• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sweet Occasion

Learn. Bake. Enjoy.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • All Categories
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Custards, Parfaits & Pudding
      • Frostings & Fillings
      • Frozen
      • Pies, Tarts & Crisps
    • Pastry
  • Guides
    • Baking Techniques
    • Baking Tips
    • Ingredient Guides
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Cakes & Cupcakes » Chocolate Almond Friands

Chocolate Almond Friands

April 3, 2020 By Maria 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Delectable chocolate almond friands are small almond cakes that are simple to make. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack served with coffee or tea.

Chocolate Almond Friand-9

When you make a lot of custards, pastry cream, and lemon curd, there are a lot of egg whites leftover.  I don’t like to waste them, and instead prefer to plan a recipe that will use them up. These chocolate almond friands are the perfect example. They’re tiny tasty teacakes that use only egg whites.  They are simple to make and are the perfect afternoon little treat.  It’s difficult to not snack on them (my two-year-old, always seems to find the hidden bag of these chocolate almond friands in our kitchen).

What is a friand?

A friand is a small almond cake that is leavened with egg whites and moistened with beurre noisette (brown butter). It’s a delectable cake that is slightly sweet and nutty.  In France, it is known as a financier, and it’s traditionally made in an oval French aspic mold.  The friand, however, is popular in Australia and New Zealand.

Before you begin

Take out the following baking equipment.

Digital kitchen scale
Small saucepan
1 small bowl
Mini muffin baking pan or friand molds
1 large bowl
1 medium bowl
Whisk
Silicone spatula
Wire cooling rack

Read the recipe through from start to finish.

Chocolate Almond Friands-2

Understanding ingredients

Almond flour provides the structure to these chocolate almond friands as well as adds a nice flavor and texture.  The nuttiness of the flour complements the nuttiness of the brown butter.  Select skinless almond flour.  Alternatively, you can make your own almond flour by processing whole, slivered, or sliced almonds in a food processor until finely ground (for an added flavor, use toasted almonds).  However, careful not to overprocess, or else you will end up with almond butter.

Brown butter is essentially clarified butter.  It is butter that is heated to evaporate the water and separate the milk solids.  The only difference is that brown butter is cooked until the milk solids caramelize, providing a bolder flavor.  The brown butter adds a delicious, rich flavor to these friands.

The egg whites play an essential role in leavening these tea cakes.  It is important to whisk this ingredient until white and frothy.  Doing this will create the air bubbles necessary to leaven the chocolate almond friands.  During the baking process, these tiny bubbles expand and cause the cakes to rise.

How to make chocolate almond friands

Heat the butter over medium heat without stirring. Allow it to cook until it begins to turn a pale golden brown, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool while preparing the batter.

Meanwhile, sift together all the dry ingredients.  In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until white and frothy to develop the air bubbles necessary to leaven the cakes.  Add the egg whites to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.  Add the cooled butter and mix.  Finally, fold in the chopped chocolate.

Fill each mold 2/3 of the way full of batter and sprinkle with chopped almonds.  Place into your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden.  Allow the cakes to cool slightly in their baking molds and then remove and allow to cool to room temperature.

Chocolate Almond Friand-2

 Tips and takeaways

  • To toast almonds, preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.  Spread almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet pan and bake for 3-4 minutes, or until the desired color is achieved.  Shake the pan during cooking to ensure even browning.
  • Reserve your egg yolks for s’more crème brûlée, key lime pie, or lemon tarts.
  • As a variation replace the dark chocolate and almonds with white chocolate and hazelnuts.

