Petit Fours are dainty French cakes perfect for serving at bridal showers, tea parties, or anytime! My carefully tested recipe is the BEST and easiest way to make these sweet treats at home. Recipe includes a how-to video!
Precise and Pretty Petit Fours, Made Easy
Petit Fours (translates to “little oven” in French) are quintessential tea party and bridal shower treats. While they have a reputation for being fussy and difficult, I’ve developed my recipe to be as simple as possible. We’ll use a sturdy, but soft, cream cheese version of my favorite pound cake (it’s actually a bit closer to my well-loved bundt cake) to create beautifully stacked, melt-in-your-mouth cakes filled and coated in an amazing, albeit non-traditional, icing you’ll love.
Typically, petit fours have a poured fondant or a white chocolate coating, but I found these to be either too sweet, too difficult to use, or simply not very tasty.
I instead dedicated quite a bit of time to developing my own solution and instead use what is essentially a melted buttercream frosting. It drapes the petit fours smoothly and evenly, dries firm, colors well, and, most importantly, tastes excellent! It took me many attempts to get it right, but I am so happy with the final result, and I know you will be too ❤
What You Need
I prefer to make two separate cakes not only because it produces perfectly level, thin cakes, because also because it gives us the options to make two flavors of petit fours! Today I’m making just one flavor.
Here’s an overview of what you need:
- Softened cream cheese. Adding this to our pound cake gives it a beautifully plush (but still sturdy!) and crumb. Please don’t use the tub-style cream cheese!
- Milk. I recommend whole milk, and it’s best if it’s room-temperature.
- Fillings. I used fresh lemon curd and homemade raspberry cake filling for fresh, summery petit fours; however, you can use just about any sturdy filling. You’ll need about two cups total (so if you’re going for two different flavors, one cup of each).
- Corn syrup. This is not the same as high fructose corn syrup. Adding this to our icing gives it a sleek, firm finish that you can easily pick up once cooled.
SAM’S TIP: The cakes will most likely still look very pale (see above) even once they’re finished baking. Don’t over-bake or the layers will be dry!
Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!
How to Make Petit Fours
- Bake the cakes as instructed, let them cool, and them cut into thirds.
- Working with the first cake, spread two of the slices with a thin layer of filling (or fillings!).
- Stack the layers and top with the final plain cake layer.
- Cut the cake into 1½” squares and place onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet
- Repeat with the other cake, then cover with plastic and freeze while you prepare the icing.
SAM’S TIP: Before cutting into the cakes, gently but firmly press your hands over the surface to squeeze out any extra filling so that your layers don’t slide! You can cut the petit fours into shapes with a large knife or with small cookie cutters. I used a 1 ½″ square cookie cutter for uniform cakes (see above).
- Combine the butter, heavy cream, and light corn syrup in a double boiler until melted.
- Stir in the vanilla, then gradually add the powdered sugar and stir until the frosting reaches the proper consistency.
- Coat the frozen cakes with icing and let them firm up before decorating with additional icing or enjoying.
SAM’S TIP: You can make this icing in the microwave or on a double boiler. I highly recommend a double boiler for best results; it keeps the icing fluid and allows you to easily adjust the consistency as needed. If you use the microwave, you will frequently have to reheat your icing to keep the proper consistency.
After the icing dries completely, you can decorate your petit fours using my royal icing recipe, as I did here. I modeled the decorations here after my funfetti cake and used several small open star tips to decorate. This is completely optional, but don’t they look pretty!?
Frequently Asked Questions
Petit fours should be stored in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for two days or refrigerated for up to a week. They may also be frozen for two to three months.
While I love the combination I’m using today, you can certainly get creative with your petit four fillings. Here are a few other great options:
Salted caramel sauce (cool before using!)
Chocolate ganache (cool to a thicker, spreadable consistency before using!)
Nutella
Peanut butter frosting
Cream cheese frosting
Yes. I recommend a gel food coloring; a little goes a long way, and it doesn’t flavor the icing like many liquid dyes do.
While my recipe is more simple than most, I still recommend you watch the video in the recipe card before beginning.
Enjoy!
Let’s bake together! I’ll be walking you through all the steps in my written recipe and video below! If you try this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram, and you can also find me on YouTube and Facebook
Petit Fours (easy step-by-step recipe!)
Ingredients
FILLINGS
- 1 batch lemon curd (click the link for the recipe) or 1 cup of your preferred filling
- 1 batch raspberry cake filling (click the link for the recipe) or 1 cup of your preferred filling
CAKE
- ⅔ cup (150 g) unsalted butter softened
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
PETIT FOUR ICING
- 15 Tablespoons (221 g) unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 ½ Tablespoons (22 ml) heavy cream
- 6 Tablespoons (88 ml) light corn syrup
- ⅛ heaping teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 ¾ cup (600 g) powdered sugar
- Gel food coloring optional, only if desired
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- I strongly recommend you read through the post and watch the video before beginning. It will help you, especially when it comes to icing the petit fours as flawlessly as possible!
