Brown Butter Financiers Recipe
Brown Butter Financiers are delicate, moist almond cakes with a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter. These small French tea cakes are perfect for an elegant snack or dessert, featuring a tender crumb and a crisp edge, topped with toasted almonds for added texture.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12-16 financiers depending on mold size 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Brown Butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup almond flour
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sliced almonds or chopped almonds for topping
Wet Ingredients
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¾ cup unsalted butter. Swirl the pan occasionally. It will bubble and foam, then turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma, which should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Egg Whites: In a medium saucepan or bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup almond flour. Add 6 large egg whites and stir until fully incorporated.
- Warm the Mixture: Place the mixture over medium-low heat and stir constantly until it becomes slightly runny and warm but not hot. This helps to dissolve the sugar and develop the texture. Remove from heat.
- Add Flour: Stir in ⅔ cup all-purpose flour thoroughly until well blended.
- Incorporate Brown Butter: Gradually add the cooled brown butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth, loose batter with evenly combined ingredients.
- Chill the Batter: Cover the batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or up to 3 days to let the flavors meld and improve texture.
- Prepare Oven and Molds: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease rectangular financier molds or mini muffin tins to prevent sticking.
- Fill Molds: Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared molds, filling them about ¾ full. Sprinkle a few sliced or chopped almonds on top for garnish and added crunch.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until edges are golden brown, tops have cracked slightly, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack until cool enough to handle. Run a smooth-bladed knife around the edges to help release the financiers from the molds easily. Let them cool completely before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the financiers at room temperature, preferably within the next few hours for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, or place in a sealed freezer-safe bag. Freeze to preserve freshness for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Be cautious when browning butter as it can go from browned to burnt very quickly.
- Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding to the batter to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Chilling the batter helps to develop a better texture and flavor.
- You can use rectangular financier molds or mini muffin tins depending on your preference.
- Do not overbake, as financiers should remain moist inside.
- Leftover financiers freeze well when properly wrapped.
Keywords: brown butter financiers, almond cake, French tea cake, brown butter dessert, almond flour cake