Short Description
Golden almond tea cakes with a crisp edge and tender, buttery crumb—each topped with slivered almonds and a light dusting of powdered sugar, these mini bites offer rich, nutty flavor in a refined French treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant and refined: These delicate financiers are perfect for tea time or as a sophisticated dessert for any occasion.
• Rich nutty flavor: The almond flour and toasted butter create a wonderfully aromatic and buttery taste.
• Simple yet impressive: With minimal ingredients, you can create a visually stunning and delicious treat that looks and tastes gourmet.

ingredients

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

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup almond flour
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 egg whites
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin pan or financier pan.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, allowing it to become golden and nutty in aroma. Let it cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, almond flour, and all-purpose flour.
4. Add the egg whites and both extracts to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth. Stir in the cooled butter until fully incorporated.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about ¾ full. Top each financier with a few slivered almonds.
6. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are just set.
7. Let the financiers cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Lightly dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 mini financiers (depending on mold size).

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Bake time: 14–16 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Citrus twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a fresh, zesty flavor.
• Flavored extracts: Swap almond extract for hazelnut or vanilla extract for a different nuance of flavor.
• Nutty toppings: Experiment with other nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, in place of slivered almonds for variety.

storage/reheating

• Store the cooled financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. These financiers can also be frozen for up to 1 month—simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
• No reheating is necessary, but if preferred, they can be gently warmed in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs would change the texture of the financiers. The result would be denser and less light than when using only egg whites. It’s best to stick with egg whites for the classic financier texture.

Can I substitute the almond flour?

Almond flour is a key ingredient for flavor and texture. However, if you have a nut allergy, you can experiment with oat flour or coconut flour, though the texture will differ.

How do I know when the financiers are done?

The financiers are done when their edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours ahead. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze these financiers?

Yes, you can freeze them once they are completely cooled. Store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make these without powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar contributes to the delicate texture of the financiers. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you could try grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder, but the texture may be slightly different.

What can I use instead of a mini muffin pan?

If you don’t have a financier pan, you can use a mini muffin pan or even a regular muffin pan, though the shape of the financiers may be different. Just adjust the baking time based on the size of your pan.

Can I add chocolate to these financiers?

Yes, you can fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks into the batter for a chocolate twist, or drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled financiers for added richness.

How do I make the butter golden and nutty?

Melt the butter over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This step, called browning butter, gives the financiers a rich, nutty flavor.

Can I make these without almond extract?

Yes, you can omit the almond extract, though it will affect the flavor. You can replace it with another extract, such as vanilla or hazelnut, to create a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Toasted Almond Financiers are the epitome of elegant, delicate French pastries. These light, buttery treats offer a refined nutty flavor and a crisp edge that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any special occasion or a delightful afternoon snack with tea, these financiers are sure to impress with their simple yet sophisticated appeal.

Print