Best Almond Petits Fours Recipes

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SPRING SHOWER ALMOND PETITS FOURS



Spring Shower Almond Petits Fours image

Each of these pink-and-white petits fours has two layers of extra-moist almond cake filled with cherry preserves, a coating of tinted glaze gives them a hand-painted appearance, and faux cherry blossoms make them even more artful.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Healthy Recipes     Vegetarian Recipes

Yield Makes 30

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, plus more for baking sheet
1 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for baking sheet
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup almond paste
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup cherry preserves, processed in a food processor
Sugar Glaze
Gum paste cherry blossoms, (available at Wendy Kromer Confections)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 12-by-17- inch rimmed baking sheet, and line with parchment paper. Butter parchment, and dust with flour, tapping out excess; set aside. Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl; set aside.
  • Put 3/4 cup sugar and the almond paste into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 2 minutes. Raise speed to medium-high. Add butter; mix until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Mix in egg yolks and vanilla. Add flour mixture in 2 batches, alternating with the milk. Transfer to a large bowl; set aside.
  • Put egg whites into the clean bowl of an electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment; beat on medium-high speed until foamy. Gradually add remaining 1/4 cup sugar, beating until soft peaks form. Fold one-third of egg-white mixture into batter with a rubber spatula. Gently fold in remaining egg-white mixture.
  • Spread evenly into prepared sheet. Bake until a cake tester inserted into center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer sheet to wire rack; let cool completely. Unmold; remove parchment.
  • Cut cake in half crosswise. Spread one half with preserves; top with remaining half. Refrigerate 1 hour. Trim cake, and cut into 1 1/2-inch squares. Transfer to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet. Pour glaze over each petit four, spreading over top and sides to coat completely. Reuse glaze, straining to remove any solids, if needed. Refrigerate until set, about 20 minutes. Garnish with blossoms.

ALMOND PETITS FOURS



Almond Petits Fours image

Use mini muffin cups to make tender little cakes covered with a sweet almond glaze.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h50m

Yield 60

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ white cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and egg whites called for on cake mix box
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 bag (2 lb) powdered sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup corn syrup
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 to 3 teaspoons hot water
Assorted colors Betty Crocker™ decorating icing (in 4.25-oz tubes), fresh edible flowers, or purchased candy flowers

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Spray bottoms only of about 58 mini muffin cups with baking spray with flour.
  • Make cake batter as directed on box, adding 1 teaspoon almond extract with the water. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about half full). (If using one pan, refrigerate batter while baking other cakes; wash pan before filling with additional batter.)
  • Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pan to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
  • Place cooling rack on cookie sheet or waxed paper to catch glaze drips. In 3-quart saucepan, stir powdered sugar, 1/2 cup water, the corn syrup and 2 teaspoons almond extract. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved; remove from heat. Stir in hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until glaze is pourable. Turn each mini-cake on cooling rack so top side is down. Pour about 1 tablespoon glaze over each cake, letting glaze coat the sides. Let stand 15 minutes.
  • With decorating icing, pipe designs on cakes, or garnish cakes with flowers just before serving. Store loosely covered.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 110, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Petit Four, Sodium 60 mg, Sugar 19 g, TransFat 0 g

ALMOND PETITS FOURS



Almond Petits Fours image

Dainty, bite-sized cakes are often the highlight of a ladies' luncheon. Our home economists share their mouthwatering version here.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h45m

Yield 2-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 can (8 ounces) almond paste
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup cake flour
1/4 cup seedless raspberry spreadable fruit
GLAZE:
4-1/2 cups sugar
2-1/4 cups water
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1-1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
6 cups confectioners' sugar
Assorted food coloring

Steps:

  • Line a 15x10x1-in. baking pan with parchment; coat the paper with cooking spray and set aside., In a large bowl, cream the almond paste, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in flour. Spread evenly into prepared pan. , Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. , Cut cake in half widthwise. Spread jam over 1 half; top with remaining half. Cut into assorted 1-1/2-in. shapes., In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 226°. Remove from the heat; cool at room temperature to 100°. Stir in extracts. Using a portable mixer, beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint glaze with food coloring., Gently dip petits fours, 1 at a time, into warm glaze. Remove with a fork; allow excess glaze to drip off. (If glaze becomes too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon hot water at a time to thin.) Place petits fours on wire racks over waxed paper; let dry completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 336 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 41mg cholesterol, Sodium 56mg sodium, Carbohydrate 67g carbohydrate (59g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 2g protein.

