Classic French Financier Cakes With Brown Butter

These classic French financier cakes are delicate little almond tea cakes with light and crispy edges, soft buttery centers, and the rich nutty flavor of browned butter. Traditionally, they were baked in small rectangular molds in French pâtisseries, and financiers have been loved in France for generations for their simplicity. This version is baked in mini muffin tins, making them easy to recreate at home while still capturing everything we love about traditional French financiers. They have golden brown edges, tender insides, and just enough almond flavor to make them impossible to stop at one.

What are financier cakes?

Financiers are classic French almond tea cakes. Their signature ingredients include almond flour, browned butter (the key ingredient and star of the show), egg whites, and powdered sugar. The texture of these tea cakes has lightly crisped edges and a soft, tender center. Most often, they are served with coffee or tea, but they work perfectly as a small dessert after brunch or dinner.

The history of French financiers

Financiers are classic French pastries with a story almost as fun as the cakes themselves. While small almond cakes had existed in France long before, the modern financier is believed to have become popular in Paris during the late 19th century.

According to history, or maybe just legend, a Parisian pastry chef named Lasne began baking the little almond cakes near the city’s financial district, close to the Bourse (the old French stock exchange). The cakes were traditionally made in little rectangular molds to resemble small bars of gold, which is how financiers are thought to have gotten their name.

The pastries quickly became popular with bankers and businessmen looking for something practical to enjoy with coffee during the workday. Because these tiny cakes are made with egg whites rather than whole eggs, they have a delicate texture that feels light, while the browned butter and almond flour give them their signature rich flavor. They could be neatly eaten without leaving crumbs on suits and ties.

Today, financiers remain very popular in French pâtisseries. They’re often displayed next to madeleines and other small tea cakes. Whether you enjoy them in a café in Paris or at home in a mini muffin tin, they still feel timeless in the best possible way.

What you’ll love about classic French financiers

Here are just a few things we love about these delicious tea cakes:

• They are easy to make
• Great gifts for friends and family
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect small dessert or afternoon treat
• Elegant without being over-the-top
• Delicious with coffee or tea
• Great make-ahead recipe

The ingredients for making this almond financier recipe

The combination of almond flour and browned butter gives these traditional French financier cakes their signature flavor and texture.

• Salted butter (browned)
• Almond extract
• Almond flour
• Powdered sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Sale
• Egg whites
• Sliced almonds

How to make traditional French financiers 

Brown the butter

Browning the butter (beurre noisette as they call it in France) to get that rich nutty smell and flavor is the main key to making these little tea cakes. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. The butter will begin to foam and hiss. Swirl the butter constantly while it’s browning. Continue swirling until done. You’ll know it’s done when there are small brown bits in the bottom of the pan and butter has turned an amber brown. Remove from the heat immediately and transfer the butter to a small heat-proof bowl, and let it cool. While it’s cooling, whisk in the almond extract.

Mix the dry ingredients

Sift the almond flour, powdered sugar, flour, and salt into a mixing bowl. After the browned butter has cooled, add it to the dry ingredients and whisk until combined. Add half of the egg whites and mix again until combined. Add the second half of the egg whites and whisk until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Bake the financiers

Coat a non-stick mini muffin pan with cooking spray. You can use mini muffin liners if you don’t have a non-stick muffin tin. Fill about 3/4 of each muffin cup. Use the back of a small spoon and smooth the batter in each cup. Top each muffin with three slivered almonds and bake for 25 minutes. When they’re done baking, the edges should be golden and crispy, and a cake tester should come out clean when inserted into the middle of a cake.

Tips for baking perfect French almond tea cakes 

• Take your time and brown the butter properly (this is where a big part of the flavor comes from)
• Don’t overbake
• Let the batter rest briefly before adding it to the muffin tins
• Best served slightly warm or same day

Frequently asked questions

Are financiers the same as or similar to madeleines?

Although they’re both classic French tea cakes, financiers and madeleines are quite different in texture and ingredients. Financiers are small almond cakes made with almond flour, browned butter, powdered sugar, and egg whites, giving them a rich, nutty flavor with lightly crisp edges and soft centers. Madeleines are sponge-like butter cakes traditionally baked in shell-shaped molds and made with whole eggs, which creates a lighter, airier texture.

Can baked financiers be frozen?

Yes, financiers freeze beautifully. Once completely cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving. A few minutes in a warm oven helps bring back their freshly baked texture.

Do I need a financier pan for these tea cakes?

You really don’t need a financier mold for these tea cakes. Although traditional financiers are baked in small rectangular molds that resemble gold bars, mini muffin tins work wonderfully. I actually prefer the shape of mini muffins. And, you’ll still get the same buttery almond flavor and tender texture.

Why are financiers made with egg whites?

Egg whites give financiers their delicate texture. Since the recipe doesn’t use egg yolks, the cakes stay light while still feeling rich from the browned butter and almond flour. Financiers also became popular historically as a way for pastry chefs to use leftover egg whites from other pastries and desserts.

Can I make these ahead?

Yes, financiers are an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, many people think they taste even better a few hours after baking, once the flavors have settled. You can bake them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Just before serving, warm them slightly in the oven if you’d like to refresh the crisp edges.

More French-inspired recipes

• Sablés Breton cookies
• Lemon posset
• Saint-Emilion macarons
• Plum and frangipane tart