Petits Fours

By
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
Kristina Vanni
An internationally recognized culinary authority, Kristina Vanni is well-known for her recipe development, food photography, and experience as a TV show host.
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Updated on 06/19/21
Petits Fours

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

Prep: 60 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 70 mins
Servings: 24 servings
Yield: 4 dozen
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
267 Calories
5g Fat
54g Carbs
3g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 267
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 7%
Saturated Fat 1g 3%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 40mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 54g 19%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 50g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 31mg 2%
Iron 1mg 3%
Potassium 92mg 2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Petit fours are small decorated tea cakes that originated in France. Despite how the name sounds in English, these miniature desserts have nothing to do with the number four. In French, four means "oven."

Back in the days before gas or electric ovens, bakers used large brick or stone coal-fired ovens. These would get incredibly hot and could be used for a variety of cooking purposes. When the fire was the most intense it was referred to as a grand four or "big oven" and used to roast meats or bake loaves of French bread. As the fire would die out and the oven would begin to cool it was called a petit four or "small oven." This was the perfect opportunity to bake more delicate pastries and cookies at a lower temperature. Thus, the bite-sized treats we know today as petits fours were invented.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 4 large eggs, separated

  • 1/2 cup sugar

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

  • 2 cups ground blanched almonds

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Fondant Icing:

  • 9 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

  • Food coloring, as needed

  • Assorted decorations and sprinkles, for optional decorations

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  2. Beat the egg yolks in a large mixer bowl until thick and lemon colored. Gradually add sugar and salt. Beat until batter is thick and forms ribbons when beaters are lifted.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  3. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. Set aside.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  4. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar in large mixer bowl until stiff but not dry.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  5. Fold a quarter of the beaten egg whites into the reserved egg yolk mixture. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  6. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites, the ground almonds, and the cornstarch. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  7. Line a 9 x 13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease the paper. Pour the batter into the pan and tap once to remove air bubbles. Bake until the top springs back when lightly touched, 10 to 12 minutes. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  8. Invert onto a wire rack covered with a kitchen towel. Remove the paper.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  9. Invert onto a second wire rack and let stand uncovered until completely cool. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  10. Prepare the fondant icing. Combine the powdered sugar, water, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract in the top of a double boiler. Heat over boiling water until warm, around 110 F to 115 F.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  11. Remove from heat and tint the icing with food coloring as desired. Keep warm over hot water and thin if necessary with hot water. 

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  12. Cut cake into 1-inch squares.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  13. Pierce bottom side of cake square with fork. Spoon icing over cake on fork, allowing excess to drip into icing pan. Place cake on wire rack covered with waxed paper. Let stand until icing is set, at least 15 minutes. Decorate as desired.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  14. Serve individual petit fours inside small paper cups. They are perfect with an after dinner espresso.

    Petits Fours
    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

  15. Enjoy!