ALMOND PETITS FOURS RECIPE FOR SHOWERS



Almond Petits Fours Recipe for Showers image

Recipe from Taste of Home for showers.

Provided by Penny Hall

Categories     Cakes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 can (8 oz) almond paste
3/4 cup butter, softened and 3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 cup cake flour
1/4 cup seeless rasberry spreadable fruit
glaze:
4 1/2 cups sugar
2 1/4 cups water
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1 1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
6 cups confectioners sugar
assorted food coloring

Steps:

  • 1. Line a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan with parchment paper; coat the paper with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the almond paste, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in flour. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Bake at 325° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut cake in half widthwise. Spread jam over one half; top with remaining half. Cut into assorted 1-1/2-in. shapes. In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water and cream of tartar. Cook over medium-high heat, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 226°. Remove from the heat; cool at room temperature to 100°. Stir in extracts. Using a portable mixer, beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Tint some of glaze with food coloring. Gently dip petits fours, one at a time, into warm glaze. Remove with a fork; allow excess glaze to drip off. (If glaze becomes too thick, stir in 1 teaspoon hot water at a time to thin.) Place petits fours on wire racks over waxed paper; let dry completely. Yield: 2-1/2 dozen. Editor's Note: We recommend that you test your candy thermometer before each use by bringing water to a boil; the thermometer should read 212°. Adjust your recipe temperature up or down based on your test.

Petits fours are fancy little bite-sized treats that are commonly served at high-end events, such as weddings or fancy dinner parties. These treats are usually sweet, but can also be savory, and can come in a variety of shapes and flavors. One popular type of petits fours is almond petits fours, which are made from almond paste and can be decorated in many different ways.

What are Almond Petits Fours?

Almond petits fours are small, almond-flavored treats that are typically made from a combination of almond paste, sugar, and eggs. They are baked in small molds to create a small, bite-sized cake that is often filled with fruit preserves, ganache or other flavorings. Almond petits fours are then coated in a layer of frosting or chocolate and decorated with various toppings, such as almonds, fresh fruit, or edible flowers.

History of Almond Petits Fours

Petits fours have been enjoyed for centuries and can be traced back to ancient Rome. However, almond petits fours, in particular, do not have a documented history. Still, it is likely that this type of petits fours was created in France or Italy, where almond paste and marzipan have been used in baking for generations. Today, almond petits fours are a staple at many bakeries and can be enjoyed all over the world.

Types of Almond Petits Fours

There are many different types of almond petits fours, with each recipe having its unique twist on this classic treat. Some popular variations include:
Classic Almond Petits Fours
This recipe uses a combination of almond paste, sugar, eggs, and flour to create a cake-like texture. The cakes are then filled with a fruit filling and coated in a layer of sweet glaze or frosting.
Chocolate Almond Petits Fours
This recipe adds cocoa powder to the almond petits fours batter to create a chocolatey twist on this classic treat. The cakes can be filled with a variety of flavors, such as raspberry or caramel, before being coated in a layer of chocolate ganache.
Gluten-Free Almond Petits Fours
For those who are sensitive to gluten, this recipe swaps traditional flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, creating the same delicious almond petit four, free of gluten.

How to Make Almond Petits Fours?

