How to Make Financiers – A Classic French Almond Cake Recipe

 

Looking for a light, nutty treat to pair with your afternoon tea or coffee? Enter the financier – a small, moist French cake with a crisp exterior and a rich almond flavour. Traditionally baked in rectangular moulds, financiers are golden-brown bites of heaven, often overlooked but easy to fall in love with. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make financiers from scratch using a simple recipe in British English, including tips for perfect results and full SEO optimisation.

--- published by foodie Parmod.

🧁 What Are Financiers?

Financiers are small, buttery almond cakes originally created in 19th-century France. Named for their resemblance to gold bars, these cakes were popularised in Parisian financial districts. Thanks to their nutty flavour and moist texture (thanks to brown butter and ground almonds), financiers are now a staple in French patisseries – and for good reason!

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🍰 Ingredients for Classic Financiers

This recipe makes about 12 financiers.

100g unsalted butter

100g icing sugar

40g plain flour

60g ground almonds

3 large egg whites

½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Pinch of salt

Optional toppings: sliced almonds, raspberries, or chocolate chips

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🔪 Equipment Needed

Small rectangular or oval financier moulds (or use a mini muffin tin)

Mixing bowls

Saucepan

Whisk

Sieve

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the brown butter (beurre noisette)

1. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Let it cook until it turns a golden brown and smells nutty. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

3. Remove from heat and strain through a fine sieve to remove solids. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the dry ingredients

1. In a large bowl, sift together the icing sugar, flour, and salt.

2. Stir in the ground almonds.

3. Whip the egg whites

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites just until frothy – no need for stiff peaks.

4. Combine the batter

1. Gently fold the egg whites into the dry ingredients.

2. Add the cooled brown butter and vanilla extract (if using) and mix until smooth and well combined.

3. Cover and chill the batter for 30 minutes for best results (optional but recommended).

5. Bake the financiers

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) / Gas Mark 6.

2. Grease your moulds with butter or non-stick spray.

3. Spoon the batter into the moulds, filling them about three-quarters full.

4. Add any toppings like raspberries or flaked almonds if desired.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden and the centres spring back lightly when touched.

6. Cool in the tin for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve financiers slightly warm with tea or coffee.

Dust with icing sugar before serving for an elegant touch.

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of jam for dessert-style presentation.

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🧠 Tips for Perfect Financiers

Brown butter adds depth – don’t skip this step! It brings a nutty aroma and richer taste.

Avoid over-whipping the egg whites – you only need them foamy, not stiff.

For flavour variations, try adding lemon zest, pistachios, or a touch of almond extract.

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❄️ Storage

Store financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well – simply defrost before serving.

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🥄 Variations to Try

Chocolate financiers: Add 1 tbsp of cocoa powder to the batter.

Fruit-topped financiers: Press a raspberry, cherry, or slice of fig into each one before baking.

Mini financiers: Use a mini muffin tray for bite-sized versions – ideal for parties or gifting.

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📚 A Brief History of Financiers

Legend has it that financiers were first baked by nuns in the Middle Ages, but became popular in Paris’s financial district in the 19th century when pastry chef Lasne reimagined them into gold-bar shapes. Their appeal? They could be eaten without utensils or mess – perfect for busy bankers!

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🔍 

Learn how to make financiers – classic French almond cakes with a golden crust and moist centre. Step-by-step recipe in British English with tips and flavour variations.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Now you know how to make financiers, why not bring a bit of Parisian charm to your own kitchen? These elegant, flavour-packed little cakes are perfect for entertaining, gifting, or simply enjoying on a quiet afternoon.

--- write ✍️ by foodie Parmod.