- If making fillings listed from scratch, prepare these in advance of beginning the recipe.1 batch lemon curd, 1 batch raspberry cake filling
CAKE
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease and flour or spray with baking spray two 10×15” jelly roll pans (if you only have one, you can bake one cake at a time, just let the pan cool completely before washing it and re-using).
- Combine butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until creamy, well-combined and lightened in color.⅔ cup (150 g) unsalted butter, 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- Add eggs, one at a time, stirring wella after each addition (about 10 seconds on medium speed after each egg).4 large eggs
- Stir in vanilla extract. Mixture should be very smooth, light, and creamy when finished mixing. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl periodically to make sure all ingredients are well-combined.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.2 cups (250 g) all purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder
- With mixer on low-speed, alternate adding flour and milk to the butter mixture until ingredients are completely combined (scrape sides and bottom of the bowl as needed).¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- Divide batter evenly into prepared jelly roll pans and spread so the layers are even and smooth. Transfer to 350F (175C) oven to bake for 12-13 minutes (if baking one layer at a time) or 15 minutes (if baking both at the same time) or until baked through and cake springs back when lightly touched. Cake may still appear very pale even when baked completely through, don’t over-bake or it will be dry.
- Allow cakes to cool completely then, working with one cake at a time, cut first cake into three even pieces, each just under 5” wide.
- Transfer each piece to a clean surface. Evenly spread lemon curd or filling of choice on one third and raspberry cake filling or filling of choice on another. Leave the last third plain, this will be your top layer,
- Stack the cake thirds with the plain layer on top and gently press down all over wit your palms to gently squeeze out any excess filling. Using a 1 ½” round or square cookie cutter (or use a sharp knife to cut into even 1 ½” squares) firmly press down to cut out square and transfer to a wax paper lined baking sheet. Repeat until you have cut out as many cakes as possible. Set aside and repeat with remaining cake.
- Cover petit four cakes with plastic wrap and place in the freezer while you prepare icing.
ICING
- Heat about 2-3” of water over medium-low heat in a medium-sized saucepan and bring to a simmer. In a medium or large heat-proof bowl that fits snuggly over your saucepan without touching the water, combine butter, heavy cream and light corn syrup. Stir frequently over simmering water until melted.15 Tablespoons (221 g) unsalted butter, 1 ½ Tablespoons (22 ml) heavy cream, 6 Tablespoons (88 ml) light corn syrup
- Add salt and vanilla extract, then gradually add sugar until combined and mixture is smooth. Test the consistency of the icing by lifting your spoon out of it. If it drizzles smoothly back into the bowl and holds its shape for a second before dissolving into the bowl of icing, it’s perfect. If it’s too stiff, add a splash more cream as needed. Stir in any food coloring here, if desired.1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract, 4 ¾ cup (600 g) powdered sugar, Gel food coloring, ⅛ heaping teaspoon salt
- Remove petit fours from the freezer and place on on a large fork over the bowl of icing (so that any drips fall back in the bowl to be re-used). Using a spoon, spoon icing over the petit four until it is completely covered. Use your first petit four as a gauge for testing how smoothly the icing covers and adjust as needed. Return cakes to the baking sheet, and repeat with remaining cakes until all are covered.
- Allow to cool completely for icing to harden before enjoying (this can be done at room temperature or in the refrigerator). If desired, after cooling completely decorate with royal icing.
Notes
Video Note
After making the recipe as shown in the video a few times I decided to scale up the frosting by 50%. The recipe written here is the same as shown, just scaled up to give you more to play with.Storing
Petit Fours will keep stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerated for up to a week, or frozen for 2-3 months.Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Suzzette
I have watched your video on these beautiful petite fours at least 8 times, because I want to get it right. I am making them tonight and will freeze half for Thanksgiving dinner.
I’ve made many of your recipes, cream puffs, cookies, cakes, etc. And I am always happy with the outcome. Thank you for this one as well.
Sam
I hope you love these just as much! 🙂
EM
I have had many a petit four disaster and am willing to try again. The fork and dipping methods have never worked for me. Is the icing thin enough to spoon over the cakes? Also, I am concerned about letting lemon curd be at room temp for 3 days, am I missing something?
Sam
The frosting is thin enough to spread over the top with a spoon. I have never had an issue with the curd being out for a few days, but if you have concerns it certainly won’t hurt to keep them refrigerated, just make sure they are in an air tight container. 🙂
Stefan
Any metric measurements for the icing… butter, cream, syrup in grams or ml?
Sam
I’ve just added them, if you refresh the page you should see it now. I hope that helps!
VM
Perfect recipe!!!! First attempt at petit fours using another recipe and icing didn’t set properly..second attempt using your recipe…success!! And tasted so much better! Thank you!!
