There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked ladyfingers wafting through the kitchen. My fondest memories involve my grandmother, who would bake these delicate sponge cookies every Sunday. She’d serve them alongside a warm cup of chai, and the two would become an inseparable duo, evoking a sense of comfort and warmth. Today, I’m excited to share a modern twist on this classic treat—Cardamom-Spiced Ladyfingers. The fragrant notes of cardamom will transport you back to those cherished moments while offering a new flavor profile that’s utterly delightful.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs, separated
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 5 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the vanilla extract and mix to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cardamom, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and smooth.

In another clean bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter, ensuring not to deflate the mixture.

Transfer the batter to a piping bag fitted with a plain round tip. Pipe rows of ladyfinger shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, each about 3 inches long and 1 inch apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.

Once piped, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the ladyfingers before placing them in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Remove the ladyfingers from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve these lovely Cardamom-Spiced Ladyfingers with a side of whipped cream, or incorporate them into a classic tiramisu for a delightful twist! No matter how you enjoy them, these cookies will surely evoke sweet memories and create new ones.

Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of this cherished family tradition with every bite!