Hazelnut and Raspberry Friands make the perfect desserts for Mother’s Day celebrations. Their nutty sweetness and fruity tang create an unforgettable flavor combination.
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Hazelnut and raspberry friand recipe
Today is Mother’s Day. I will not make Simnel cake like tradition. Hazelnut and Raspberry Friands are a better way to celebrate this day. These treats are easy and look pretty.

Friands are a type of small, rich cake that is popular in Australia and New Zealand. They are traditionally made with almond meal. These raspberry friands blend the rich flavors of hazelnuts with the tartness of raspberries. These treats are moist on the outside and fluffy inside.
These friands pair well with coffee, tea, or wine. Salted coffee enhances their nutty flavor, while chai tea adds a spiced contrast to the friands’ sweetness. A crisp Riesling or fruity Pinot Noir also complements them perfectly.
You can top the cake with whipped cream or ice cream for extra richness. Fresh berries add a bright contrast, while milk or sparkling water balances their sweetness.
Traditional friands are oval-shaped, but you can use a simple cupcake tray. This is how to make hazelnut and raspberry friands:

Raspberry and Hazelnut Friands
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 90 g butter
- 90 g icing sugar
- 70 g ground almonds
- 30 g plain flour mine was gluten-free
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp toasted and finely chopped hazelnuts
- 15-20 raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180oC and line a cupcake tin with paper cases (or grease).
- Melt the butter in a pan, then set aside to cool.
- Sift the icing sugar, flour and ground almonds into a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites just until they are foamy, but still liquid, rather than stiff.
- Make a well in the dry ingredients, then pour in the egg whites, butter, lemon zest and hazelnuts. Mix everything together lightly until combined.
- Spoon the batter into the cases and place two or three raspberries on top of each.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the friands are golden and springy to the touch.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Sprinkle each friand with a pinch of ground almonds and serve.
Notes
Variations
Here are some popular variations and recipes of the hazelnut and raspberry friands:
- Pear and Raspberry Infusion
- Add ripe, sweet pears such as Bartlett or Anjou to the recipe
- The sweetness of the pears complements the slight acidity of the raspberries
- Pistachio and Raspberry Version
- Substitute hazelnuts with pistachios for more color and flavor.
- Use slivered pistachios as a topping with raspberries.
- Mixed Berries
- Experiment with a mix of berries for a fruity twist.
- Include blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries in the mix.
- Fig and Pistachio Friands
- Replace raspberries with fresh figs for a unique flavor.
- Add chopped pistachios for more variety.
- Hazelnut and Apple Friands
- Incorporate diced apples with hazelnuts for a seasonal variation.
- The variation pairs well with coffee.
- Chocolate Hazelnut Friands
- Add cocoa powder to the batter for a richer flavor.
- Top the dessert with chocolate chips.