Financier Recipe

Hey there, fellow foodie! Let me take you on a flavor-packed journey with these toasty, nutty financiers—so easy and delightful, you’ll wonder why you weren’t already addicted to this French classic! Let’s dive into the buttery goodness…

These delicate financiers are a joy to make and an even greater joy to eat. Financiers combine the nutty richness of almond flour with the sweetness of powdered sugar.

That combination really makes this recipe sing. It’s hard not to inhale the buttery aroma that wafts from the oven when these are baking, and once you get a taste of the soft, moist, almost custard-like interior, you’ll be hooked.

Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and a creamy texture; source of fat.
• Almond Flour: Adds nuttiness, gluten-free, high in protein and fiber.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the batter; dissolves easily for smooth texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and support; contains carbohydrates.
• Egg Whites: Lightens texture, adds protein, no fat or cholesterol.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor with a sweet, aromatic note.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Optional: Fresh berries or sliced almonds for topping

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a financier mold or muffin tin generously.

2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it is golden brown and has a nutty smell. Watch it closely to make sure it doesn’t burn. When it’s browned, take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute.

3. In a vast mixing basin, combine the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt. Whisk together until everything is bonded. No more than that. By mixing too much, you could risk bringing any hidden gluten in the all-purpose flour into play.

4. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy but not stiff. For this step, you can use a fork or a whisk.

5. Incorporate the egg whites into the dry ingredients; add them and mix gently until the egg whites are just combined.

6. Add the warm brown butter, melted and slightly cooled, to the batter, taking care to include any toasted bits of butter at the bottom of the pan. Stir until fully combined; the batter should be smooth.

7. Mix until the batter is smooth and homogenous after the addition of the vanilla extract.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared mold or loosened tin, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.

9. If you use toppings, softly press a handful of fresh berries or a few slices of almonds onto the surface of each financier.

10. Preheat the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake in this preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven; let cool for a few minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack that is not totally solid (like a wire rack) to cool completely.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Financier mold or muffin tin
3. Small saucepan
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Fork
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Toothpick
10. Cooling rack (wire)

FAQ

• Q: What are financiers?A: Classic French almond cakes called financiers are known for their moistness, their texture, and their rich, nutty flavor.
• Q: Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?A: Yes, you can use almond meal, but it will give you a texture that is slightly coarser than what you would get using almond flour.
• Q: How do I make the butter for this recipe?A: Melt the butter, which should not be salted, over medium heat. Continue cooking until it reaches a golden brown hue and emits a nutty scent. This happens as the milk solids brown and the water evaporates—don’t rush it! It’s a pretty forgiving technique, but if you turn your back on the pan, you may get the aroma but not the nuttiness, and brown butter is all about the nuttiness. So, pay attention.
• Q: Can I add fruits or toppings?A: Yes, fresh berries or sliced almonds can be positioned atop each financier prior to baking to enhance their taste and appearance.
• Q: How should I store the financiers?A: Keep them in a room temp airtight container for up to 3 days, or stash them in the freezer if you want to keep them longer.
• Q: What can I do with the leftover egg yolks?A: Make use of the leftover egg yolks in rich sauces like hollandaise, custards, or ice creams.
• Q: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version?A: You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free, but check that it works well in this recipe for a smooth result.

Financier Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup almond flour: substitute with 1 cup hazelnut flour for a different flavor.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: use the same amount of granulated sugar, but blend it to a finer consistency.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: substitute with 1/2 cup cake flour for a softer texture.
A substitute for 1/4 teaspoon salt could be a pinch of sea salt for something very close in flavor but just different enough to be interesting. This is such a small quantity that virtually any ingredient you throw in will make it a little different from the original.

Pro Tips

1. Brown Butter Perfection When browning the butter, watch it closely and stir frequently to ensure even browning. The nutty aroma is your cue that it’s ready. Strain out any large solids if you prefer a smoother texture in your financiers.

2. Egg Whites at Room Temperature Using room temperature egg whites can help you achieve more volume when beating them. This results in a lighter texture for your financiers.

3. Sifting Dry Ingredients Consider sifting your almond flour, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour together to eliminate any lumps. This will create a smoother batter and more even texture in the final product.

4. Chill the Batter For best results, let the batter rest in the refrigerator for about an hour before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can result in a better rise in the oven.

5. Customize Your Financiers Experiment with flavors by adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. Alternatively, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or cardamom can add a warm, aromatic twist.