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Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

Deliciously moist and nutty mini French almond cakes known as Financiers, featuring rich browned butter and a light almond meal base. These elegant treats are perfect for tea time or a refined dessert, with optional vanilla and flaked almonds for extra flavor and texture.

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Financier Batter

  • 150 gr Unsalted Butter
  • 25 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour
  • 125 gr Almond Meal
  • 100 gr Icing Sugar (or Powdered Sugar)
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 5 Egg Whites (about 150 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)

Topping

  • Flaked Almonds (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Generously grease a financier pan and optionally dust it with flour, tapping out any excess to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Brown Butter: Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Melt it fully and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden and frothy with a nutty aroma. When you see browned specks forming at the bottom, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, almond meal, icing sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  4. Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites just until they become slightly bubbly but not stiff; this helps to aerate the batter without incorporating too much air.
  5. Mix Batter: Add the whisked egg whites to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Then fold in the slightly cooled brown butter and vanilla extract, whisking gently until just combined.
  6. Fill the Pan: Transfer the batter into a piping bag or use a spoon to fill the financier pan cavities. Smooth the tops with a spoon if necessary. Sprinkle flaked almonds on top if using.
  7. Bake the Financiers: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or longer if using different molds like mini loaf pans or muffin trays, until the cakes are lightly golden on top.
  8. Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and let the financiers rest for about 15 minutes before carefully unmolding. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use a proper financier pan for traditional shapes, but muffin or mini loaf pans can be used with adjusted baking times.
  • Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor; do not rush the process to develop the characteristic aroma and color.
  • Lightly whisking egg whites incorporates enough air for a tender crumb without making the batter stiff.
  • Let the financiers cool properly to set texture and enhance flavor before removing from the pan.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/financiers-mini-french-almond-cakes-recipe/