If you’re looking for a buttery, nutty French treat that melts in your mouth, then you’re in for a real delight with this Browned Butter Financiers Recipe. These tiny almond cakes are insanely flavorful thanks to the rich browned butter, and they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether you’re a longtime fan of French pastries or just want a unique bake that’s perfect with your afternoon tea, this recipe is going to wow you from the first bite. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself going back to this recipe again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Nutty Flavor: The browned butter infuses these financiers with a rich, toasty aroma that’s simply addictive.
- Light Yet Moist Texture: Thanks to the egg whites and almond meal, these little cakes are tender and airy, not dense.
- Perfect Use of Egg Whites: If you’ve ever wondered what to do with leftover egg whites, this recipe is a delicious solution.
- Versatile and Fun: Feel free to add cocoa or matcha powders for creative twists that my family adored.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Browned Butter Financiers Recipe lies in the simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend using fresh unsalted butter and finely ground almond meal—that makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: For browning, unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness and really helps develop that deep caramel flavor.
- Icing Sugar: Sift it before measuring to keep the batter smooth and clump-free.
- Almond Meal: Freshly ground almonds, if possible, make financiers taste incredible; store-bought works too but check freshness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Keeps the structure light without overpowering the almond flavor.
- Cornstarch: A little secret that lightens the texture and keeps financiers tender.
- Egg Whites: They give these cakes their characteristic lift and airy crumb.
- Cocoa Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate richness that’s irresistible.
- Hot Water: Helps bloom the cocoa and matcha powders for maximum flavor.
- Matcha Powder: For a fresh, slightly grassy note, and a pop of color that impresses every time.
Variations
I love how versatile this Browned Butter Financiers Recipe is—once you’ve nailed the basic version, you can really make it your own. Sometimes, I swap in cocoa or matcha to mix things up; other times, I toss in some finely chopped nuts or a splash of orange zest to brighten the flavor.
- Chocolate Cocoa: Mixing 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with hot water adds a luxurious chocolatey depth—my family goes crazy for this twist.
- Matcha Green Tea: Adding matcha powder with hot water creates a lovely earthy undertone and pretty green color, perfect for a unique gift.
- Nutty Upgrade: I’ve added crushed pistachios on top before baking for a beautiful crunch and extra nutty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Swap: You can replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a fully gluten-free version that’s just as delightful.
How to Make Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter to Perfection
Start by melting your butter in a light-colored pan over medium heat. Watch closely as it foams and then gradually turns golden brown with nutty aromas—this is the magical “beurre noisette.” This step takes patience but trust me, it’s worth every second. Pour it into a heat-safe bowl immediately to stop the cooking and let it cool slightly. The browned butter is what gives these financiers that unforgettable flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the sifted icing sugar, almond meal, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch. If you’re adding cocoa or matcha, mix them in here too along with their tablespoon of hot water—you’ll notice how the powders bloom and release their full flavors, which takes your financiers up a notch.
Step 3: Whisk Egg Whites and Combine
Lightly whisk the egg whites until frothy but not stiff. Gently fold them into the dry ingredients, then gradually stir in the warm browned butter. The batter will be glossy and smooth—if you get lumps, just give it a gentle mix; the key is not to overmix to keep it tender.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!
Pour your batter into lightly greased rectangular molds or small muffin tins. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes until the tops turn golden and spring back slightly when pressed. Let them cool a bit before popping them out—you’ll love the crunchy edges paired with the soft center.
Pro Tips for Making Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
- Watch the Butter Closely: Butter can go from browned to burnt in seconds, so stay attentive and remove from heat as soon as the golden-brown specks appear.
- Sift and Bloom: Sifting dry ingredients and blooming powders like cocoa and matcha with hot water ensures even distribution and better flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently to keep your financiers tender—you want a light texture, not tough cakes.
- Use Rectangular Molds for Authenticity: The classic shape makes these feel special and helps baking evenly, but muffin tins are a versatile alternative.
How to Serve Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder on top right before serving—it makes them look so inviting. Sometimes, I add a few slivered almonds for an extra crunch and a rustic feel. If I’ve made matcha financiers, I keep the garnish simple so that the green color really shines.
