Petits Fours Recipe

Petits fours are bite-sized, colorful little treats that are perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re planning a fancy tea party or just want to treat yourself, these sweet pastries are a real crowd-pleaser.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about making these delightful morsels from scratch, from the basic recipe to fun variations and helpful tips.

Let’s dive right in!

Petits fours are small, beautifully decorated cakes, often served at high-end events like weddings or afternoon teas.

The term “petits fours” literally translates to “small oven” in French, which makes sense because these cakes are often baked in small batches in the oven.

They can come in various forms, from sponge cakes topped with fondant to bite-sized pastries filled with cream.

They might look complicated, but don’t worry!

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up these little beauties in no time.

Essential Ingredients for Petits Fours

Before we start baking, let’s go over the basics.

You’ll need a few key ingredients to make your petits fours:

For the Cake:

Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and gives it a soft texture.
Flour: The backbone of the cake—use all-purpose flour for best results.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the cake.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: For flavor.

For the Icing and Decoration:

Fondant: A smooth, sweet icing that’s often rolled out and placed over the cake.
Chocolate: For dipping or drizzling on top.
Jam or Fruit Fillings: Adds sweetness and a fruity layer.
Food Coloring: To make your petits fours pop with color.
Edible Decorations: Think sprinkles, tiny flowers, or even gold leaf for that extra touch of elegance.

Tools You’ll Need:

A baking dish or small cake pans
A cooling rack
A sharp knife for cutting your petits fours into perfect squares
A small spatula or butter knife
A saucepan or microwave for melting chocolate or fondant

How to Make Petits Fours

Ready to get baking?

Let’s break down the steps for making classic petits fours.

1. Bake the Cake

First things first—start by making the cake.

Here’s a simple method for a light, fluffy cake base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans.
Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and pale. You can use a hand mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift in your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Fold in the flour mixture carefully until everything is well combined.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next steps.

2. Slice the Cake Into Layers

Once the cake is cool, it’s time to slice it into small squares or rectangles.

If you’re using multiple layers, you can stack them with a thin layer of jam or cream in between.

But if you want to keep it simple, just slice it into small, even pieces.

3. Coat the Cakes with Icing or Fondant

Now comes the fun part: the decoration!

Fondant Coating: Roll out your fondant until it’s thin, about 1/8 inch thick. Cut it into squares that are slightly larger than the size of your cake pieces. Gently drape each square of fondant over your mini cakes, smoothing it out with your hands or a small spatula.
Chocolate Coating: For a chocolate-covered version, melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Dip each piece of cake into the melted chocolate, then set it on a cooling rack to harden.
Glaze Option: If you prefer a shiny finish, you can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and water, then dip each cake in it.

4. Decorate

Here’s where you can get creative! Use food coloring to tint your fondant or icing.

You can also drizzle extra melted chocolate over the top, sprinkle some edible glitter, or place a tiny flower or sugar decoration for that extra touch of class.

5. Let Them Set

Once your petits fours are decorated, let them set for about 30 minutes to an hour.

This gives the icing or fondant time to firm up, ensuring that your decorations don’t smudge when you serve them.

Fun Variations on Traditional Petits Fours

While the classic petits fours are delicious on their own, there are tons of ways to mix things up!

Here are a few fun ideas:

1. Fruit-Filled Petits Fours

Layer your cakes with a fruity filling like raspberry or apricot jam.

Not only does it add sweetness, but it also gives your petits fours a lovely burst of flavor.

2. Chocolate Petits Fours

For chocolate lovers, substitute part of the cake batter with cocoa powder.

You can also dip your petits fours in dark or milk chocolate for an indulgent treat.

3. Lemon or Almond Petits Fours

Try adding lemon zest to the cake batter for a citrusy twist, or use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.

These flavors add a lovely depth to the traditional recipe.

4. Mini Cupcakes Instead of Cake

If you don’t feel like making a whole cake, you can bake mini cupcakes instead.

Cut the tops off, ice them, and decorate them just like you would petits fours.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Petits Fours

Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake and icing ahead of time. Just store the cake in an airtight container and the fondant in plastic wrap.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature before you start. This helps the batter mix more smoothly.
Practice Your Decorating: If you’re not happy with your first batch, don’t sweat it. Petits fours take practice, and the more you make, the better you’ll get at decorating them beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I store petits fours?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them (just be sure to wrap them tightly).

2. Can I use store-bought fondant?

Yes! Store-bought fondant is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just knead it a little before using to make it easier to work with.

3. What’s the best way to serve petits fours?

These little cakes are perfect for any special occasion. Serve them on a pretty plate or tray at a tea party, wedding, or holiday gathering. They’re also great as a sweet snack during a cozy afternoon.

4. Can I make petits fours without fondant?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of fondant, you can simply use a glaze or icing to coat your cakes. You could even go for a more rustic look by leaving them uncovered and just adding a dusting of powdered sugar.

Making petits fours doesn’t have to be a stressful or complicated task.

With a little bit of time and creativity, you can whip up these beautiful, bite-sized treats that will impress everyone at your next event.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or get creative with your own twists, there’s no wrong way to make these mini cakes.

Happy baking, and don’t forget to enjoy a few of these tasty bites yourself!