How to Make Traditional French Financiers with a Nutty Flavor

How to Make Traditional French Financiers with a Nutty Flavor

French financiers are small, almond-based cakes that are known for their rich, buttery texture and delicate flavor. Originally created by a French pastry chef in the 19th century, they were designed to resemble gold bars, which is why they have a rectangular shape. The traditional financier recipe uses almond flour and browned butter to create a nutty, fragrant flavor. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make traditional French financiers with an added nutty twist, using hazelnuts for an enhanced, rich flavor.

Ingredients

• 100g (1/2 cup) of unsalted butter
• 70g (1/3 cup) of almond flour
• 30g (1/4 cup) of all-purpose flour
• 50g (1/4 cup) of powdered sugar
• 2 large egg whites
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• 50g (1/4 cup) of ground hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon of chopped hazelnuts (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

• Financier molds (or mini muffin tin if you don’t have financiers molds)
• A small saucepan for browning the butter
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Sifter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Hazelnuts and Brown the Butter

Start by preparing your hazelnuts. If you’re using whole hazelnuts, toast them in a dry pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent burning. Once toasted, let them cool before grinding them into a fine powder using a food processor or nut grinder.

Next, prepare the browned butter. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, continue to cook it, swirling occasionally, until it foams and turns a golden brown color with a nutty aroma. This process typically takes about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove the butter from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Sifting helps prevent clumps and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. Stir in the ground hazelnuts at this point to incorporate them evenly into the dry mixture.

3. Whisk the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until they are foamy but not fully whipped. You don’t need stiff peaks for this recipe, just enough to create a light, airy texture in the batter. It’s important to note that the egg whites should be at room temperature for best results.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and stir gently until everything is combined into a smooth batter. Be careful not to over-mix.

5. Add the Browned Butter

Once the browned butter has cooled slightly (it should still be liquid), add it to the batter. Stir gently to incorporate the butter into the mixture. The butter will add richness and a beautiful, nutty flavor to the cakes.

6. Prepare the Financier Molds

Grease your financier molds with butter or use a non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line the molds with parchment paper for easier removal after baking. If you don’t have financier molds, a mini muffin tin will work as well. You can also use a silicone mold for easy removal.

7. Fill the Molds and Add Hazelnuts

Spoon the batter into the molds, filling them almost to the top. If desired, top each financier with a small piece of chopped hazelnut for added texture and flavor.

8. Bake the Financiers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the financiers in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are using a mini muffin tin, baking may take a little less time, so keep an eye on them after the 12-minute mark.

9. Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the financiers from the oven and let them cool in the molds for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. They are best served fresh, but they will keep for a few days in an airtight container.

Tips for Perfecting Your Financiers

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking ingredients are fresh, especially the butter and eggs, as this will have a significant impact on the taste and texture of the financiers.

2. Browning the Butter: The secret to a rich, nutty flavor is in the browned butter. Don’t rush this step, and keep a close watch to avoid burning it.

3. Add Different Nuts: While hazelnuts add a delightful richness, you can experiment with other nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or pecans to suit your preferences. Just remember to toast and grind them as you did with the hazelnuts for the best flavor.

4. Optional Flavor Variations: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a hint of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced version.

5. Financier Texture: The texture of financiers should be moist and tender, with a slight crispness on the edges. If your financiers seem too dry, reduce the baking time slightly or add a bit more melted butter to the batter.

Conclusion

Making traditional French financiers with a nutty twist is a wonderful way to enjoy a classic French pastry with a little extra depth of flavor. Whether you choose to stick with the traditional almond flavor or add hazelnuts or another nut, these financiers will delight with their richness and delicate crumb. Perfect for a tea-time treat, a sweet snack, or an elegant dessert, these little cakes are a true celebration of French baking techniques.

Enjoy your nutty financiers with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly delightful experience!