Delicate and Delicious Homemade Ladyfingers Recipe

Ingredients

4 large eggs, separated
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line two 17x12 inch baking sheets with baking parchment.
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract and salt, and continue beating.
In another bowl, with clean beaters, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold egg whites gently into yolk mixture.
Sift the flour over the egg mixture and fold in gently until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix or the batter will deflate.
Transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a 1/2 inch round tube plain tube. Pipe strips of batter about 5 inches long and 1 inch wide onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between the strips.
Dust the ladyfingers with a light coating of powdered sugar. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown and firm to touch.
Remove the ladyfingers from the oven and let cool on the baking sheets for about 3 minutes. Then, carefully remove the ladyfingers from the baking parchment and let cool on wire racks.

Tools for making

Mixing bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients.
Electric mixer - To beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
Sifter - Used to sift the flour over the batter.
Piping bag - A bag used for piping the batter onto the baking sheets.
Round tube plain tube - A specific piping tube used to achieve the desired shape of the ladyfingers.
Baking sheets - Large flat sheets used for baking the ladyfingers.
Baking parchment - Used to line the baking sheets and prevent sticking.
Wire racks - Used for cooling the ladyfingers after baking.

Recipe variations

Gluten-free variation: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate ladyfingers: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolatey twist.
Lemon or orange flavored: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor.
Almond ladyfingers: Replace 1/4 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty taste.
Matcha green tea ladyfingers: Add 1 tablespoon of matcha green tea powder to the flour mixture for a vibrant and unique flavor.
Reduced-sugar option: Use 1/3 cup of granulated sugar instead of 2/3 cup for a less sweet version.

Recipe overview

This classic Ladyfingers recipe is a key ingredient in many delightful desserts, including the famous Italian Tiramisu. Making your own ladyfingers at home is surprisingly straightforward and will bring a handcrafted touch to your dessert creations. This delicate, sweet biscuit gets its name from its long, slender shape, resembling a woman's finger. In this recipe, you'll learn how to create these light and airy treats by beating egg yolks and sugar until they're thick and pale, folding in beaten egg whites for volume and loft, and finally, folding in sifted flour for structure. The batter is then piped onto baking sheets in long strips and dusted with powdered sugar before baking until lightly golden. The end result is crisp, sweet ladyfingers ready to be enjoyed on their own or used in your favorite dessert. Happy baking!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of sugar for this recipe? Yes, you can use alternative sugars such as brown sugar or coconut sugar. However, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the ladyfingers.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour. However, the texture and taste of the ladyfingers may be slightly different.
Can I make ladyfingers without a piping bag? Yes, if you don't have a piping bag, you can use a large zip-top bag and cut off one corner to create a makeshift piping bag.
How long do ladyfingers stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container, ladyfingers can stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature.
Can I freeze ladyfingers? Yes, you can freeze ladyfingers. Place them in a sealed freezer bag or airtight container and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the ingredients together.
Electric Mixer - Used to beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale.
Spatula - To gently fold in the egg whites and flour into the batter.
Piping Bag - A bag used to pipe the batter onto the baking sheets.
Round Tip - A 1/2 inch round tip attached to the piping bag for shaping the ladyfingers.
Baking Sheets - Two 17x12 inch baking sheets lined with baking parchment to bake the ladyfingers on.
Wire Rack - Used to cool the ladyfingers after baking.

Origin stories

Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi as they're known in their country of birth, Italy, trace their origins back to the House of Savoy in the late 15th century. It's said they were first baked to celebrate a visit from the King of France, and were created in the shape of a finger to signify the welcome gesture of a hand. Quite fittingly, their delicate, light texture and sweet taste made them a hit, and they quickly became a popular ingredient in desserts, most notably Tiramisu. So next time you enjoy a Ladyfinger, remember, you're having a bite of a cookie fit for a king!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.