Chocolate Hazelnut Financiers

Moist, nutty mini cakes combining the rich flavors of hazelnut and chocolate in a delicate financier form—perfectly satisfying and elegantly simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These financiers bring together the irresistible combination of nutty hazelnut and decadent chocolate. Their tender crumb is subtly sweet with bursts of chocolate, while the beurre noisette base adds a deep, caramel-like richness. They’re perfect for afternoon treats, elegant desserts, or thoughtful homemade gifts.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Hazelnut flour (or finely ground toasted hazelnuts)
• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Egg whites
• Unsalted butter (for beurre noisette)
• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chunks or chips
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

directions

1. Make beurre noisette: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; swirl until it turns golden-brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat, skim foam, and let cool.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine hazelnut flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Lightly beat egg whites: Whisk egg whites until foamy—not whipped—just to aerate.
4. Combine mixture: Pour the foamy egg whites into the dry blend, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Add beurre noisette & vanilla: Stir in warm (not hot) beurre noisette and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
6. Fold in chocolate: Gently incorporate most of the chocolate chunks or chips, reserving a few for topping.
7. Fill molds: Spoon batter into greased financier molds or a mini muffin tin, filling each about two-thirds full; press a few reserved chocolate pieces into the top.
8. Bake: Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and a cake tester inserted yields moist crumbs.
9. Cool: Let financiers rest for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12 mini financiers
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 12–15 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 27–30 minutes

Variations

• Nut swap: Use almond or pistachio flour instead of hazelnut for a different flavor profile.
• Espresso twist: Add ½ teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry mix for a subtle mocha note.
• White-chocolate drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over cooled financiers for contrast and sweetness.
• Orange zest: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest—pairs delightfully with hazelnut and chocolate.

storage/reheating

• Room temperature: Store cooled financiers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300 °F oven for 4–5 minutes to refresh texture and bring out the chocolate aroma.

FAQs

What makes financiers different from other mini cakes?

Financiers use nut flour and egg whites, yielding a moist, buttery crumb with crisp edges unique to this French pastry style.

Can I use all hazelnut flour instead of mixing flours?

Yes—using only hazelnut flour enhances the nuttiness, though the texture may be more tender and moist.

My financiers are too dense—what did I do wrong?

Overmixing or using thicker than needed beurre noisette can lead to density. Mix gently and ensure the butter is appropriately cooled.

Can I omit the chocolate chunks?

Absolutely—these financiers are delicious without chocolate, or you can top them with a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

Are they gluten-free?

To make them gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and confirm your other ingredients are gluten-free.

How do I prevent the financiers from sticking?

Grease molds thoroughly with butter or use paper liners; cool slightly in the pan before unmolding.

Can I prep the batter in advance?

Yes—refrigerate the assembled batter for up to a day. Bring to room temperature before baking for even results.

Why did my financiers rise unevenly?

Uneven heating or under-greased molds can cause irregular rise. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent color and puff.

Can I make larger cakes using this batter?

Yes—bake in a small cake pan. Adjust bake time to 18–22 minutes, testing for moist crumbs.

What pairs well with these financiers?

Serve with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, tea, or coffee to complement the rich flavors.

Conclusion

Chocolate Hazelnut Financiers marry velvety chocolate and nutty richness in a perfectly portioned, elegant pastry. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, they elevate any occasion from teatime to festive celebration. Enjoy experimenting with variations for personalized flair.

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