Sam
I’m so glad you enjoyed them so much! 🙂
VM
People thought they were from a bakery!! I chuckled when I saw that you are also the creator of “the worst chocolate chip Cookie” recipe!! I had searched for years for the perfect CC cookie…stumbled across your recipe couple years ago….and it’s the only one I will ever use! You are THE BEST!!!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
😆 That’s great! Thanks for using our recipes; we’re so happy you’re such a fan ❤️
Meredith Allen
I am going to try these but sub the vanilla extract for almond extract since I love the flavor. Thanks for sharing!!
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Sounds yummy! Just make sure to use less than what is listed; almond extract is more potent 🙂
Heather
Hi, I’m new to baking! Is there such thing as chocolate petit fours? If so will the white frosting be too translucent to cover them?
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Heather! You could make a chocolate version by adding some cocoa powder and reducing some flour. Without having tried it ourselves we wouldn’t be able to tell you exactly how to do it though. And yes the frosting does tend to be translucent, so it would likely show the cake–but it would still taste fantastic! Enjoy 🙂
Valerie
I’m looking forward to trying this. I’ve tried to make petit fours twice in my life and struggled with too-soft, too crumbly cake both times.
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
You’re going to love these, Valerie! ❤
Ann
Hi Sam – will a 3/4″ deep jelly roll pan be alright? Or should it be 1″ deep?
Sam
Hi Ann! As long as the batter doesn’t overflow the pan you should be fine. 🙂
Katie Thomas
I’m sorry if this question was already posted, but if someone, (me) was short on time/money, could this recipe be made in anything other than a jelly roll pan? For example, I have a 9”X13” baking pan, a 9”X13” glass baking dish and 5 sheet pans that range in many sizes. I would greatly appreciate any feedback, thank you!!!
Sam
Hi Katie! You could make them in a different pan, but you may want to do it in several batches. You don’t really want the layers to be too thick here. 🙂
Renee Pearman
I’m contemplating making these for a Mother’s Day Tea but using a jelly roll pan, how many can I expect to get from each pan? I’m thinking the scraps can go into a sherbet glass with whipped cream for my family.
Sam
Hi Renee! This recipe will yield about 32 petit fours. 🙂
Kelly Cihal
I ended up with extra icing what’s the best way to store it for a few days until I can make more cake?
Sam
Hi Kelly! I haven’t tried storing this frosting. I would be worried it would stiffen up from the butter cooling back down. You could try storing it and potentially reheating it a little bit.
Alice
I used your recipes to make my first petit fours, and they were delicious. They looked good, too, until I glazed them. That didn’t go as planned, but it was mostly due to my inexperience and I’m sure I’ll do better with more practice. I’d like to make a chocolate version of the cream cheese pound cake for chocolate petit fours. Do you know how I could do that? Thanks!
Marika Zoetemelk
Going to try this for a tea party. I want to make them lavender and lemon. Going to only use lemon curd for the filling. If I put lavender extract instead of the vanilla in the cake, would that work? Or would you suggest both lavender and vanilla extract?
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Sounds lovely, Marika! We’d recommend using both and being very sparing with the lavender extract, as it can be potent. Enjoy!
Denise Trupe
I made these last night and they do taste yummy although using a smaller jelly roll pan they ended up more like a rectangle when I cut. They didn’t slide off when building, but when I glazed them, the raspberry showed through a bit and that’s when they seemed to slide more. Maybe because they were rectangle instead of square? Does that make them more stable?
Sam
O no! I’m so sorry this happened, Denise! If you didn’t cut the ratios you may have had a little too much raspberry filling that could cause the layers to slide. The shape of them shouldn’t really matter. I hope this helps. 🙂
Sharon
I made these and they turned out great. I’m going to freeze them for about 2 weeks. If they are in a plastic airtight container, do they need also to be wrapped in cling film?
Sam
Hi Sharon! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. I recommend still wrapping in cling film because it seems to help prevent frost developing on them. Thaw overnight in the fridge without unwrapping and unwrap once thawed. I hope that helps! 🙂
Reyna
Hello, can you use a cookie sheet pan instead of jelly roll pan
Emily @ Sugar Spun Run
Hi Reyna! That should be fine, as long as it has sides 🙂
Neomie
Oh em geeeee!!!! I am a Pastry chef at a catering company that had a petit four orders i used one recipe in a fancy book I have but it was a hot hot mess. This week I had another petit fours order, I googled and landed on your post. I bow down to you and both of these amazing recipes!!! They are just so great and delicious and stable and eassssy!!! Thank you!!! ♡♡♡
Sam
Thank you so much, Neomie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much and it was so easy for you! 🙂
Nidhi
They look so pretty and I want to try them- but I was just wondering how many tablespoons of butter is 2/3 of a cup?
Thanks,
Nidhi
Sam
Hi Nidhi! 2/3 cup will be just short of 11 tablespoons. It’s actually about 10.6 TBSP. 🙂
Alice
Regarding my comment/question yesterday asking about making the cake chocolate, I reduced the flour by 2 tablespoons and added a quarter cup of cocoa powder. It worked great!
Sam
I’m glad they turned out for you! 🙂