Desserts - Cakes & Pastries

Classic French Financiers

Name: Classic French Financiers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 100 g Unsalted butter; 90 g Almond flour; 90 g Granulated sugar; 30 g All-purpose flour; 4 Large egg whites; 1 Pinch of salt; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 Optional: Sliced almonds or berries for garnish

33 min12 servingsEasy180 cal

Financiers are small, moist French almond cakes, characterized by their rich, nutty flavor and delicate, slightly chewy texture. Often baked in distinctive rectangular molds, they are a beloved tea-time pastry, simple yet elegantly satisfying. Originating in 19th-century France, Financiers were reputedly created by a pastry chef in the financial district of Paris, near the Bourse. Their name, rumored to be inspired by their gold-bar-like shape, and the use of egg whites (which bakers often had leftover from making other pastries like macarons) are said to have appealed to the wealthy financiers of the area.

dessertFrench pastryCakealmond caketea cake

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly butter and flour 12 financier molds or a standard muffin tin. Tap out any excess flour.
2
In a small, light-colored saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it turns a rich golden brown and emits a nutty aroma (this is called 'beurre noisette'). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3
In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt until well combined and lump-free.
4
Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix the batter.
5
Gradually pour the slightly cooled brown butter (leaving any dark sediment at the bottom of the saucepan) into the batter, whisking continuously until it is fully incorporated and the batter is homogeneous.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared financier molds, filling each about two-thirds full. If desired, top each financier with a few sliced almonds or a small fresh berry.
7
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of a financier comes out clean.
8
Let the financiers cool in the molds for a few minutes before gently demolding them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Chef's Tips

•Storage: Financiers are best enjoyed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer preservation.
•Substitutions: Experiment with other nut flours like hazelnut or pistachio. For a different flavor, replace vanilla extract with orange blossom water or a touch of lemon zest.
•Fun Fact: The distinct nutty flavor of Financiers comes from 'beurre noisette' (brown butter), which adds incredible depth without being overtly buttery.
•For extra crisp edges, chill the batter for at least 30 minutes before baking.