Easy Homemade Financiers: Traditional French Mini Almond Cakes Recipe

Discover the magic of financiers – petite French almond cakes that boast a crisp exterior and a tender, moist interior. These delightful treats are infused with the rich flavors of brown butter and toasted almonds, creating a heavenly taste experience.

If you’ve ever been disappointed by dry, lackluster cakes, prepare to have your faith restored. Financiers are a game-changer in the world of desserts. Unlike traditional cakes that can often be forgettable, these little wonders pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.

Originating from the bustling financial district of Paris in the late 1800s, financiers got their name and rectangular shape from their resemblance to gold bars. A clever baker named Lasne created these treats to appeal to the stockbrokers frequenting his shop. Little did he know that his creation would become a beloved classic in French patisserie.

Don’t let their fancy name fool you – financiers are surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of basic ingredients like egg whites, butter, almonds, flour, sugar, and salt, you can whip up these sophisticated treats in your own kitchen. The secret lies in the technique and the quality of ingredients.

In this recipe, we’ve made some tweaks to enhance the flavor and texture. By using ground toasted almonds instead of almond flour, we’ve added depth and complexity to the taste. The batter is also chilled before baking, a step that results in a more tender and flavorful cake.

While traditionally baked in rectangular molds, don’t worry if you don’t have specialized equipment. A mini muffin pan works perfectly, creating bite-sized morsels of pure bliss. These versatile cakes are delightful on their own, but can also be dressed up with a glaze or a dip in melted chocolate for special occasions.

So, whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, give these financiers a try. They’re proof that sometimes the best things come in small packages!

Irresistible French Financiers (Mini Almond Cakes)

Ingredients

• 5.3 ounces unsalted butter (about 10 tablespoons; 150g)
• 3.5 ounces toasted blanched sliced almonds (about 1 cup; 100g)
• 2.1 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1/2 cup; 60g)
• 6.3 ounces (1 1/2 cups; 180g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use half as much by volume
• 4 large egg whites (120g), lightly beaten
• Raw sliced almonds, for decorating

Directions

1. Begin by preparing the brown butter. In a 2-quart stainless steel saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Increase to medium and simmer, stirring constantly. As the butter foams and pops, keep stirring until it turns golden yellow with chestnut brown milk solids, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small heatproof bowl and set aside.
2. Create the almond-flour mixture by pulsing toasted almonds and flour in a blender or food processor for about 30 seconds, until you have fine, sandy crumbs. In a large bowl, combine this mixture with sugar and salt, whisking thoroughly. Add egg whites and whisk until smooth, then incorporate the brown butter in two stages, whisking after each addition. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 1 day.
3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the middle position. Grease a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin pan. Using a 1-tablespoon scoop, fill each cup with batter. Sprinkle raw sliced almonds over the top. Bake until the financiers are puffed, light golden in the center, and deeper golden at the edges, about 12 minutes.
4. Let the financiers cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Gently remove them using a butter knife or small offset spatula. Enjoy these delightful treats slightly warm or at room temperature.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Prepare the batter up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best taste and texture, enjoy your financiers on the day they’re baked.