Petits Fours
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours and 40 minutes
Description: This recipe, inspired by a classic approach to Petits Fours, delivers on both nostalgia and taste. Ideal for those seeking a delightful dessert adventure, these miniature treats are perfect for any occasion. If youโre feeling adventurous, feel free to incorporate your favorite two-layer white cake recipe instead!
Recipe Category: Dessert
Keywords: Low Protein, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Weeknight, Oven, Less than 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 219.8
- Fat Content: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 7.1mg
- Sodium Content: 69.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 48.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.2g
- Sugar Content: 41.3g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
Recipe Yield: 36-40 Petits Fours
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Buttermilk | 1 1/3 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/8 tsp |
| Sugar | 3 cups |
| Hot water | 1/4 cup |
| Cream of tartar | 1/2 tsp |
| Vanilla flavoring | 1 tsp |
| Vanilla | 1 tsp |
| Powdered sugar | 4 cups |
Instructions:
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of dry ingredients.
-
Add in the buttermilk, butter, and vanilla, then beat the mixture using an electric mixer on low speed for approximately 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
-
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue beating for about 2 minutes, ensuring the batter becomes smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
-
Add the egg whites to the mixture and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is light and fluffy.
-
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease/flour a 9x13x2 inch baking pan.
-
Pour the prepared batter into the greased pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan.
-
Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding to the next steps.
-
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, hot water, and cream of tartar, stirring continuously over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves completely, usually taking about 5-9 minutes.
-
Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to medium-low and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
-
Cook the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 226ยฐF (108ยฐC), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool to 110ยฐF (43ยฐC) at room temperature, which should take approximately 1 hour.
-
Once cooled, add the vanilla flavoring to the mixture, stirring gently to incorporate.
-
Gradually add powdered sugar to the mixture, approximately 4 cups, until you achieve a drizzling consistency for the icing.
-
Use a rotary beater or wire whisk to beat the icing, ensuring it is smooth and free from lumps.
-
If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the icing to achieve your desired hue.
-
The icing is now ready to be applied to the Petits Fours.
-
Trim the sides of the cooled cake to create smooth, straight edges, then cut the cake into 1 1/2 inch squares, diamonds, or circles, depending on your preference.
-
Gently brush off any crumbs from the cake pieces using your fingertips.
-
Place the cake pieces on a wire rack set over a clean sheet pan to catch any drips.
-
Using a long-handled fork with 2 or 3 prongs, insert it into the side of a cake piece and spoon enough icing over the top and sides to cover it completely.
-
Transfer the iced cake piece back to the wire rack and repeat the process with the remaining cake pieces, ensuring they do not touch each other on the rack.
-
Allow the cakes to dry for approximately 15 minutes before applying a second coating of icing. For this coat, place the cake pieces on the fork without spearing them.
-
Optionally, apply a third layer of icing for added sweetness and decoration.
-
As you ice the Petits Fours, you can reuse the icing collected in the pan as needed, straining out any cake crumbs if necessary.
-
Once the final layer of icing has been applied, feel free to decorate the Petits Fours as desired, using flowers, tiny silver balls, or any other decorative elements you prefer.
-
Allow the Petits Fours to dry completely before serving, ensuring the icing has set and any decorations are firmly in place.
-
Enjoy your homemade Petits Fours as a delightful treat for any occasion, whether itโs a special celebration or a casual gathering with loved ones!
