Financiers are small, moist French tea cakes made with browned butter, almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Their crisp edges and chewy, nutty centers come from the beurre noisette (hazelnut butter) and the high proportion of egg whites, which gives them a dense, tender crumb. This base recipe is endlessly adaptable, so you can create a variety of flavors with simple swaps and additions.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, plus more for the pan
- 1 cup (100 g) almond flour
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large egg whites (about 120 g), at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-cavity financier mold or a mini muffin tin.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a deep golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt.
- Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; the batter will be thick.
- Pour the browned butter into the batter, including the browned bits at the bottom of the pan. Stir until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared mold, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
- Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Brown the butter properly: Watch it closely—it goes from golden to burnt quickly. The butter should smell nutty and have a deep amber color with brown specks at the bottom.
- Room-temperature egg whites: Cold egg whites can make the batter lumpy. Let them sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until the batter is smooth; overmixing can make the cakes tough.
- Substitute almond flour: If you don’t have almond flour, you can grind blanched almonds in a food processor until fine, but avoid over-processing into a paste.
Serving Suggestions
Financiers are best served slightly warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee. For a dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche and fresh berries. They also make an elegant addition to a brunch spread or a picnic basket.
Variations
- Chocolate Financiers: Replace 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder. Fold in 1/3 cup (60 g) dark chocolate chips.
- Citrus Financiers: Add 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients. You can also substitute the vanilla with 1 teaspoon of citrus extract.
- Berry Financiers: Gently fold 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter just before spooning into the mold.
- Matcha Financiers: Whisk 1 tablespoon matcha powder into the dry ingredients. This adds a subtle earthy flavor and a beautiful green color.
- Coconut Financiers: Replace 1/4 cup (25 g) of the almond flour with unsweetened shredded coconut. Toast the coconut lightly before adding for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warm and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted? Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter will still brown well and add a nice flavor.
Why are my financiers flat? Flat financiers usually result from overmixing the batter or using cold egg whites. Make sure to mix gently and bring the egg whites to room temperature.
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, the batter can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
Do I need a special financier mold? No, a mini muffin tin works perfectly. The shape will be rounder, but the texture and taste will be the same.
Can I use liquid egg whites from a carton? Yes, but they may be thinner than fresh egg whites. Use the same weight (120 g) and let them come to room temperature.
Why are my financiers sticking to the pan? Be generous with the butter when greasing the mold. You can also use a non-stick baking spray with flour for extra insurance.
Related
- Friday Night Chicken Fry: Easy Crispy Recipe
- Original Bisquick Dumplings Recipe from the Box
- Hot Alcoholic Drink Recipes for Cold Nights
More recipes to cook
Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).