More cake recipes

  • Honey grapefruit loaves
  • Carrot bundt cake
  • Champagne cupcakes

Make sure to tag me @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and leave me a review below if you make these Chocolate Almond Friands. I’d love to see your creations and read your feedback.  And if you would like to make this recipe later, be sure to pin this recipe using the button on any of these images. Let’s make every occasion a sweet occasion!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chocolate Almond Friand-9

Chocolate Almond Friands


★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 32 mini cakes 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Delectable chocolate almond friands are small almond cakes that are simple to make.  They’re perfect for an afternoon snack served with coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 170 g unsalted butter
  • 110 g all-purpose flour
  • 110 g almond flour, skinless
  • 200 g powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 180 g egg whites
  • 74 g dark chocolate, chopped
  • 30 g toasted almonds, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.
  2. Heat the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Allow to cook, without stirring, until the butter begins to turn a pale golden brown, about 5 minutes.  Remove from heat and pour into a small bowl to cool.  Use some of the butter to lightly grease a mini muffin baking pan or friand molds.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites until white and frothy.  Add the egg whites into the flour mixture and mix until combined.  Whisk in the cooled brown butter and mix together.  Fold in chocolate.
  5. Fill each mold 2/3 full with friand batter.  Sprinkle friands with the chopped almonds.  Bake for 20-25 minutes or until friands are golden.
  6. Allow the friands to cool 5 minutes in the hot baking pan.  Remove the friands from the molds and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • Category: Cakes & Cupcakes

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and hashtag it #thesweetoccasion

Filed Under: Cakes & Cupcakes

Previous Post: « Asparagus Puff Pastry
Next Post: Your guide to easter desserts »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katerina

    April 6, 2020 at 10:41 am

    These look stunning, Maria! I have six egg whites in my fridge and I might just use them to make these friands. Thanks so much for sharing!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Maria

      April 7, 2020 at 8:52 am

      Thank you, Katerina! I hope you love them as much as I do!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef at your fingertips. I provide the baking knowledge and tools for bakers like you to successfully create in your kitchen. Read More…

