Explore the delights of egg-free baking with these delicious Eggless Lady Fingers. Perfectly light and shaped, these treats are ideal for crafting exquisite desserts like tiramisu or simply enjoying with a tangy lime curd. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just looking to try something new, these lady fingers are sure to impress with their versatility and delightful texture.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter (softened): 6 tablespoons
- Castor Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt: a pinch
- Cultured Buttermilk: 1/4 cup
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup + 1 tablespoon
- Additional Castor Sugar: for sifting over
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 338°F (170°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Draw margins on the parchment to ensure even-sized lady fingers and turn it over so the pencil marks do not touch the batter.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the softened butter, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the buttermilk a tablespoon at a time. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but that’s okay.
- Add all the flour at once, stirring with a spatula until you achieve a smooth, pasty dough. It should be firm enough to hold shape when piped. Adjust the consistency with a bit more flour or buttermilk if necessary.
- Pipe the Lady Fingers:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle (or simply snip the end off to create a DIY nozzle).
- Pipe out 3-inch fingers onto the prepared parchment paper.
- Dip your fingertip in water to smooth out the ends and ensure even shapes.
- Baking:
- Dust the piped fingers with castor sugar.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for a few minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are light golden brown and firm to the touch.
- Cooling:
- Once baked, let the lady fingers cool completely on the baking sheet set on a cooling rack.
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate smoother mixing and better texture.
- The dough consistency is crucial; it should not be too stiff or too runny to ensure the lady fingers hold their shape when piped.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these lady fingers vegan? A: Yes, you can substitute the butter with a vegan alternative and use plant-based buttermilk.
Q: How long can I store the eggless lady fingers? A: They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
- Servings: Makes about 24 lady fingers
Category
- Dessert, Snack
Method
- Baking
Cuisine
- Italian
Diet
- Vegetarian
Conclusion
These Eggless Lady Fingers represent a wonderful achievement in egg-free baking. Whether used as a component in layered desserts, paired with fruit preserves, or served alongside tea, they offer a delightful and versatile option for those avoiding eggs or anyone interested in expanding their baking repertoire. Enjoy the satisfaction of making these elegant, delicious treats at home, perfect for any occasion or simply as a delightful snack.