Financiers are delightful little almond cakes, perfect for a sweet treat with coffee or tea. These golden, buttery delights are surprisingly easy to make at home, and I'm excited to share my foolproof recipe with you. Let's bake some delicious Financiers!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is special because it delivers perfectly moist and tender Financiers every time. The use of browned butter, also known as beurre noisette, gives them a rich, nutty flavor that's simply irresistible. Plus, the recipe is adaptable – you can add your favorite nuts, chocolate chips, or even fresh berries to customize them to your liking. The simplicity of the ingredients and straightforward steps make it a perfect baking project for any skill level.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing Financiers:
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (90g) almond flour
- 1 cup (100g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (50g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Butter
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden-brown color and smells nutty. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Add the slightly cooled browned butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Almond Extract
In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until they are slightly frothy. Add the egg whites and almond extract to the batter. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
Step 5: Chill the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the batter to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a financier mold or muffin tin very well with butter. You can also dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Step 7: Fill the Molds
Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 8: Bake the Financiers
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Let the Financiers cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Financiers are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Serve them with a cup of coffee or tea for an elegant afternoon treat. They are also great with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
For presentation, dust the Financiers with powdered sugar just before serving. They make a lovely addition to a dessert platter or as part of a gift basket for friends and family. These almond cakes are perfect for brunch, tea parties, or any special occasion where you want to impress with a sophisticated and delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating
To store, keep your Financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to reheat them, a quick 5-10 seconds in the microwave will bring them back to a warm, enjoyable state. Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes to retain their crisp edges.
Key Details
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 15-18 minutes
- Servings: 12 Financiers
- Equipment: Saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, financier mold or muffin tin
Financiers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup 90g almond flour
- 1 cup 100g powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup 50g all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden-brown color and smells nutty. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it! Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Add the slightly cooled browned butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. The mixture will be thick.
- In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until they are slightly frothy. Add the egg whites and almond extract to the batter. Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the batter to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a financier mold or muffin tin very well with butter. You can also dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the Financiers cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