Almond petits fours can be challenging to make, but they are worth the effort. The following are the basic steps involved in making almond petits fours:
Ingredients
  • 8 oz almond paste
  • 8 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 1/4 cups cake flour
  • Raspberry or apricot preserves, for filling
  • Fondant, for icing
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini muffin pans.
  2. Beat together the almond paste, butter, and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
  4. Fold in the flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
  7. Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before removing from the muffin tins and cooling completely on wire racks.
  8. Cut the petits fours in half horizontally and spoon a small amount of raspberry or apricot preserves onto the bottom half. Replace the top half.
  9. Dip the petits fours in fondant icing or use a pastry brush to brush the icing over the cakes.
  10. Decorate the petits fours with sliced almonds or other toppings, as desired.

Conclusion

Almond petits fours are a delicious, bite-sized treat that are perfect for any occasion. While these treats can be challenging to make, they are well worth the effort, offering a uniquely almond flavor and a great way to impress your guests. Whether you're looking to make classic almond petits fours or a chocolate twist, there are many almond petits fours recipes to choose from, making it easy to find the perfect recipe for your next baking adventure.
Almond petit fours are a delicate and delicious dessert that's perfect for any occasion. These small and elegant treats are often served at tea parties, weddings, and other formal gatherings. Petit fours are typically made from a rich almond cake which is sliced into small cubes and covered in a sweet glaze. However, making this dessert can be tricky, and there are a few tips that can help you make the perfect almond petit fours.

1. Selecting the Right Ingredients

One of the most important things when making almond petit fours is to select the right ingredients. Use high-quality ingredients and make sure they are fresh. This includes the butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and almonds. For the almond flavor, use almond extract or almond paste, which is made from finely ground almond flour and sugar. Make sure that the flour is all-purpose and unbleached for the best results.

2. Perfecting the Almond Cake

The almond cake is the foundation of the petit fours, and it's essential to get it just right. The recipe should be followed precisely with each ingredient portioned accurately. To make the perfect almond cake, measure dry ingredients carefully using a digital scale instead of volume measurements. Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to keep the cake fluffy and airy. The cake should be moist, but not too dense, as it will be easier to slice into small cubes.

3. Creating Uniform Cubes

It's essential to create uniform cubes when making petit fours, so they look elegant and professional. Once you've made the almond cake, allow it to cool for a few hours in the refrigerator. Then use a ruler to measure and cut the cake into small 1-inch cubes. Make sure to use a sharp knife because it'll be easier to slice the cake without damaging the cake's texture.

4. Preventing Crumbs on the Glaze

When you cover the petit fours with glaze, you need to prevent crumbs from the cake falling off and spoiling the perfect finish. One tip to prevent crumbs is to use a crumb coat. This is a thin layer of frosting or glaze that seals any loose crumbs onto the cake, so they don't mix with the final glaze. Once you've applied the crumb coat, allow it to set before applying the final glaze layer.

5. Making a Perfect Glaze

The glaze is what gives the petit fours its sweet and glossy finish. To make a perfect glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until it's smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, and if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar. Once you've made the glaze, allow it to cool down slightly to make glazing easier.

6. Decorating with Precision

Petit fours are famous not only for their taste but also for their exquisite appearance. When decorating, pay attention to detail and have a steady hand. Use a small piping bag to add intricate patterns and designs to the petit fours. Sprinkle assorted toppings such as silver beads, chopped nuts, or edible flowers on top to add some flair.

7. Storing Properly

Petit fours can last for several days if stored correctly. Store the petit fours in an airtight container at room temperature, and they'll stay fresh for up to three days. If you need to keep them for longer, refrigerate them, and they'll last up to a week. When serving, make sure to allow the petit fours to come back to room temperature before serving to get their best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Making almond petit fours is an art, and with the right techniques, anyone can make them. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, follow the recipe, be precise with your cuts, and decorate with a steady hand. Remember, it's the attention to detail that separates perfect petit fours from mediocre ones. With the right guidance and practice, you'll master the art of making almond petit fours and impress guests with these delicious treats.

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