Side Dishes
These financiers pair wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a delicate green tea. I often serve them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a classy touch. They’re also amazing with a drizzle of honey or a spread of fruit jam.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange these financiers on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh edible flowers and fresh fruit slices. They also look charming stacked in small paper cupcake liners as little gift packages. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkling of sea salt before baking adds a gourmet touch that always impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover financiers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for about 3 days. They maintain that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers if stored well, so you can enjoy them at your leisure without rush.
Freezing
If I plan ahead, I freeze some financiers after baking and cooling. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—they freeze beautifully for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
When reheating, I let the financiers thaw at room temperature, then warm them gently in a preheated 160°C (320°F) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges and brings out that rich browned butter aroma like they’re freshly baked.
FAQs
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What is a financier, and why use browned butter?
A financier is a classic French almond cake, traditionally rectangular. Browned butter, or beurre noisette, adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cake’s profile, making it irresistibly fragrant and delicious.
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Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
This recipe specifically relies on egg whites to keep the texture light and airy. Using whole eggs will change the texture, making it denser, so it’s best to stick to just egg whites for authentic financiers.
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How do I prevent the butter from burning when browning?
Use a light-colored pan so you can watch the color change clearly, keep the heat moderate, and remove the butter from the heat as soon as you see brown specks and smell that toasty aroma.
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Can I make financiers gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with extra almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep the cornstarch to retain tenderness.
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What molds work best for these financiers?
Traditional rectangular molds give the authentic shape, but you can also use mini muffin tins or silicone molds. Just adjust baking time slightly if the molds are smaller or larger.
Final Thoughts
This Browned Butter Financiers Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen — it’s simple yet impressively sophisticated. I love how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create these delicate, flavor-packed cakes. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how the browned butter changed the whole game. I highly recommend giving this recipe a go, even if you’re new to French baking. You’ll be amazed how quickly these little treats disappear, and your friends will think you’ve been baking them for years!
Print
Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 6 financiers (rectangular molds)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Browned Butter Financiers are delicate, small French cakes made with almond meal, egg whites, and the rich nutty flavor of beurre noisette (browned butter). These moist and tender cakes are perfect for using up extra egg whites, featuring subtle notes of cocoa and vibrant matcha powder for a unique twist.
Ingredients
Browned Butter Base
- 100 grams unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients
- 80 grams icing sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 70 grams almond meal
- 22 grams all-purpose flour
- 3 grams cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon matcha powder
Wet Ingredients
- 90 grams egg white
- 2 teaspoons hot water (for cocoa mixture)
- 1 tablespoon hot water (for matcha mixture)
Instructions
- Brown the Butter. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter, swirling occasionally, until the butter foams and golden brown bits form on the bottom. The aroma will be nutty and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Dry Mix. In a large bowl, sift together icing sugar, almond meal, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and cocoa powder. Mix well to combine evenly.
- Mix Cocoa and Matcha Separately. In two small bowls, dissolve cocoa powder with 2 teaspoons of hot water, and matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of hot water, stirring each until smooth, creating two flavor pastes.
- Add Egg Whites. Pour the egg whites into the dry ingredients bowl and mix gently but thoroughly to combine without beating too much air into the batter.
- Incorporate Browned Butter and Flavor Pastes. Slowly pour the cooled browned butter into the batter while stirring continuously to integrate smoothly. Then divide the batter roughly in half, mixing cocoa paste into one half and matcha paste into the other to create two distinct flavor batters.
- Fill Molds. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease six rectangular financier molds. Spoon each flavored batter alternately into the molds, filling them about three-quarters full.
- Bake. Place the molds on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve. Remove from the oven and let the financiers cool in the molds briefly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Financiers are perfect for using up leftover egg whites from other recipes.
- Beurre noisette (browned butter) adds a rich nutty flavor that elevates these cakes above standard almond treats.
- You can prepare cocoa and matcha batters separately or fully mix to create different flavors in the same batch.
- Ensure the browned butter is slightly cooled before mixing to prevent cooking the egg whites prematurely.
- Use high-quality almond meal and fresh matcha powder for best flavor results.
- These small cakes store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 financier (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
