Homemade Ladyfingers
Save RecipeAdd Ladyfingers to your baking repertoire with my simple, 3-part lady finger recipe – these meringue cookies are ideal for tiramisu, trifles, and more.
Hi Bold Bakers!
One of the most important parts about baking with confidence, or Bold Baking, is mastering the classics. As far as cookies go, there is nothing more classic in my opinion than a Ladyfinger! Ladyfingers, named after their long, thin and finger-like shape are a staple Italian Cookie. These light-as-air sweet cookies are meringue-based and are usually enjoyed with afternoon tea or morning coffee. Because they are so delicate, these cookies can go stale. Leveraging this characteristic is where Italians really struck gold as ladyfingers are delicious in desserts such as Tiramisu and other trifle-like desserts.
How to Make Ladyfingers
My recipe for Homemade Ladyfinger cookies may seem complex but can be broken down into three simple parts.
- The first part consists of beating egg yolks and sugar into a light and fluffy consistency, a feature that adds richness to your cookies.
- The second part of making Homemade Ladyfingers is to beat your egg whites and sugar into stiff and shiny peaks that will be folded into your yolk mixture from Part 1. Beating your egg whites with sugar will add tons of body and texture to your mixture and give it a light, cake-like texture.
- Finally, sift your flour and salt into your mixture and gently fold so that your batter can be transformed into a shapely and structured cookie.
Desserts that Use Ladyfingers
I always have ladyfingers on hand as they are the most impressive little treat. I love to use the leftovers for dishes like my 10 Minute Tiramisu and 10 Minute Berry Tiramisu, and highly encourage you to do the same! Knowing how to make lady fingers is such an important part of any bakers repertoire. I can’t wait for you Bold Bakers to master this versatile cookie!
Use my ladyfingers in these desserts:
- 3 large eggs & 1 egg white , room temperature
- 1/2 cup (4oz/120g) sugar, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup (5oz/150g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- powdered sugar for dusting , optional
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Preheat the oven to 375oF (180oC) then butter and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside.
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Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
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Using a large whisk or hand mixer, whip the egg yolks with 1/4 cup of the sugar, until pale and fluffy, then beat in the vanilla. Set aside.
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Whip the egg whites on medium-high speed, until fluffy. Once light and fluffy add the other 1/4 cup of the sugar in a slow and steady stream while whipping. Continue to whip until the whites hold stiff peaks.
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Using a large metal spoon, gently fold in the whipped whites, taking care not to deflate all of the air you have incorporated.
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once the egg white mixture and yolk mixture are almost combined sift the flour and salt over the batter.
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Continue to gently fold until all of the flour is incorporated.
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Fill a large piping bag with the batter and pipe the batter in 3 1/2 inch long lines about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 16 minutes, or until just beginning to turn golden around the edges.
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Allow to cool fully before storing in an airtight container. The lady finger will keep 3 days in an airtight container.
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, and I’m passionate about sharing my years of experience to show you how to make game-changing baking recipes with over-the-top results! Join more than 1 Million other Bold Bakers in the community for new video recipes every week!
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These were SO good!
They were delicious even though they were a little wonky shaped. Thabs for this amazing recipe.
Hi Julie,
Haha! I know ‘wonky’ I do a lot of ‘wonky’ stuff before I get it as I want it!
Well done you, carry on, they will taste just as good no matter what the shape,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
Plz let me know how Ladyfingers can be made without eggs,or a substitute for vegetarians, that will help me make Tiramisu completely for vegetarians. Thanks in advance.
Hi there,
I found this recipe, and I think it will be good for you too (http://bit.ly/EgglessLadyFingers) do try it,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma,
I am trying your recipe for ladyfingers. Can you clarify the eggs? Do I use 3 egg yolks and 4 egg whites?
Thank you,
Cece
Hi Cece,
Just to clarify, it’s 3 whole eggs and just 1 egg white 🙂
Hope this helps,
Gemma.
I love your recipes, but I am now on the Keto diet and cannot have most of them. Can you tell me how to substitute almond or coconut flour and artificial sweeteners for the AP flour and sugar?
Hi Sue,
I do not specialize in this area, and am careful not to give wrong advice, though we are doing our research here at the moment.
(https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/category/recipes/dietary-preferences/low-sugarlow-carbs/) here are our low sugar/carb recipes, and we will be including more of these as time goes by. Make friends with Stevia/Monk sugar, and learn how to add it to your recipes. these do not caramelize, but they are useful for some bakes. Honey/maple syrup/agave will caramelize but are high in fructose, and there is the dilemma for baking. Baking likes a little caramelization, particularly in cookies, to crisp them and give flavor. Gluten free flours tend to be lower in carbs too and are formulated to work well in baking, worth a bit of research. (https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/category/recipes/dietary-preferences/gluten-free/). Watch this space though, it is on our agenda,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma!
I just finished making a batch of these. I’ve actually never had ladyfingers so I don’t know how they should taste. Unfortunately, I think I made mine too big as I only got 24 from the recipe instead of the 30 you posted… so I don’t have enough to taste test them AND make your Berry Tiramisu. 😄
I wasn’t sure if I should butter the parchment before piping them. I decided not to because, although I no longer have my mom as an immediate reference, I can remember her saying something about fats and egg whites don’t work well together.
