the burst of fresh strawberries creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch gathering, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or surprising your loved ones with a homemade gift, these little gems are sure to impress. For a fun twist, consider experimenting with different fruits like raspberries or blueberries, or even adding a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus kick. You can also try substituting the almond flour with coconut flour for a gluten-free version, or adding a sprinkle of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Mini Strawberry Friands recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how they turn out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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