Jaffa friands
Jaffa friands are moist, almond-based cakes infused with cocoa and orange zest. These delightful treats are easy to prepare and perfect for various occasions.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup dry cocoa powder1 cup almonds
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
2 tbsp orange zest
6 egg whites
2/3 cup butter
Jaffa friands are a delightful twist on the traditional French friand, blending the rich flavors of cocoa and almonds with a zesty hint of orange. These small, moist cakes are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a casual tea party or a sophisticated dessert spread.
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a friand pan or a muffin tin by greasing it lightly with butter or spraying with a non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the cocoa powder and the all-purpose flour to remove any lumps. Then, add the finely ground almonds and mix well to combine evenly.
Stir in the orange zest into the dry ingredients, ensuring it is distributed evenly throughout the mixture. This will infuse your friands with a delicious citrus aroma.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are slightly frothy. They don't need to be beaten to stiff peaks; just enough to break them up and introduce some air into the mixture.
Add the dry ingredient mixture to the whisked egg whites and gently fold to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the friands tough.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Once melted, allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs upon contact. Then, pour the melted butter into the batter and fold gently until everything is well combined.
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared friand pan or muffin tin, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. This allows for some room for the friands to rise while baking.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of a friand comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of the friand or muffin cups.
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the friands to cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Once cooled, your Jaffa friands are ready to be enjoyed. They can be served as is or dusted with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
With their exquisite combination of chocolate, almond, and orange flavors, Jaffa friands are sure to be a hit. Their moist texture and rich taste make them an irresistible treat that is both sophisticated and comforting. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these friands will surely impress and delight your guests. Happy baking!
Jaffa friands FAQ:
Bake the Jaffa friands in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
Store leftover Jaffa friands in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. You might also use different citrus zest, like lemon, in place of orange for a different flavor.
Use a friand pan or a standard muffin tin. If using a muffin tin, ensure to fill each cavity about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
You can use either Dutch-process or natural cocoa powder for this recipe. Both will work well; however, the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Tips:
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before whipping the egg whites, as this will help achieve better volume and airy texture.
- Use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor; it brings out the citrus aroma and enhances the overall taste.
- Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to avoid any lumps in the batter, leading to a smoother and more consistent texture.
- Avoid over-mixing the batter once the egg whites are added to retain the airiness and lightness of the friands.
- Grease your friand or muffin tin well to prevent sticking, or use non-stick silicone molds for easy removal.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 370kcal
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 1.42g
Fat 30g
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