Financiers (French Almond Tea Cakes) Recipe

I crafted these golden Financiers using nutty browned butter and almond meal for a tender bite to savor. Their delicate balance instantly triggered my memory of French Afternoon Tea Ideas, merging tradition with innovation. I invite you to discover this treat that celebrates both simplicity and sophistication in every morsel.

I’ve been working on a Financier recipe that is a real game changer for tea times. This Financier treats you to a delicate blend of flavors thanks to everything from 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned to bring out its nutty flavor, along with 1/2 cup almond meal and 1/2 cup all purpose flour.

I mixed in 1 cup powdered sugar, 4 large egg whites, and a pinch of salt with a dash of vanilla extract and it produced a super light, perfectly moist cake. I love how these little French cakes can be paired with any tea concept or even reinvented as trendy baked goods for a modern twist on the classic Financier cookie recipe.

It’s amazing how a simple change can take your baking to that next level of brilliance. I definitely encourage you to try it and add your own twist!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for a few reasons. First, the browned butter gives it a deep, nutty flavor thats seriously amazing. There’s something so comforting about that rich butter taste that reminds me of homey desserts.

Also, it’s super easy to whip up. I like that I can throw it together in no time, which is perfect if I need a quick treat either for a morning snack or a relaxed tea time.

Another thing is how versatile it is. I love that this recipe can be a base for my own twists – sometimes I toss in a bit of chocolate or even some pistachios to mix things up. It never gets boring!

And lastly, the light, moist texture of these cakes makes them just right alongside a cup of tea. They’re not overly sweet, and they leave me wanting to experiment more with new flavor combos every time I make them.

Ingredients

• Browned unsalted butter adds rich, nutty flavor and healthy fats to the batter.
• Almond meal offers protein, fiber, and moist texture while boosting nutritional value.
• All purpose flour gives structure with a mild dose of carbohydrates for rise.
• Powdered sugar sweetens the cake and provides a lovely, delicate finish.
• Egg whites contribute protein and create an airy, light texture throughout.
• A pinch of salt intensifies flavor and balances the sweet and nutty notes.
• Vanilla extract deepens the taste with a subtle, warm aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned to bring out its nutty flavour
• 1/2 cup almond meal (finely ground almonds)
• 1/2 cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your financier pans.

2. Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat, swirling it until it turns a nice brown and smells nutty. Keep an eye on it so it doesnt burn then set it aside to cool a little.

3. In a large bowl, sift together the almond meal, all purpose flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt to make sure there are no lumps.

4. Add the egg whites and vanilla extract (if using) into the dry ingredients. Stir them in gently until just combined.

5. Once the browned butter has cooled down a bit, pour it into the batter and fold it in slowly so you dont lose too much air.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, filling each mold about 80 to 90 percent full so theres room to rise.

7. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes until the edges start gettin golden brown.

8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them sit in the pan for a few minutes to firm up a bit.

9. Transfer the financiers to a cooling rack, let them cool completely and then serve ’em with your favorite tea.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 375°F)
2. Financier pans (or similar molds)
3. Small saucepan for browning butter
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Sifter (or fine-mesh sieve)
6. Measuring cups and spoons
7. Whisk or spatula for stirring and folding
8. Spoon for portioning batter
9. Cooling rack

FAQ

Financiers (French Almond Tea Cakes) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter – You can use salted butter but reduce the extra salt added to the recipe
• Almond meal – Use almond flour or even finely ground cashews if you’re in a pinch
• All purpose flour – Try substituting with cake flour for a lighter texture
• Powdered sugar – If you dont have it, you could blitz granulated sugar in a blender until powdery (may need to sift)
• Egg whites – Aquafaba from canned chickpeas works as a vegan option that’s pretty cool

Pro Tips

1. When browning the butter, always keep a close eye on it cause it goes from perfect to burnt real quick so its a good idea to lower the heat if you see it getting too dark.
2. Make sure you sift all your dry ingredients really well so there arent any lumps, this helps keep the texture light and smooth instead of ending up with weird clumps.
3. Be super gentle when folding in the cooled butter and egg whites because if you mix too hard you can lose that extra air you need for a fluffy finish.
4. Let your baked goods sit in the pan for a few minutes after you pull them out of the oven before transferring them to a rack this helps them firm up and makes them easier to remove without breaking.