Financiers

Name: Financiers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 24
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup almond flour; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon morton kosher salt; 3 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon pure almond extract; 3 teaspoons sliced almonds, optional

By:

Marry

Published:

May 22, 2026

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Financiers are delightful French almond cakes that balance a moist, fluffy interior with a tender crust. Traditionally baked in small rectangular molds, these treats are perfect for tea time or as a sweet pick-me-up. Each bite boasts a nutty flavor thanks to the browned butter, which adds depth and richness. With their delicate, golden-brown tops and subtle sweetness, these small cakes can easily outshine many store-bought desserts.

I first discovered financiers during a trip to a quaint French café, where the smell of fresh pastries mingled with the aroma of coffee. It was love at first bite! The allure of these little bites of heaven lies in their simple ingredients and quick preparation. With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes in the oven, you can have 24 financiers that are sure to impress your friends and family. Try your hand at this easy, crowd-pleasing dessert, and you might just find your new favorite snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: The nutty essence of browned butter combined with almond flour creates a uniquely delightful taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With their cute mini muffin shape and golden finish, these cakes are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Flexible Serving: Whether you need a sweet treat for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, financiers fit any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, these can easily be modified for gluten-free diets or dairy-free options.

Ingredients You’ll Need

6 tablespoons unsalted butter: This is the secret ingredient that gives financiers their moist texture and rich flavor. Look for high-quality butter for the best results.
1 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the nuttiness of the almond flour and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
1 cup almond flour: Essential for that wonderful almond flavor, almond flour creates a tender crumb. If you don’t have it, finely ground blanched almonds can be a great substitute.
⅓ cup all-purpose flour: This provides structure to your financiers. If you’re making gluten-free financiers, consider substituting it with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This adds a warm, cozy aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
¼ teaspoon Morton kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness and balances flavor.
3 large egg whites, at room temperature: Using egg whites instead of whole eggs gives financiers their light texture. Ensure they are at room temperature for best results.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Vanilla rounds out the flavor profile, adding a lovely fragrance to the cakes.
1 teaspoon pure almond extract: For an extra boost of almond flavor that makes these treats unforgettable.
3 teaspoons sliced almonds, optional: These can be sprinkled on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Financiers

Brown the Butter: Place 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until it begins to brown and releases a nutty aroma—this should take about 7 minutes. Be attentive to avoid burning it. Once browned, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.
Preheat the Oven: While the butter cools, preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a mini muffin pan with nonstick baking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup almond flour, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well combined.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Pour in the 3 large egg whites (at room temperature), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and the cooled brown butter. Stir everything together until just combined; expect a thick dough.
Fill the Muffin Tins: Carefully spoon or pipe the thick dough into the greased mini muffin pan, filling each compartment about ⅔ full.
Add Toppings: If you’re using sliced almonds, sprinkle 2-3 on top of each filled muffin cup for an extra crunch.
Bake: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the financiers cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.

Storing & Reheating

To store your financiers at room temperature, simply keep them in an airtight container for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for about a week in a well-sealed container. You can also freeze financiers for up to three months; layer them between parchment paper in an airtight freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds to refresh their taste and texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the batter to ensure your financiers stay light and airy.
For best results, use room temperature egg whites, which create a better emulsification and a fluffier texture.
Keep an eye on the butter while browning; it can go from nutty goodness to burnt quickly.
Let the finished financiers cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their texture.
If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a touch of orange or lemon zest for a fruity twist.

These financiers are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or in need of a little indulgence after a long day. Their elegant simplicity invites experimentation, inviting flavors and toppings that you can tailor to your preferences. Share these little gems with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—who could blame you?

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. This way, you can still enjoy the delightful texture of financiers without the gluten.

How do I know when my financiers are done baking?

Your financiers are ready to come out of the oven when the edges are a beautiful golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Don’t wait too long, or they may become dry!

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! While traditional financiers use almond flour, you can try using hazelnut flour or even ground walnuts. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How should I serve financiers?

Financiers make a lovely addition to a brunch spread, paired with coffee or tea, or simply enjoyed as an afternoon snack. You can even dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for a more decadent dessert.