Delicious Homemade Financier: A Classic French Almond Cake Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 cup all-purpose flour
1.5 cups almond flour
1.5 cups powdered sugar
5 large egg whites
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a financier mold or mini muffin tin.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook until the butter turns brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Once browned, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg whites, mixing until just combined.
Slowly pour in the cooled brown butter and vanilla extract. Stir until the batter is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Spoon the batter into the prepared financier molds or mini muffin tin, filling each cavity 3/4 full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the financiers to cool in the mold for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Financier mold or mini muffin tin - A specialized mold or tin used to shape the financiers. The mold should have small, rectangular cavities.
Small saucepan - Used to melt and brown the butter.
Large bowl - To mix the dry ingredients and combine the batter.
Separate bowl - Used to beat the egg whites before adding them to the batter.
Spoon or spatula - To spoon the batter into the financier molds or mini muffin tin.
Wire rack - Used to cool the financiers after baking.
Toothpick - To test the doneness of the financiers by inserting it into the center.
Grease and flour - To prepare the financier mold or mini muffin tin for baking, preventing sticking.

Recipe variations

Replace almond flour with hazelnut flour for a different nutty flavor.
Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
Swap the vanilla extract with almond extract for a more pronounced almond flavor.
Add a handful of fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, to the batter before baking.
Create a chocolate version by adding 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and folding in chocolate chips.
For a savory variation, omit the powdered sugar and add herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil along with grated Parmesan cheese to the batter.
Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
For a vegan option, replace the butter with melted coconut oil and the egg whites with aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas).

Recipe overview

This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you to make delicious and traditional French Financiers. These small, almond-flour based cakes are delightfully crispy on the outside and tenderly moist on the inside. Made with browned butter, giving them a distinct, nutty flavor, they are perfect for a sweet treat alongside your afternoon tea or coffee. Expect to spend a little time browning your butter to achieve that rich, nutty flavor that makes these cakes stand out. Once you've mastered it, you'll be rewarded with a batch of sophisticated, golden cakes that will impress your friends and satisfy your sweet tooth. The process is simple, the ingredient list is short, and the end result is absolutely delightful. Happy baking!

Common questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It is recommended to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the saltiness of the financiers. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half.
Can I substitute almond flour with another type of flour?
Almond flour is a key ingredient in financiers and provides their distinct flavor and texture. It is not recommended to substitute it with another type of flour. However, if you have an allergy or preference, you can try using hazelnut flour or a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for baking.
Can I make financiers without a specific mold?
While financiers are traditionally baked in a specially shaped financier mold, you can use a mini muffin tin as a substitute. The shape may differ slightly, but the result will still be delicious.
How do I know when the financiers are done baking?
The financiers should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly. Overbaking may result in dry financiers.
Can I add additional flavors or toppings to the financiers?
Absolutely! Financiers can be customized with various flavors and toppings. You can add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor. You can also top them with sliced almonds, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate after baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Financier Mold - A specialty mold used to shape the financiers into their signature rectangular shape.
Mini Muffin Tin - An alternative to the financier mold, allowing you to make smaller, bite-sized financiers.
Wire Rack - Used to cool the financiers evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Saucepan - To melt and brown the butter for the financiers.
Mixing Bowls - One for combining dry ingredients and another for beating the egg whites.
Spoon - To spoon the batter into the financier mold or mini muffin tin.
Toothpick - Used to check if the financiers are fully baked by inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.
Oven - To bake the financiers to perfection.
Grease and Flour - To prepare the mold or tin so the financiers don't stick.

Origin stories

Financiers are a classic French pastry, believed to have originated in the late 19th century among the high-end pastry shops in Paris. Their name, which means "banker," is said to derive from their traditional rectangular shape, which resembled a bar of gold. A Parisian baker named Lasne is credited with their invention. His bakery was situated near the Bourse, the financial center of Paris, and was frequented by wealthy financiers. Lasne realized that a small cake that could be eaten without utensils would appeal to his busy customers, and so the financier was born. It's a delightful symbol of French culinary pragmatism meeting luxury, wrapped up in a tasty, buttery package.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.