Ingredients:
• 4 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy, smooth, and pale yellow.
Step 3: In another mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the egg yolk and sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the egg whites, one-third at a time, until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Fill a pastry bag fitted with a ½ inch plain tip with the batter.
Step 7: Pipe the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, forming 3-inch long, 1-inch wide, and ½-inch tall fingers, leaving about 2 inches between each finger.
Step 8: Sift the powdered sugar over the ladyfingers.
Step 9: Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the ladyfingers are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Step 10: Let them cool completely on the baking sheets.
And there you have it! Perfectly baked ladyfingers that are fluffy, moist, and delicate. Once the ladyfingers are cooled, you can use them immediately or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Tips for perfect ladyfingers:
1. Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt is essential to make sure the ladyfingers are light and airy.
2. Be gentle when folding in the egg whites, as you don’t want to deflate the batter.
3. Don’t overcrowd the ladyfingers on the baking sheets, as they will expand while baking.
4. Using a pastry bag will ensure that the batter is evenly distributed and shaped.
5. Sift the powdered sugar over the ladyfingers only once they have cooled, as the sugar will melt if the ladyfingers are still warm.
6. Store the ladyfingers in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Now that you know how to make ladyfingers, use them as the base for your favorite desserts, like tiramisu, charlotte, or trifles. Ladyfingers are also delicious on their own, served with coffee or tea. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade Savoiardi!