Financier

Financiers are delicate French almond cakes that I love baking when I want something small, refined, and irresistibly buttery. With a golden crisp exterior and a soft, nutty interior, these little cakes are perfect with coffee or tea. Their simplicity and elegance make them one of my favorite French pastries to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how quick and easy financiers are to make, yet they taste sophisticated. The almond flour gives them a lovely flavor and texture, while the browned butter adds depth and richness. I also enjoy how versatile they are I can keep them classic or add fruit, chocolate, or other toppings.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
1/2 cup (60 g) almond flour
2 tablespoons (20 g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1/3 cup (76 g) unsalted butter
1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure almond extract
3 egg whites
2 tablespoons (9 g) sliced almonds

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a financier or muffin pan.
2. In a bowl, I whisk together the powdered sugar, almond flour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt.
3. In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. I remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
4. I whisk the egg whites until frothy but not stiff, then stir them into the dry ingredients.
5. I add the almond extract and browned butter, mixing until smooth.
6. I spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
7. I sprinkle the tops with sliced almonds.
8. I bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown around the edges and spring back when lightly touched.
9. I let them cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 financiers, depending on the size of the molds. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 12–15 minutes to bake, so I can have them ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add fresh raspberries or blueberries on top before baking for a fruity twist. I’ve also tried dipping cooled financiers in melted chocolate for an indulgent version. A dash of vanilla extract or citrus zest can also change up the flavor beautifully.

Storage/Reheating

I store financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well once cooled, I wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, I warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes to bring back their freshness.

FAQs

Can I make financiers without almond flour?

I can substitute hazelnut flour, but almond flour gives the traditional flavor.

Do I need special financier molds?

No, I sometimes use a muffin pan if I don’t have the rectangular molds.

Can I use whole eggs instead of just whites?

I stick to egg whites, as they keep the texture light and delicate.

Why is browned butter important?

It adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that makes financiers extra flavorful.

Can I make financiers gluten-free?

Yes, I replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

How do I know when financiers are done?

They should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

Yes, but reducing too much may affect the texture and browning.

Can I flavor financiers differently?

Yes, I sometimes use vanilla, citrus zest, or even a splash of liqueur.

Can I make financiers ahead of time?

Yes, they stay fresh for a couple of days and can also be frozen.

What do financiers pair best with?

I enjoy them with coffee, tea, or even a glass of dessert wine.

Conclusion

Financiers are one of my favorite little French cakes because they’re simple, elegant, and full of flavor. I love their nutty richness and tender crumb, and I appreciate how quickly they come together. Whether I enjoy them plain, with fruit, or dipped in chocolate, financiers always feel like a special treat.

Print