What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit desserts?  I was excited to make this simple tart using @starrrachgrowers apples, basic pastry dough, and a sprinkling of sugar and butter.  These @juici_apple apples give a beautiful hue of red and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.  What's your favorite holiday apple recipe?  #EatBakeLove⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#StarrRanchGrowers #JUICIOfficial #thesweetoccasion #apples #applebaking #appletart #holidaybaking #tart #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #piedough
New Peppermint Cake up on the blog! This three-la New Peppermint Cake up on the blog!  This three-layer white cake is flavored with peppermint and frosted with a white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream.  Add crushed candy canes for an extra fun holiday cake!  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip: To check for cake doneness, use the bounce-back test.  Gently press down on the cake.  If an indentation is left in the cake, then it needs more time.  If it bounces back, then it's fully baked.  You will also notice that the sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#peppermint #cake #whitechocolate #thesweetoccasion #cakesofinstagram #christmascake #layercake #cakelover #bakegram #madefromscratch #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #christmascakes #holidaycake #bakingblog #bakingtips #swissmeringuebuttercream #christmasdessert #christmascakedecorating⁠
Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee love Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee lover.  Made with a delicious coffee-flavored batter that’s baked to perfection and topped with a light and airy coffee buttercream.  They’re easy-to-make using staple pantry ingredients with the exception of espresso powder that is easily found at your local supermarket.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Use a cookie scoop to easily fill your cupcake liners.  Only fill 2/3 full to prevent the cupcakes from spilling or sinking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coffeelover #cupcakes #thesweetoccasion #delalloeats #coffeedaily #cupcakesofinstagram #coffeecupcakes #buttercream #coffeebuttercream #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #sweets #bakingtips #cupcakestagram #bakersofinstagram #cupcakesdaily #cupcakesfordays #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove
Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's per Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's perfect for holiday baking.  It can be used for filling pastries like croissants, topping sliced brioche and baking until golden brown, or filling an unbaked tart shell, adding fruit, and baking until set.  Almond cream will become your best friend when creating impressive desserts for your family and friends.  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  If you'd like to make this cream with another nut flour, substitute half of the almond flour with your choice of nut flour.  You will still benefit from using almond flour while also using a stronger flavored nut.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#frangipane #almondcream #almond #filling #thesweetoccasion #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #bakingtips #frenchpastry #frenchdesserts #pastrychef #tartfilling
⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season? ⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season?  Try this creamy Coconut Cheesecake made with @naturesgreatestfoods organic coconut cream.  It's a decadent and delicious dessert made with a coconut graham cracker crust.  For extra flavor and texture, top this cheesecake with toasted coconut.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not overmix your filling, as overmixing can cause your cheesecake to crack.  Only mix until all the ingredients are just combined.  Use the paddle attachment to mix your ingredients on medium-low speed to avoid beating too much air into your filling.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconut #coconutcheesecake #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #lifeofabaker #coconutcream #cheesecakes #coconutcake #toastedcoconut #grahamcracker #grahamcrackercrust #sweets #foodgram #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #cheesecakelove #cheesecakelovers⁠
The holidays are a time for lots of baking. Add c The holidays are a time for lots of baking.  Add carrot bundt cake to your list.  It's filled with a layer of cream cheese and topped with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious spiced cake that's a real crowd-pleaser.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not use store-bought shredded carrots, as it will affect your cake's moisture content.  They are very dry and lack sweetness compared to shredding your own carrots. ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carrotcake #creamcheesefrosting #bakedfromscratch #lifeofabaker #bakefeed #instayummy #delish #thebakefeed #holidaybaking #holidaycake #thesweetoccasion #fromscratch #easyrecipe #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakingtips #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #scratchbaking #bakingblog #carrotbundtcake
⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favori ⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favorite.  They’re made with molasses and filled with a brown sugar spiced filling for a gooey and delicious winter-inspired roll.  As if these soft and fluffy rolls aren't enough, they're topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a real treat.⁠ Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
⁠✨Pastry pro tip:⁠ To reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave, place a microwave-safe cup containing water in the microwave and heat thoroughly.  Add the cinnamon rolls next to the water and heat.  The steam from the hot water will prevent the rolls from becoming too dry or too soggy.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#gingerbread #cinnamonrolls #holidaybaking ##breakfastideas #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #scratchbaking #bakinggoals #christmasbreakfast #holidaybreakfast #creamcheesefrosting #bakefeed #foodgram #thefeedfeed #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #lifeofabaker #scratchbaking #ilovebaking #sweets #bakinglove⁠
Holiday baking can get overwhelming. To help ⁠e Holiday baking can get overwhelming.  To help ⁠ease the stress, head on over to the blog for my tips on how to freeze cookie dough.  It's convenient to do, perfect for gifting, and allows you to get ahead for all your cookie baking.⁠ Grab these tips from the link in my profile.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  For cookies that call for rolling in sugar, such as snickerdoodle cookies, prepare the dough as directed without rolling in the sugar and add it just before baking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cookiedough #cookiesofinstagram #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #bakingtechniques #bakinglove #madefromstratch #giftgiving #cookiegifts #bakingfromscratch #bakingcookies #freezingcookies #housewarmingcookies
⁠Dessert or breakfast? Coconut rice pudding can ⁠Dessert or breakfast?  Coconut rice pudding can certainly be either.  It's a simple-one pot pudding that is creamy and perfectly tender without being mushy.  Add a bit of granola and you have a simple yet flavorful breakfast ready in no time.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  When making this coconut rice pudding, do not rinse the rice.  The starchiness is key to creating a creamy and thick mixture.⁠
⁠
Recipe link in bio!⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconutrice #ricepudding #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakedfromscratch #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #pudding #instapudding #lifeofabaker #foodgram #bakegram #onepot #lovetobake #onepot
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Latest Posts

  • Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
  • Peppermint Cake
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
  • Zucchini Puff Pastry Tarts
  • Birthday Cake Cookies

Archives

Footer

Follow Me

  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef, wife, and a mom to two. Sharing my recipes, tips & techniques so that any occasion can be a sweet occasion. Read More…

  • Privacy Policy

The Latest Recipes!

Stack of brown butter cookies with toffee bits on a French wire cooling rack with milk in the backgroud.
Peppermint flavored cake with white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream on a marble round board.
Pan with frosted gingerbread flavored cinnamon rolls in a baking pan with some cinnamon rolls.

Copyright © 2022 · thesweetoccasion.com