EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (2024)

Ladyfingers are Italian sponge cake cookies that are the main ingredient in tiramisu dessert! These sweet biscuits can be dipped in coffee or topped with powdered sugar to enjoy with an English cup of tea! See how easy it is to make homemade ladyfingers with my step-by-step tutorial!

EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (1)

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Looking for gluten-free cookie recipes? Try ourEasy Coconut Macaroonsmade from coconut flakes or ourEasy Macarons Recipe (Fail-proof)that are sandwiched with soft meringue-like cookies!

Watch How To MakeLady Fingers:

Easy Lady Fingers Recipe

Ladyfingers near me are hard to come across where I live, so, what’s the perfect substitute for ladyfingers? Why buy them when you can have these homemade cookies baking in the oven in less than 15 minutes!

That’s right they bake in as quick as 10 minutes and can be ready to dip into coffee for a tiramisu dessert in minutes. Is it worth making ladyfingers? You’d be surprised how easy preparation is for these egg-based flour cookies!

And even if you’re a novice baker, the cookies get absorbed with coffee and hidden with cream to cover any imperfections, so what do you have to lose?

These sweet-sponge cake biscuits are similar to a meringue cookie except soft like a sponge cake, and if you want a crispier wafer you simply bake longer until crisp! It is important to fold the egg batter for a light and airy cookie. If you beat in the flour your cookies won’t be as delicate and can rather fall flat after baking.

EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (2)

FAQ

What Is Tiramisu?

Tiramisu literally translates to “pick me up” which refers to the boost the tasty dessert can provide. This Italian invented dessert is layered with Savoiardi (ladyfingers) cookies, mascarpone cream, and strong coffee. It’s an Italian delight because the eggs are beaten to a custard cream that will make you go in for seconds!

What Are Lady Fingers?

Ladyfingers are piped into strips using a piping bag and a large round piping tip. Once baked they resemble the shape of a large finger and make their way into trifles, Mouse Cups, Charlotte Cake, gateau cakes, and mainly tiramisu. You’ll find them as sponge fingers in British, a Savoiardi biscotti in Italian, boudoirs in French, and baby fingers in the Jewish community.

I mainly use these flour-based cookies in my tiramisu recipe layered between mascarpone cream and covered with a layer of chocolate cocoa powder. The outcome is melt-in-your-mouth delicious!

Where To Buy Lady Fingers?

Ladyfingers can be found in some grocery stores like Walmart, in the cookie or Foreign aisle under the Italian title “Savoiardi Biscotti.”

They are typically hard and very dry coming from the store. Whereas homemade ladyfingers are soft cookies. To make crispier sponge cookies at home, simply bake longer and they will turn out more crisp. Commercial bakeries seem to dust additional sugar on the top for a crackly crisp shell.

Ingredients for Ladyfingers?

The ingredient list for ladyfingers is very short and simple. You only need eggs, sugar, and some flour to make a quick sponge cake batter!

  • Eggs-are beaten separately for a light and delicate cookie.
  • Granulated Sugar-sweetens and binds the sponge batter together.
  • Unbleached White Flour-or an all-purpose flour works great for ladyfingers. Pastries are best with low-gluten flour although any Unbromated flour will work fine.
  • Salt-flavors, and balances out the sweet cookies.
  • Baking Powder-a leavening to make a lighter cookie.

What is Mascarpone Cheese?

Mascarpone is the Italian version of cream cheese. It is a spreadable smooth cheese very similar to Neufchâtel cheese. Since soft cheeses like these are made from light cream they result in a creamy whipped texture, rich in flavor.

Preparation involves coagulated cream that is heated and mixed with a starter. It then sets undisturbed for 12 hours. The curd then gets transferred to a butter muslin to drain in the refrigerator for hours. It can store for weeks if the cream was pasteurized properly.

How To Make Ladyfingers Cookies:

Ladyfingers are prepared similar to a sponge cake as they soak up all the coffee flavors easily.

  1. Separate the eggs and beat the whites first until stiff peaks form. Add the salt and sugar and continue beating until glossy and thick like a meringue.
  2. Next, beat the yolks until paler in color (for 5 minutes) and fold into the beaten whites.
  3. Sift together the flour and baking powder and gently fold into the egg batter.
  4. Transfer into a large piping bag and pipe out 3-inch strips onto a lined sheet pan.
  5. Bake in a pre-heated 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Baker’s Note: for crispier cookies bake 3-5 minutes longer. Place piping bag standing upright in a tall drinking glass to easier fill.

How To Use Ladyfingers?

Ladyfingers can be eatenalongside a glass of milk or dipped into espresso and cappuccino. They are very popular in the Italian dessert Tiramisu.

