04 Apr 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pistachio nuts
5 egg whites
1 cup almonds
1 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp orange zest
1 tbsp orange juice
Gluten-free orange and pistachio friands are a delightful treat that combines the nutty flavor of pistachios with the refreshing zest of oranges. These small, almond-based cakes are perfect for those who need to steer clear of gluten while still enjoying a delicious dessert.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a friand or muffin tin with butter or line it with paper cases.
- Using a food processor, grind the pistachio nuts and almonds until they are finely ground. Set aside.
2. Melt the Butter:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma (this is called browning the butter). Be careful not to burn it. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pistachios, ground almonds, powdered sugar, and gluten-free all-purpose flour. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. Prepare Egg Whites:
- In a separate clean bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until they become frothy but not stiff. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer on low speed for this step.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Gently fold the frothy egg whites into the dry ingredient mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much.
- Add the browned butter, orange zest, and orange juice to the mixture. Continue folding until everything is well combined and you have a smooth batter.
6. Fill the Tin:
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared friand or muffin tin, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
7. Bake:
- Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the friands are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool:
- Remove the friands from the oven and allow them to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips:
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start, especially the egg whites.
- Finely grind the pistachio nuts and almonds to ensure a smooth texture in your friands.
- When incorporating the egg whites into the batter, fold gently to maintain the airy texture.
- Be sure not to overbake the friands; they should be golden brown on the outside but still moist inside.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
- To prevent the friands from sticking, thoroughly grease and flour your baking tin or use silicone molds.
These gluten-free orange and pistachio friands are sure to impress with their unique flavor combination and tender texture. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, they’re a delightful way to enjoy a gluten-free treat.