Toasted Almond Financiers

Delicate French almond cakes, crisp on the outside and tender within, featuring a rich toasted almond flavor and a buttery crumb—perfect for tea time or elegant snacking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These financiers offer irresistible contrasts: a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a moist, tender interior packed with toasted almond aroma. They’re simple to make, naturally gluten-free, and feel upscale despite their straightforward ingredients—ideal for gifting or elevated everyday treats.

ingredients

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

• Almond flour
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Egg whites
• Unsalted butter (for beurre noisette)
• Toasted sliced almonds (or flaked almonds)
• Vanilla extract (or almond extract)
• Salt

directions

1. Prepare the beurre noisette: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Swirl until it turns golden-brown with a nutty aroma. Immediately remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Toast the sliced almonds: Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350 °F until lightly golden, about 5–7 minutes. Let cool.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
4. Whisk egg whites: Lightly whisk egg whites just until slightly foamy—no need for stiff peaks.
5. Combine batter: Pour egg whites into the dry mixture and stir until combined. Add cooled beurre noisette and vanilla (or almond extract), mixing until smooth.
6. Fold in toasted almonds: Gently stir in most of the toasted almonds, 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. Sprinkle reserved almonds on top.
8. Bake: Bake at 375 °F (190 °C) for 12–15 minutes, until edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
9. Cool and release: Let financiers cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 12–15 mini financiers (depending on mold size)
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 12–15 minutes
• Total time: About 27–30 minutes

Variations

• Citrus twist: Fold in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for brightness.
• Berry center: Press a few fresh raspberries or blueberry halves into the batter before baking.
• Chocolate-dipped: Once cooled, dip the bottoms in melted dark chocolate and let set.
• Hazelnut version: Replace almonds with finely chopped toasted hazelnuts for a nutty alternative.

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 at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300 °F oven for 5 minutes to revive crisp edges and tender centers.

FAQs

What size molds should I use for authentic financiers?

Use traditional bar molds (approx. 3⅓ × 1⅔ inches) or standard mini muffin tins for a similar size and shape.

Can I skip toasting the almonds?

While not essential, toasting enhances the nutty depth—highly recommended for optimal flavor.

Are they gluten‑free?

Yes, if you use almond flour exclusively, omit all-purpose flour. Note texture will be more dense and moist.

Can I make the batter ahead?

Yes—cover and refrigerate for up to one day. Let come to room temperature before baking.

Why are they called financiers?

Their classic shape resembles a bar of gold, hence the name “financier” to reflect their rich, buttery flavor.

Can I substitute almond flour with hazelnut flour?

Yes—swap one-to-one for a hazelnut variation with an earthy twist.

My financiers came out too dry—what happened?

They likely overbaked; check for moist crumbs at 12 minutes and reduce oven time slightly for future batches.

Can I use browned butter that’s cooled fully?

Yes—just ensure it’s warm or room temperature when adding to the batter to preserve texture.

How do I prevent sticking?

Grease molds well with butter or use parchment-lined molds. Cool slightly before removing.

Are these suitable for gifting?

Absolutely—they store well and maintain texture, making them ideal for packaging in decorative tins or boxes.

Conclusion

Toasted Almond Financiers deliver an exquisite balance of nutty flavor, buttery richness, and crisp tenderness, making them a sophisticated yet accessible treat. Whether enjoyed with tea, shared at gatherings, or gifted to loved ones, these elegant French cakes highlight simple ingredients at their best.

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