I have always been captivated by the charm of French pastries, and among them, financiers hold a special place in my heart. These small, golden almond cakes are delicate yet packed with flavor, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. I first discovered financiers during a quiet afternoon at a local bakery in Paris. Their rich almond aroma, paired with a buttery, tender crumb, immediately won me over. Ever since then, I have recreated them countless times in my kitchen, perfecting the balance of sweetness and nuttiness. Baking these little delights is not just about following a recipe—it’s about embracing the joy of French patisserie at home.

You will love this recipe because it delivers that classic French flavor with minimal effort. The texture is delightfully moist, the taste buttery yet subtly sweet, and the almond essence lingers long after your first bite. Financiers are perfect for breakfast with a cup of tea, an elegant dessert, or a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

What makes these cakes even more appealing is their versatility. You can customize them by adding fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or a dusting of powdered sugar. They can be baked in traditional rectangular molds, mini muffin tins, or even as bite-sized treats for parties. Whether you prefer a simple, classic approach or a more creative variation, financiers adapt beautifully to your baking style.

Financiers are also affordable to make. With basic pantry ingredients such as almond flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and a touch of flour, you can produce a dozen or more golden cakes without breaking the bank. The recipe makes the most of high-quality ingredients without requiring anything extravagant, making it accessible to both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients for Financiers

100g unsalted butter
50g all-purpose flour
100g almond flour
150g powdered sugar
4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

These simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary. By paying attention to technique and ingredient quality, you can achieve financiers that rival those from any French bakery.

How to Prepare Financiers (French Almond Tea Cakes)

Preparing financiers is a delightful process that brings both satisfaction and the wonderful aroma of almonds into your kitchen. The key to success lies in precision, patience, and using quality ingredients. This recipe is designed to be quick and easy while still yielding professional results, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare molds
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven warms, lightly grease your financier molds with butter or line them with parchment paper. Proper preparation ensures the cakes release easily after baking.
Brown the butter
Place 100g of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and allow the butter to melt and begin to bubble. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This browned butter, or beurre noisette, is crucial for the signature flavor of financiers. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 50g all-purpose flour, 100g almond flour, 150g powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Whisk them together until evenly distributed. Using almond flour gives financiers their tender texture and nutty taste.
Whisk the egg whites
Separate 4 egg whites into a clean bowl. Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, lightly beat the egg whites until they are frothy but not stiff. This ensures a light, airy structure in your cakes.
Combine ingredients
Gradually fold the beaten egg whites into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula. Then, slowly incorporate the browned butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the cakes’ delicate texture.
Pour the batter
Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full. This prevents overflow and allows the cakes to rise evenly.
Bake the financiers
Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and mold size.
Cool and serve
Remove the financiers from the oven and allow them to cool in the molds for 5 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, they are ready to enjoy, dust with powdered sugar, or store in an airtight container.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use pre-sifted almond flour to save time and achieve a smoother batter.
Financiers can be made ahead of time and stored in a cool, dry place for several days.
For a special touch, add fresh berries or a small piece of dark chocolate to each mold before baking.

Customizable Variations

Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to enhance the flavor.
Chocolate Lovers: Fold in finely chopped dark chocolate or cocoa powder.
Nutty Upgrade: Replace part of the almond flour with pistachio flour for a unique taste.

Financiers are beloved by many because they are elegant, flavorful, and versatile. Their buttery almond essence, delicate crumb, and golden appearance make them a favorite at tea time, brunches, and gatherings alike. With this step-by-step method, anyone can achieve a bakery-quality result at home without stress.

Financiers (French Almond Tea Cakes)

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Financiers are small, delicate French almond cakes with a tender crumb and rich buttery flavor. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these cakes are simple to make yet impressive in taste and presentation. The use of browned butter (beurre noisette) gives them a nutty, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with almonds.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Ingredients

Scale

100g unsalted butter
50g all-purpose flour
100g almond flour
150g powdered sugar
4 egg whites
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease financier molds or line with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, melt 100g unsalted butter over medium heat. Cook until golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together 50g all-purpose flour, 100g almond flour, 150g powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.
Lightly beat 4 egg whites until frothy, avoiding stiff peaks.
Gradually fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients, mixing gently.
Slowly incorporate the browned butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Avoid overmixing to preserve a tender texture.
Spoon the batter into molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Adjust time slightly for smaller molds.
Allow financiers to cool in molds for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Use high-quality almond flour for the best flavor and texture.

Financiers can be customized with chocolate chips, berries, or citrus zest.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Ensure molds are greased or lined to prevent sticking.

FAQs – Financiers (French Almond Tea Cakes)

1. Can I make financiers without almond flour?
Yes, but almond flour is essential for the classic texture and flavor. You can substitute with finely ground cashews or hazelnuts, though the taste will vary slightly.

2. How long do financiers stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, financiers stay fresh for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to control the sweetness and salt balance. If using salted butter, reduce the added pinch of salt in the recipe.

4. Why are my financiers dense or dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking at too high a temperature can cause dry, dense cakes. Ensure egg whites are only lightly beaten and fold ingredients gently.

5. Can I make mini financiers?
Absolutely! Simply reduce the baking time to 10–12 minutes and adjust the batter portion accordingly. Mini financiers are perfect for parties or gift boxes.

6. Can I add flavors like chocolate or fruit?
Yes, financiers are very versatile. You can fold in chocolate chips, fresh berries, or citrus zest before baking for creative variations.

7. Do I have to brown the butter?
While optional, browning the butter (beurre noisette) enhances the nutty flavor and richness, giving financiers their signature taste.