Financiers

Financiers are the elegant little almond cakes of Parisian patisseries: golden and crisp at the edges, soft and buttery inside, with a delicate nutty flavour. Made with brown butter and ground almonds, they are deceptively simple and endlessly delicious. They are perfect with afternoon coffee.

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

30 mins

Servings

8 servings

Calories

170

Ingredients

• 100 g unsalted butter
• 100 g icing sugar
• 60 g plain flour
• 80 g ground almonds
• 3 egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt
• 8 raspberries or flaked almonds, to top

Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a small pan and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, then cool slightly.
2. Whisk the icing sugar, flour, ground almonds and salt together in a bowl.
3. Add the egg whites and vanilla, and whisk until just combined.
4. Pour in the brown butter and stir until smooth.
5. Rest the batter for 10 minutes while the oven preheats to 200°C (400°F).
6. Spoon into a greased financier or mini muffin tin, top each with a raspberry or flaked almonds, and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
7. Cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then turn out onto a rack.

Pro tips

• Brown butter is the key flavour; watch it closely so it browns but does not burn.
• Do not overmix once the flour is added, or the cakes will be tough.
• Financiers are best eaten the same day, while the edges are crisp.
• Freeze the batter in the tin for make-ahead baking.

Frequently asked questions