Traditional Lady Fingers Recipe and a Gluten-Free Vegetarian Version

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Lady fingers are light, dry biscuits with a soft texture inside and a slightly crisp outside. Many people like them because they are not too sweet and feel gentle when eaten. A good lady fingers recipe helps you enjoy these biscuits in many ways, such as with coffee, tea, or simple desserts.

These biscuits are best known as the main base for tiramisu. Lady fingers soak up coffee and cream very well without breaking apart. You can easily find them in stores, but with this lady fingers recipe, you can make this tasty biscuits by yourself at home. The fresh, homemade lady fingers will taste so much better than the store bought one.

In this article, we will share the classic lady fingers recipe as well as the gluten-free and vegan version of the tasty biscuit. This way, you can still making it at home, even when you have some dietary restrictions. Let's start baking.

If you love the traditional version, try this lady fingers recipe. It creates biscuits that are light, dry, and perfect for desserts or snacks.

Ingredients

- 3 large eggs, separated

- 100 g white sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 100 g all-purpose flour

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- A small amount of powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your oven and baking tray. Heat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 

2. Place the egg whites in a clean bowl. Beat them with a mixer until soft peaks form. Add half of the sugar slowly while beating. Continue until the mixture looks glossy and holds its shape when you lift the whisk.

3. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining sugar. Mix until the color becomes lighter and the texture looks thick. Add the vanilla extract and stir gently so the flavor spreads evenly.

4. Slowly fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites. Use a spatula and light movements. 

5. Sift the flour and baking powder together. Add this dry mix to the egg mixture in small parts. Fold gently each time until no dry flour is visible. Avoid stirring too fast.

6. Transfer the batter into a piping bag. Pipe long, thin shapes onto the prepared tray, leaving space between each one.

7. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar. 

8. Bake for about 12–15 minutes. The biscuits should feel firm but not dark. Let them cool fully on the tray before using or storing.

This gluten-free and vegan lady fingers recipe is made without eggs, dairy, or wheat flour. It offers a different texture but still works well for desserts and layering. It is suitable for people with dietary needs who still want homemade biscuits.

Ingredients

- 120 g gluten-free flour blend

- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

- 80 g sugar

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 150 ml plant-based milk

- 60 ml vegetable oil

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper. This keeps the biscuits from sticking and helps them bake evenly.

2. In a large bowl, mix the gluten-free flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well so the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

3. In another bowl, mix the plant-based milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until the liquid looks smooth.

4. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix slowly until a thick but smooth batter forms. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes so it becomes easier to pipe.

5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag. Pipe thin lines onto the baking tray. Try to keep the size similar so they bake at the same speed.

6. Dust the tops with powdered sugar to help create a light crust.

7. Bake for 14–16 minutes. The biscuits should feel dry on the outside and lightly firm when touched.

8. Allow them to cool fully before moving them. This step helps them set and keeps their shape.

Making a good lady fingers recipe at home can feel easier when you know what to focus on. These tips work for both the classic and the gluten-free vegan versions, helping you get better results without extra tools.

1. Rest the Batter First: If the batter feels too soft, let it rest for a few minutes before piping. This short pause helps the mixture thicken slightly and hold its shape better during baking.

2. Use a Simple Piping Tip: A plain round piping tip helps you control the batter flow and create even biscuit shapes. This makes baking more consistent and improves the final look.

3. Leave Enough Space Between Biscuits: Always leave space between each piped piece on the tray. This allows heat and air to move freely, helping the lady fingers bake evenly.

4. Gently Tap the Baking Tray: Tapping the tray once on the counter removes large air pockets in the batter. This step helps smooth the surface and creates a more even texture.

5. Cool Completely Before Using: Let the lady fingers cool fully before layering or serving. When they are still warm, they are softer and more likely to break.

6. Dry Soft Tops in the Oven: If the tops feel too soft, place the biscuits back in the warm oven with the door slightly open. This helps dry them without overbaking.

Lady fingers taste best when eaten on the same day. The texture feels more balanced, and the flavor is clear. However, if you make a large batch and have leftovers, there is no need to throw them away.

Once the biscuits are fully cool, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature, away from heat and direct sunlight. This method helps keep the lady fingers dry and prevents them from becoming soft too quickly. It can last for up to 5 days.

If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. Place the biscuits in a sealed bag or container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, let them thaw at room temperature before adding them to desserts.