Roasted Hazelnut Financiers Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because the nutty goodness of browned butter and hazelnuts brings such a gourmet twist to a simple treat, making every bite feel like an indulgent experience. Plus, there’s something so gratifying about whipping up these little French delights in my kitchen; they make me feel like a sophisticated home baker!

I adore the way Roasted Hazelnut Financiers ensnare the essence of indulgent nuttiness with every mouthful. My formulation takes the unfathomable depth of browned butter and ground hazelnuts and pairs it with the weightlessness of whipped egg whites.

I think the toasted chopped hazelnuts add an amazing texture, while the almost imperceptible levels of vanilla and almond extracts take the flavor to a surreal place.

Ingredients

Provides structure; source of carbohydrates: All-purpose flour.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens; adds smooth texture.

Hazelnuts ground: Flavor that is nutty; good source of healthy fat.

Egg whites: Contributes protein; establishes light texture.

Butter (unsalted): Adds moisture and richness; its browning infuses the cake with nutty notes.

Improves sweetness; contributes scent.

Vanilla extracts and flavorings are used to perform the function commonly associated with vanilla.

Because vanilla is an expensive ingredient, many flavorings and extracts do not contain any vanilla at all.

Instead, they are made from substances that can legally be labeled as “vanillin.

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Almond extract: Boosts the flavors that are already present in nuts.

Hazelnuts, in their entirety: A delightful crispness; delivery of essential vitamins and minerals.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (30g) ground hazelnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites
• 1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, melted and browned
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/3 cup (about 50g) whole hazelnuts, toasted and chopped

Instructions

1. The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C), and either a financier mold or muffin tin should be greased.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the following:

– all-purpose flour,
– powdered sugar,
– ground hazelnuts,
– and salt,

by whisking them together until they are well mixed.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are frothy but not stiff, then add them to the dry ingredients.

4. Into the mixture, pour the melted and browned butter, making sure to get every bit of the flavorful brown stuff at the bottom of the pan.

5. Incorporate the vanilla and almond extracts into the batter, using gentle strokes to blend the ingredients until they are combined and the mixture has a smooth, uniform consistency.

6. Incorporate the toasted and chopped whole hazelnuts, folding them into the batter until they’re evenly spread throughout.

7. Pour the mixture into the prepared mold or muffin tin compartments, filling each about three-quarters full.

8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the financiers are golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.

9. Take out of the oven and allow to cool in the mold for a few moments before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

10. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor of financiers served warm or at room temperature.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Financier mold or muffin tin
3. Cooking spray or butter for greasing
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Separate bowl
7. Small saucepan
8. Spoon or spatula for mixing
9. Wire rack

FAQ

• What can I use if I don’t have ground hazelnuts?Ground hazelnuts can be replaced with almond meal or finely ground almonds.
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?Indeed, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend formulated for baking.
• Do I need to brown the butter?The nutty, caramelized flavor of browned butter takes the financiers to another level of taste! Regular melted butter may also be used if that’s your preference.
• How do I toast the hazelnuts?Arrange the hazelnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Stir them occasionally, and when they are done, make sure they are toasty (around medium). No one wants burned hazelnuts, and if you stop short of toasting them when they are this color, you won’t get the proper nutty flavor in your spread.
• What is the best way to store these financiers?An airtight container kept at room temperature will safely hold the financiers for 4 days and no more. To keep them around longer, freeze them and bring them back by thawing at room temperature.
• Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?Whole eggs will change the texture and density; therefore, it is recommended to use only egg whites for the optimal outcome.
• What can I do if I don’t have a financier mold?Instead of using financier molds, you can use mini muffin tins to achieve a similar shape and size for financiers.

Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour: Substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free option or whole wheat flour for a hearty, fiber-rich alternative.
Confectioner’s sugar: Replace with an equal amount of granulated sugar, though the outcome will be slightly different in texture.
Hazelnuts, when ground: Employ ground almonds or ground walnuts in their place.
Butter, unsalted: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free alternative.
Vanilla extract: Use how you like. If you’re going to use a substitute, do use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Pro Tips

1. Brown Butter Perfection Take your time when browning the butter to avoid burning it. Use medium heat and watch closely for when the butter turns a golden brown with a nutty aroma. This will enhance the flavor of the financiers significantly.

2. Egg Whites Technique When whisking the egg whites, aim for a frothy, light consistency to help the financiers achieve a delicate texture. Be careful not to over-whisk them into stiff peaks.

3. Toast and Grind Hazelnuts Fresh For the best flavor, toast whole hazelnuts yourself before grinding. This amplifies their nutty flavor and makes the financiers more aromatic.

4. Chill the Batter Letting the batter rest in the fridge for at least an hour before baking can improve the financiers’ texture, creating a tender crumb and more pronounced dome during baking.

5. Uniform Size To ensure even baking, fill the molds or muffin tins consistently to maintain a uniform size. Using an ice cream scoop or a piping bag can help with precise pouring.