  • Dip them into coffee like a Biscotti cookie!
  • Crumble them into Mouse Cups as a crust for additional texture.
  • Border your cheesecake with ladyfingers to make an eyecatching dessert like a Charlotte Cake!
  • Layer them into a Trifle dish for a classic Tiramisu.

Storing Lady Fingers:

Ladyfingers can keep up to 2 days at room temperature. If you are not planning to use them either dry them out in the oven to prolong the shelf-life like croutons or freeze them soft.

For Crunchy Lady Fingers:bake them at 275°F for 30-50 minutes instead. To speed it up, bake them as directed in the recipe box and then reduce the oven to 200°F and continue to bake until golden.

Soft Lady Fingers: keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days.

Note: once the ladyfingers have been covered in cream refrigerate immediately.

Tips:

  1. As much as you want to avoid using extra kitchen utensils, take out the spatula and fold your egg batter. Do NOT beat the egg batter together once the whites and yolks were whipped. It can deflate your sponge cookies later.
  2. Double the recipe to make a large 13×9 casserole of Tiramisu. Otherwise, this recipe is enough fora 9×9-inch baking dish of Tiramisu.
  3. This recipe yields 30-40 ladyfingers.
  4. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For extended use freeze or store in the refrigerator. Once used in a dessert layered with cream, then refrigerate immediately.
  5. The drier the biscuits–the more absorbent.
  6. If you don’t want to separate the whole eggs, you can beat them in one bowl! Separating and whipping the eggs can create better volume.

More Cookie Recipes To Try:

  • Peach Cookies– Italians make their version of peach cookies too!
  • 3 Ingredient Butter Cookies
  • Easy Macarons Recipe (Fail-proof!)– Italian Meringue cookies are made from a hot syrup similar to swiss meringue!
  • Crunchy Nutty Fingers Cookies

Tools Needed To Make Ladyfingers:

How To Make Lady Fingers:

EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (3)

PrintRatePin

Easy Ladyfingers Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 30 ladyfingers

Ladyfingers are Italian sponge cake cookies that are the main ingredient in tiramisu dessert! These sweet biscuits can be dipped in coffee or topped with powdered sugar to enjoy with an English cup of tea! See how easy it is to make homemade ladyfingers with my step-by-step tutorial!

Equipment

  • piping bag

  • large round piping tip

  • 18x13" sheet pan

Ingredients

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs (separated)

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/3 cup sugar

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Directions:

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (4)

    Separate the egg yolks and whites into different bowls. Beat the egg yolks until pale in color (5 minutes.) Set aside.

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (5)

    Then beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and salt and beat until glossy and thick.

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (6)

    Fold the beaten egg whites into the yolks along with baking powder and flour. Use a spatula. Transfer the batter into a piping bag fitted with a large round nozzle tip.

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (7)

    Pipe into 3-inch strips.

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (8)

    Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Cool before removing from the pan.

Notes

  • Yields: The recipe makes enough for a 9x9 Tiramisu dessert.

Nutrition per serving

Serving: 1ladyfingerCalories: 23kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 26mgPotassium: 22mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 24IUCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg

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  • Desserts

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22 comments

  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (9)

    • Diana

    Thanks for this easy recipe. Was making tiramisu and couldn’t find ladyfingers. This worked perfect

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (10)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Wonderful, Diana!

      • Reply
  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (11)

    • Katy

    Can any unused ladyfingers be put in the fridge? If so, how long do they last in the fridge?

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (12)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Yes, you can. They can store in the fridge for up to a week.

      • Reply
  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (13)

    • Krissi

    I use Lady Fingers in a traditional method…for making Charlotte Ruuse, an old favorite of my fathers from decades ago. But these delicate little cookies can be happily used as paired sandwich delights: I fill mine with almond paste, cherry, raspberry, and apricot or even dark chocolte sandwich cookies. The extremely lite baked pastry makes a delightful parcel of goodies to share with neighbors and friends. Some people ask why I would go through so much work to share: I do this because my specialty baking is the way to thank neighbors for helping me – thank them with something created lovingly in my kitchen. They are still picking favorites, as I love trying new recipes!

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (14)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      That’s very nice of you to share your baked goods, Krissi!

      • Reply
  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (15)

    • Stef

    Amazing recipe, worked perfectly. I dusted very lightly with caster sugar whilst cooling. Definitely my ‘go to’ recipe, thank you

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (16)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      You’re welcome, Stef!

      • Reply
  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (17)

    • Kathy C

    Made ladyfingers for the first time but used gluten free flour. They were beautiful! Light, fluffy and so easy to make. Only alteration was to bake for 1-2 minutes longer.

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (18)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Wonderful, Kathy! What kind of Gluten-free flour did you use?

