Oh, let me tell you about almond financiers! These little French cakes are pure magic. I first encountered them at a quaint café while visiting Paris a few years ago, and it was love at first bite. They’re tender, buttery, and bursting with the rich flavor of almonds. I remember sitting at a sun-drenched table, sipping my coffee, and devouring these delightful treats while watching the world go by. That moment had me dreaming of bringing a piece of that Parisian charm back to my own kitchen.
What makes almond financiers special, besides their melt-in-your-mouth texture, is their simplicity. They are made from almond flour, egg whites, and brown butter which gives them a nutty richness that can’t be beat. Every time I whip up a batch, I feel like I’m transported back to that lovely café. Plus, they are perfect for using up leftover egg whites—talk about a win-win!
What’s in Almond Financiers?
Almond Flour: This is the star of our show! Almond flour adds a nutty depth and keeps the financiers moist. I usually prefer Bob’s Red Mill brand for its finely ground consistency, which gives the cakes that lovely texture.
Egg Whites: Light and airy, egg whites are the backbone of a good financier. They help create that unique spongy texture. I like to save leftover egg whites from other recipes—no waste here!
Brown Butter: This is where the magic happens! Browning the butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor that takes these little cakes to the next level. Just watch it carefully when melting to prevent burning—it should be a golden brown with a nutty aroma.
Sugar: We need a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. Granulated sugar will do the trick nicely, but you could also use powdered sugar for an even softer texture.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. It may seem small, but it makes a big difference!
Is Almond Financiers Good for You?
Now, I’m not saying these are health food—let’s be honest, they are delicious cakes after all! But there are a few positives here:
Almond Flour: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, almond flour can be a better choice compared to traditional wheat flour. It’s also gluten-free!
Egg Whites: Low in calories and high in protein, egg whites are a great way to keep these sweets lighter. Bye-bye yolks—hello fluffy texture!
Brown Butter: Okay, so while it does add richness, it also contains some beneficial nutrients from the natural fat content. Just remember moderation is key!
Overall, enjoy but don’t go overboard—these are still a treat.
Ingredients for Almond Financiers
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 egg whites (room temperature)
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: Sliced almonds for garnish
*Serves: About 12 financiers*
How to Make Almond Financiers?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your financier molds or mini muffin tins (silicone ones work great!).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt until combined.
3. In another bowl, use a whisk to beat the egg whites until frothy—not stiff, just lightly frothy.
4. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dry mixture, being careful not to deflate the whites.
5. Slowly drizzle in the browned butter and vanilla extract, folding until just combined.
6. Once your batter is ready, spoon it into the molds, filling them about 3/4 full. If you’d like, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top for an extra crunch.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the financiers cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
A Touch of Creativity
Feel free to get creative with your financiers! You can add lemon zest for a refreshing twist, or even swap in different types of nut flour if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream, and they’ll impress anyone you serve them to.
So there you have it, my dear friends! These almond financiers are not just treats—they’re slices of joy filled with memories. I hope you give them a try; I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Happy baking!