I’m not sure if I’lldust with powdered sugar if I’m going use them to make your Berry Tiramisu, so they’re not as pretty as yours…well, I’m sure that’s not the ONLY reason they aren’t as pretty. 😆Thank you so much for all you do! Have a wonderful holiday!
Gloria
Hi Gloria,
Yes you are right. don’t grease parchment paper. Listen, it doesn’t matter what they look like. no-one os going to see them in the tiramisu. I hope it turns out great because this is hands down one of my favorite recipes of late 🙂
Gemma.
Awesome, it still makes no since to me. But thanks for the recipe.
Hello Gemma, this is patrick again(from June 30 2018) back in reference to the cups vs. grams issue.
The question I was trying to ask was this:
If you are using a ½ cup measuring cup then that is equivalent to 100 grams.
If you are using a kitchen scale and believed ½ cup of sugar was 120 grams, then people that make your recipe using a measuring cup will not have enough sugar in their recipe because they will only have 100 grams. But it appears as though you are weighing your measurements. And are just a little off on your grams to cups ratio. Which is fine, I just wanted to make sure I was using the proper amount.
Hi Patrick,
I hear you! and I think I already told you this, which is my little lecture on the subject.
Cup measurements are based on an informal system of measurement, prior to home weighing scales. People would share recipes based on their kitchen cups, it did not matter the weight of the ingredients, or the size of the cup, as long as the same cup was used to measure all of the ingredients, in any one kitchen. It a measure of volume. Once the balance is right, then all will be well. Different ingredients have different equivalent weights too, so rice will be different to sugar, cocoa to flour, and different flours will have a different weight too. Think Rocks and Feathers! So, the rule is simple, fill your cups in the same way, scoop/level/compress, however you choose, and the balance in the recipe will be good. It is not a good idea to mix cup measurements with another method, it is unnecessary, and will not be good for your recipes. You have to trust this system, if not, get a digital scales, it will be the most accurate of all!
The most important part of this is that you choose one method, do not mix them up, and measure each ingredient the same way, load the cups the same way too, this is what changes equivalent weights, yours will almost always be different to mine unless we load the cups in the same way.
You have to trust this system!
Gemma 🙂
I just made your ladyfingers and I have to admit, I’ve been snacking on them while they cool. Thank you for posting this, as ladyfingers are hard to find. I’ll make your Berry Tiramisu tomorrow!
Hi Katy,
Good job!
Well done you, I know it is an extra step, but so worth it.
Gemma 😉
Hello Gramma, I wonder why I can’t sign up for the recipe. It’s keep saying The Pages is not an exist. I would love to try your recipe.
Thank you very much
Pheap
Hi there,
Do you mean the Ladyfinger recipe (https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/homemade-ladyfingers/) here?
I know there was a technical issue yesterday with the ice cream recipes, but it is fixed now.
Thank you for being in touch,
Gemma 🙂
Hi,Gemma. I tried this recipe and it turned out to be so good ,but they have an eggy smell,how do I reduce this smell? Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Hi there,
These are made with an egg sponge, so they will indeed be a little eggy. Here is an good eggless one from a vegan chef (http://www.amuthiskitchen.com/2013/05/eggless-savoiardi-lady-fingers-sponge.html?m=1). I hope this is of value to you,
Gemma 🙂
Hello Gemma,thanks for the recipe. I had been having a time finding lady fingers. Anyway, (this is totally not my style to correct someone) I was reading your recipe and the amount of sugar the recipe calls for is ½ cup or 120 grams. So my question is…
Have you been adding a ½ cup using a measuring cup or a kitchen scale? For the simple reason that if If I use a measuring cup and you have been using a scale. My homemade ladyfingers will not be sweet enough. Thank you so much. -Patrick
Hi Patrick,
This is one of the most common questions here on BBB. If I say 1/2 cup I mean 1/2 a measuring cup, these come graded into 1, 3/4. 1/2, 1/4.
Cup measurements are based on an informal system of measurement, prior to home weighing scales. People would share recipes based on their kitchen cups, it did not matter the weight of the ingredients, or the size of the cup, as long as the same cup was used to measure all of the ingredients, in any one kitchen. It a measure of volume. Once the balance is right, then all will be well. Different ingredients have different equivalent weights too, so rice will be different to sugar, cocoa to flour, and different flours will have a different weight too. Think Rocks and Feathers! So, the rule is simple, fill your cups in the same way, scoop/level/compress, however you choose, and the balance in the recipe will be good. It is not a good idea to mix cup measurements with another method, it is unnecessary, and will not be good for your recipes.
You have to trust this system, if not, get a digital scales, it will be the most accurate of all!
I hope this is of help to you.
Gemma 🙂
This is just what I need to to try out ur tiramisu recipes.i love all of ur recipes! Will try them very soon and also pla make a video.love from India
Hi there,
Yes, thank you, I may make a video for this shortly. i just wanted to make it available as soon as possible.
good to have you with us,
Gemma 🙂
Can I cook this in the microwave instead of baking it in an oven?
