How to Make Friands: A Simple Guide to Bakery-Style Treats at Home

Have you ever tasted a friand? Imagine biting into a moist, almond-flavored cake with a delicate, crispy crust. That’s a friand, and it’s easier to make at home than you might think! This French-inspired treat is perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Friands are traditionally oval-shaped, reflecting their name, which comes from the French word for “dainty” or “delicate.” But don’t worry, you don’t need any special molds. This guide will walk you through all the steps to create these bakery-worthy treats in your own kitchen.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 friands:

• 1 cup (4 ounces) almond flour
• 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) sliced almonds, for topping (optional)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Ingredient Notes:

• Almond flour: Using almond flour gives friands their signature texture and flavor. Be sure to use finely ground almond flour, not almond meal, for best results.
• Egg whites: Room temperature egg whites whip up to a larger volume, creating lighter friands.

Tools of the Trade

You’ll need a few basic baking tools for this recipe:

• A standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Paper or silicone muffin liners
• Two large mixing bowls
• A whisk or electric mixer
• A rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Baking Guide

Now, let’s make some magic happen in the kitchen!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This will prevent the friands from sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour and powdered sugar until well combined.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, egg whites, salt, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the friands tough.

5. Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

6. Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle the tops of the friands with sliced almonds.

Friand batter in muffin tin

7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the friands are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Freshly Baked Friands

8. Cool and Enjoy: Let the friands cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Friand Perfection

• Room Temperature is Key: Using room temperature egg whites helps them whip up into a larger volume, which in turn creates lighter, airier friands.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the almond flour, resulting in dense, chewy friands. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Testing for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center of a friand should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

FAQs about Making Friands

Q: Can I make friands without a muffin tin?
A: Yes, you can bake friands in individual ramekins or even small silicone molds. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller molds may require less time.

Q: Can I freeze friands?
A: Absolutely! Friands freeze beautifully. Once they are completely cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Q: Can I add other flavors to my friands?
A: Get creative! Friands are a versatile treat. You can add a teaspoon of citrus zest, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, or a handful of chopped berries to the batter for a flavor twist.

A Final Word from Our Expert Baker, Sarah

“Friands are one of my favorite treats to bake because they’re surprisingly simple, yet they have an elegant, gourmet feel. Don’t be intimidated by the fancy name – with this guide, you’ll be a friand-making pro in no time!”

Plated Friands Ready to Serve

We hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these delightful little cakes. Be sure to share your baking adventures with us in the comments below!