Financiers, those delightful mini French almond cakes, are the perfect treat for anyone who loves a little sweetness in their life! With their rich, buttery flavor and subtly nutty taste, these cakes have been gaining popularity, especially among baking enthusiasts and those looking for easy, elegant desserts. They’re incredibly light, moist, and oh-so-simple to whip up at home. Plus, you can enjoy them with tea, as a snack, or even for breakfast if you’re feeling indulgent!
What Goes Into These Financiers
- 150 g Unsalted Butter (about 10.5 tablespoons)
- 25 g Plain / All-Purpose Flour (about 2 tablespoons)
- 125 g Almond Meal (about 1.25 cups)
- 100 g Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar (about 1 cup)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 5 Egg Whites (about 150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
- Flaked Almonds (optional, to taste)
How to Make Financiers
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease a Financier pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low to medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. This is your brown butter!
- In a bowl, sift together the plain flour, almond meal, icing sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until they’re bubbly but not stiff.
- Mix the bubbly egg whites with the dry ingredients and then add your brown butter and, if you’d like, the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill the greased Financier pan, leaving a little room for rising. If desired, top with flaked almonds.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the Financiers cool a bit before removing them from the pan.
Why This Financier Recipe Is So Popular Right Now
Recently, Financiers have been making waves on social media and among home bakers for their simplicity and great taste. They’re perfect for those looking for quick yet impressive desserts that are not overly sweet. Plus, with the rise of gluten-free baking, the almond meal provides a wonderful nutty flavor while keeping things light and fluffy. They’re a delightful treat that’s versatile enough to pair with coffee, tea, or even on their own.
How to Serve Financiers
Financiers are perfect for any occasion! You can serve them as a delightful breakfast alongside coffee, offer them as a sweet snack during the day, or present them as a light dessert after dinner. They pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a scoop of ice cream if you’re looking to get fancy. Dusting them with a little extra icing sugar before serving adds a nice touch, too!
Expert Tips for Financiers
- Storage: Keep your Financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for about a week.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to add different flavorings like almond extract or a splash of orange zest for a twist!
- Serving Tip: Warm them slightly before serving for an extra soft and inviting texture.
- Nut Alternatives: Swap in other nut flours, like hazelnut or pecan, for a unique flavor profile.
Financiers FAQs
What is the origin of Financiers?
Financiers originated in France, and they got their name because their shape resembles bars of gold, which made them popular with bankers.
Can I freeze Financiers?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re in an airtight container, and they’ll last up to a month in the freezer.
How do I know when they are done baking?
They should be golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
How do I make the batter without a piping bag?
You can easily use a spoon to scoop the batter into the molds; just be careful to keep them neatly filled.
Give this Financiers recipe a try, and enjoy this tasty little piece of French pastry right at home! You’ll love how easy it is to make these delightful almond cakes.
Financiers
Financiers are delightful mini French almond cakes with a rich, buttery flavor and subtly nutty taste, perfect for tea time or as a sweet snack.
Main Ingredients
- 150 g Unsalted Butter (Melted into brown butter)
- 25 g Plain / All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
- 125 g Almond Meal (Provides nutty flavor)
- 100 g Icing Sugar / Powdered Sugar (Sifted)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 5 Egg Whites about 150 grams (Whisked until bubbly)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Optional)
- to taste Flaked Almonds Optional (For topping)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and grease a Financier pan.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring until it turns golden brown.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, almond meal, icing sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until bubbly but not stiff.
- Mix the bubbly egg whites with the dry ingredients, then add the brown butter and vanilla extract.
- Fill the greased Financier pan with batter, leaving room for rising, and top with flaked almonds if desired.
Baking
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the Financiers cool before removing them from the pan.
Store Financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen for up to a month.