      • Reply
  • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (19)

    • Barbara

    I am the head baker at our coffee house and I am so excited to try this recipe. The one I use is very similar in ingredients but the assembly is different in what looks like the perfect way! Thanks so much , I will let you know how my Tiramisu (final product) turns out!!

    • Reply
    • EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (20)

      • Alyona Demyanchuk

      Oh wonderful, I’m happy you found our page! Do let us know how it turns out!

      • Reply

Show more

EASY Ladyfingers Recipe - Alyona’s Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Should ladyfingers be soft or crunchy? ›

You might be wondering what the right texture is for a ladyfinger. Well, the truth is, when they just come out of the oven they are actually quite soft and sponge-like in the center and a little crisp on the outside. However, Given that being so delicate, they firm up in a really short time if left out in the air.

What is a good substitute for ladyfingers in tiramisu? ›

Vanilla Wafers

The cookies are then baked until golden brown, resulting in a light and crispy texture. Best for: Vanilla wafers work as ladyfingers substitutes and work well for desert crusts. Crush vanilla wafers into coarse crumbs and use them as a substitute for lady fingers in desserts like tiramisu or trifle.

Are the ladyfingers in tiramisu supposed to be soggy? ›

(Make sure you dip for only a second—you don't want the ladyfingers to be soaked to the center or your tiramisu will end up mushy.) Depending on how you arrange the ladyfingers, you should get 19 to 20 in the dish; you may have to trim a little off the ends of the ones in the corners. 8.

Can you use Goya Lady Fingers for tiramisu? ›

They were perfect for my Tiramisu. Sweet and spongy, the perfect compliment to the delicious coffee flavor of the dessert. I will be buying them again. They made a great tiramisu!

How long does it take for lady fingers to soften? ›

Repeat with another layer of coffee-dipped ladyfingers, the remaining mascarpone mixture, and more chocolate on top. Now, as hard as it is, you can't dig in yet. Chill your tiramisu for at least 6 hours. As it sits, the ladyfingers soften and absorb the moisture and flavor from the cream.

What is the best biscuit for tiramisu? ›

Lady fingers, or Saviordi biscuits, are dry Italian style biscuits that get dunked in the coffee soak and soften to form the base of a perfect tiramisu!

Why is my tiramisu sloppy? ›

The other main reasons the mixture would be runny is if other liquid ingredients have been added first, or if the mascarpone has been beaten so much that it has curdled (then you will get water separating out from the cheese curds).

What is the best liquor for tiramisu? ›

Alcohol: I prefer Kahlua, but use any of the following: Marsala wine, rum (dark is best!), brandy, or Amaretto. Make it Alcohol-Free: Omit the Kahlua entirely from the coffee mixture and replacing it with coffee in the mascarpone mixture.

Should tiramisu sit overnight? ›

Refrigerate the tiramisu for 8 to 24 hours so the lady fingers can soften and the zabaglione mixture can firm up enough to cut. Dust the tiramisu with chocolate and serve. Top the tiramisu with cocoa or chocolate shavings just before serving.

Can ladyfingers go bad? ›

Savoiardi are best enjoyed the day they are made (unless you're using them for Tiramisu) but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. They also freeze well and may be frozen for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

What is the secret of tiramisu? ›

The secret to a true tiramisu? Mascarpone! Most people use regular cream cheese, but in order to get the real deal, you need to try is with this Italian specialty.

What do Italians call lady fingers? ›

Ladyfingers, or in British English sponge fingers (sometimes known by the Italian name savoiardi, Italian: [savoˈjardi], or by the French name boudoirs, French: [budwaʁ]), are low-density, dry, egg-based, sweet sponge cake biscuits roughly shaped like large fingers.

Should ladyfingers be hard or soft? ›

Ladyfingers are basically mini-sponge cakes in the shape of cookies. When they're made fresh they have a soft, cake-like texture. However, store-bought varieties are often much drier and crunchier instead.

What is the texture of Ladyfinger biscuits? ›

Like other sponge cakes, ladyfingers traditionally contain no chemical leavening agent, and rely on air incorporated into the eggs for their "sponge" texture.

What is the texture of lady finger? ›

Lady Finger, also known as Okra or Bhindi, are velvety, bright green pod-like vegetable with a spongy texture and mild flavor. They are slender and elongated in shape and tapered towards one side. They have ridges on the outer surface that run across the length.

What is the texture of lady finger banana? ›

Lady Finger produces small bananas with a rich, sweet flavour and creamy texture and flesh that doesn't brown when cut making this variety great for fruit salad.

How do you keep ladyfingers from getting soggy? ›

Coat the ladyfingers quickly, but meticulously on both sides

She uses crisp ladyfingers and subsequently dips them in a mixture of rum and coffee. It is this dipping stage that makes or breaks a tiramisu. According to Garten, if you dip your ladyfingers for too long, they will turn soggy.

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