Hi Izzie,
NO! not for this recipe, it will not be good, sorry,
Gemma 🙂
Hi Gemma! I am planning on making individual tiramisu cups. Would it be ok to pipe the batter into a circular shape that’ll fit into the cup perfectly instead of the regular ladyfinger shape?
hum, that is a good question. I guess you can pie them any shape you want. Also you can break them 🙂
I hope you enjoy them,
Gemma.
Thanks, Gemma for the recipe for Tiramisu. Lady Fingers always sell out at my local supermarket now can make them at home. Have a great day, and thanks again. —
Really delighted you like it. Absolutely make the berry tiramisu. It’s fantastic!!!
Gemma.
Hi Gemma – Me too waiting for the Video. 🙂 So that I can try out your latest Berry Tiramisu recipe…
Glad you like it, Ninny 🙂
Gemma.
Hi Gemma thanks for the recipe here the ladyfingers aren’t available and I so wanted to try your tiramisu recipes now finally I can thanks again Gemma
Really glad you like it, now make sure you try the berry tiramisu 🙂
Gemma.
Hi Gemma, love your recipes! I am on keto diet and wondered if subbing almond flour would work for these ladyfingers?
Oh gosh Teresa, nut flour can be a funny one to sub out for white flour because they are different textures and work with the other ingredients differently.
I would suggest maybe looking up a gluten free lady finger, or seeing if anyone else used a nut flour.
Sorry I couldn’t be more help,
Gemma.
Hello Gemma!
Can ladyfingers be vegetarian? What can be substitute of eggs?
Hi Rutu,
Here is a recipe for egg free lady fingers http://bit.ly/EgglessLadyFingers
Best,
Gemma.
Gemma ….! Awesome …. in our country we dont have lady fingers …… thanks for this recipe
I’m delighted to hear that!!!
Happy Baking,
Gemma
It’s like you’re a mind reader. Everytime I think I wish she would do a microwave cake recipe or homemade dulce de leche, it magically appears the next day on ur website!!! 🙂 🙂 I was just thinking about making tiramisu yesterday and was looking for a ladyfingers recipe (since we don’t get this at stores in our country) and was thinking, ‘I wish Gemma had a recipe on this!’ And, Like always, I woke up to this recipe 🙂
I get it from my Irish mother, it’s a blessing and a curse 🙂
Let me know what requests you have and I’ll add them to my list.
Best,
Gemma.
Hi Gemma, can you make a video for this please because I want to make the Lady fingers so I can make Tiramisu,PLEASE AND I LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO MUCH <3
I will, lots have asked so I will. Keep an eye out for it soon 🙂
THANK YOU SO MCUH!!! XX
Gemma.
Will you make a video on how to make this or not ?
Anyway, love your recipes
Hi Vanessa,
I will. Lots of people have asked so I will 🙂
Gemma.
Will you make a video making this or are you just posting this on your website ??
I will Vanessa, stay tuned. I’ll do it soon.
Best,
Gemma.
Hi gemma,
Can we use condensed milk instead of eggs…
Hi Neha,
Here is a recipe for egg free lady fingers http://bit.ly/EgglessLadyFingers
Best,
Gemma.
Hi Gemma, I’ve read the recipe, 3 large eggs & 1 egg white, so would there be 4 parts of egg white & 3 parts of egg yolk?
Hi,
It would be 3 whole eggs (yolk and white) and also just 1 egg white. Hope this makes sense.
Best,
Gemma.
Omg thank you Gemma ! I was waiting for this from so long, I’m straight away going to make it today! Thank you !!!! 😭😄😄🤩
if you think these are good, wait for the Berry Tiramisu I make with them tomorrow 🙂
Gemma.
Hi Gemma
Do we use all four egg whites or just one egg white as the instruction says separate 4 egg whites but on the ingredients it says 4 eggs and one egg white
Hi Jusna,
so use 3 whole eggs (both yolks and whites) and then also 1 white. Does this make sense?
Gemma.
Hi, thanks for the recipe! And really excited for the Berry Tiramisu!!! Just wondering, I know a ladyfinger recipe which is more like a sponge cake, does this one have more of a cookie like or spongy texture???? Thanks and have a great day ahead!!! Love ya…
Omg you will not be disappointed. You will see tomorrow, but I ate 1/2 the dish.
These are definitely more sponge than cookie. They work well for soaking up the syrup.
Let me know tomorrow what you think 🙂
Gemma.
Where do you currently live Gemma
In Los Angeles, California.:)
OMG Gemma.. Thank you for this recipe!!! Can’t wait to try it!
Paula stay tuned for Thursday because I use them in a recipe fora berry Tiramisu :).
It’s pretty incredible!
Gemma.
Hi Gemma,
I am a vegetarian, we do not eat eggs, can you suggest egg substitute.
Thank you
Thats a tough one for this recipe, Patel because the main ingredient is egg. Have you seen my chart? this will help
Best,
Gemma.