Are you looking for a sophisticated yet simple dessert that captures the essence of summer? Look no further than these Cherry and Almond Friands! These delicate French-inspired cakes are the perfect way to showcase the season’s juicy cherries while indulging in a nutty, buttery treat.

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What makes Friands Special?

Friands are small almond-based cakes that use egg whites as their primary leavening agent. Unlike fluffy cupcakes, friands have a unique texture that’s rich, moist, and slightly dense. The combination of ground almonds and cherries creates a harmonious blend of flavours that’s simply irresistible.

Pro tips for our Cherry and Almond Friand

The first time we made friands in Bake Club some of the girls had a few issues. Here are my tips:

You’re just breaking up your egg white not soft peaking it
Don’t have your butter too hot
Sift your icing and flour together before you start
Stir or fold in the dry ingredients, but don’t over beat
Your oven needs to be at temperature before you put them in, so I don’t even start making them until it is. After all, they don’t take very long to whip up.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry and Almond Friands are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sophisticated dessert. Serve them slightly warm with a dollop of cream for an extra indulgent treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sparkling wine for a truly special occasion.

Additional Information

Cherry and Almond Friands are a delightful treat that combines buttery richness with the natural sweetness of cherries and almonds. While these aren’t exactly a health food, they do contain ground almonds which provide protein and healthy fats, and the egg whites are low in cholesterol. Each friand is a perfectly portioned individual cake, which can help with portion control compared to cutting slices from a larger cake.

The cherries add natural sweetness and a pop of colour, along with antioxidants and vitamin C. If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, you could decrease the icing sugar slightly, though this may affect the texture. These friands are best enjoyed fresh but will keep in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these friands gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the plain flour for a gluten-free plain flour blend in the same quantity. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I freeze friands?
Yes, you can freeze friands but I think they’re nicer freshly made. If you would like to freeze them allow them to completely cool, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.

What can I use instead of cherries?
Friands are incredibly versatile! Try raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, diced apple, or even chocolate chips. Most soft fruits work really well in this recipe.

Do I need a special friand tin?
While traditional oval friand tins give that classic café look, you can absolutely use a muffin tin. The shape might be different, but the taste will be just as amazing.

Why are my friands dense and heavy?
This usually happens if the egg whites are over-whisked (to stiff peaks) or if the mixture is over-mixed when combining the ingredients. Remember to keep the egg whites just frothy and fold gently to maintain the air in the batter.

What should I do with the leftover egg yolks?
Great question! You could make custard, ice cream, fruit curd, hollandaise sauce, or carbonara.