Gluten-free orange and pistachio friands
These gluten-free orange and pistachio friands are almond-based cakes featuring a nutty pistachio flavor complemented by refreshing orange zest. Made with whipped egg whites and browned butter, they offer a light texture and a delightful taste.
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup pistachio nuts5 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared friand or muffin tin, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Gluten-free orange and pistachio friands FAQ:
Bake the friands in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. They are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Store leftover friands in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
You can substitute the all-purpose white wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the recipe gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.
The friands are done when they are a light golden brown and a toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. They should also spring back slightly when lightly pressed.
Yes, you can substitute pistachios with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts, depending on your taste preference. Just ensure they are finely ground, similar to the pistachios, for the best texture.
Cooking 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.
Nutrition Facts
8 ServingsCalories 370kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 3.16g
Sugar 22g
Fat 24g
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