If you’re looking for an elegant yet approachable treat, this French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe is exactly what you need to add that special touch to your baking repertoire. These delicate almond, hazelnut, and pistachio cakes have a tender crumb infused with rich, toasty brown butter that creates an irresistible nutty aroma and flavor. Each bite melts effortlessly on your tongue, combining a perfect balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and buttery decadence that will charm any dessert lover. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy afternoon tea or impressing guests at your next gathering, these financiers are a timeless French classic made all the more exciting with the playful trio of nut flours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe lies in its elegantly simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the richly browned butter that adds depth to the flavor, to the trio of nut flours that lend wonderful texture and natural sweetness. These staples come together effortlessly, making preparation straightforward yet truly rewarding.
- 150 g Unsalted butter: Essential for creating the characteristic brown butter flavor with its rich and nutty notes.
- 150 g Egg whites (approx. whites of 5 eggs): Adds lightness and structure to keep the financiers tender and fluffy.
- 100 g Icing sugar: Provides smooth sweetness and helps with the delicate crumb.
- 75 g All-purpose flour: Balances the nut flours, giving the cake its body without overpowering the nutty flavors.
- 75 g Nut flour: Use a blend of almond, hazelnut, and pistachio flours to bring layers of nutty flavors and a beautiful texture variety.
- Large pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness perfectly.
How to Make French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch closely as it melts, then foams, and finally the milk solids settle at the bottom and turn golden brown. This is the moment to capture a deep, nutty aroma that makes these financiers so special. Stir regularly to prevent burning, and once you get that beautiful golden hue and smell, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. This step infuses your cake with that signature flavor that sets this French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe apart.
Step 2: Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar
While your butter cools, whisk the egg whites until they become foamy and light. Then gradually add the icing sugar, whisking together to create a smooth and airy mixture. This process will help lend the financiers their lovely delicate texture and gentle sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Brown Butter with Egg Mixture
Slowly whisk the cooled brown butter into your egg white and sugar mixture. This step allows you to fold rich, nutty butter into the airy base, marrying texture and flavor beautifully.
Step 4: Divide and Fold in the Nut Flours
If making all three flavors, divide your batter into three bowls. Gently fold the almond flour, hazelnut flour, and pistachio flour into separate bowls, each combined with a portion of the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. This method highlights each nut’s unique flavor and texture, adding an exciting variety to your batch. Of course, you can also choose to make just one flavor and skip the dividing step.
Step 5: Rest the Batter in the Fridge
Transfer each batter into a piping bag and chill them in the fridge for about an hour. This resting period allows the flours to hydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a finer crumb and better rise during baking.
Step 6: Prepare Your Oven and Financier Molds
While the batter rests, preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease or prepare your financier tins so they are ready for filling. Proper preparation here ensures your cakes come out clean and perfect in shape.
Step 7: Fill the Molds and Add Toppings
Use the piping bags to fill each mold with the different batters. For added texture and a stunning finish, sprinkle the tops with chopped roasted nuts—pistachios, hazelnuts, and almonds—which will complement each flavor beautifully as they toast in the oven.
Step 8: Bake the Financiers
Bake your financiers at 175°C (347°F) for about 20 minutes, or until they develop a slight golden edge and a springy texture when lightly touched. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking, as these are best enjoyed tender and moist.
Step 9: Cool Before Removing
Once baked, let your financiers rest in their tins for 2 to 3 minutes before carefully removing them. This rest allows them to firm up slightly, making removal easy and clean without breaking their delicate edges.
Step 10: Enjoy Fresh or Store
These wonderful French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe are best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth experience. However, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days without losing their charm.
How to Serve French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Financiers are delectably simple on their own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of finely chopped toasted nuts on top adds a lovely crunch and decorative touch. For a more festive presentation, drizzle a little melted dark chocolate or pair with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a light cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect teatime snack. Alternatively, serve alongside fresh berries or a compote to add a refreshing, fruity contrast that enhances the nutty richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your financiers on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh edible flowers and nuts to create an inviting display. You could also arrange them with a few slices of seasonal fruit on a delicate dessert plate to turn them into a charming centerpiece for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover financiers keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. This makes them an ideal make-ahead option for parties or quick snacks during busy days, while preserving their marvelous texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze financiers wrapped individually or placed in a sealed container for up to two months. Thaw them gently at room temperature before serving to maintain their lightness and moist crumb.
Reheating
To revive a slightly cooled financier, warm it in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 5 minutes. This subtle heat refreshes the texture and brings back the warm aroma of brown butter, making them taste freshly baked once again.
FAQs
What exactly are financiers?
Financiers are small French almond cakes known for their moist crumb and rich, buttery flavor. Their name comes from their traditional rectangular shape which reportedly resembles gold bars, fitting for their luxurious taste.
Can I use regular flour instead of nut flours?
While you can substitute nut flours with more all-purpose flour, the classic nutty flavor and delicate texture of financiers depend heavily on the use of almond, hazelnut, or pistachio flours. The nut flours provide moisture and that distinct characteristic nuttiness that defines this French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe.
How important is the brown butter in this recipe?
Brown butter is absolutely pivotal as it introduces deep, toasted nutty notes and complexity that elevate these little cakes beyond your average treat. Skipping this step will result in a much blander flavor profile.
Can I make only one flavor instead of three?
Of course! You can choose to stick with a single nut flour if preferred. Just prepare the batter without dividing it and fold in your chosen nut flour. Making three flavors simply adds variety and a fun tasting experience.
Why do the financiers need to rest in the fridge before baking?
Resting the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld harmoniously, which helps create a finer, more tender crumb and higher rise during baking. It’s a small yet impactful step in this French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about mastering the French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe. With a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create elegant, flavorful cakes that bring warmth and delight to any table. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become a cherished favorite that you’ll want to bake again and again for friends, family, or simply to treat yourself.
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French Financiers with Nut Flours and Brown Butter Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 financiers
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
French financiers are delicate and moist almond cakes with a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter. This recipe offers a classic base that can be customized with almond, hazelnut, or pistachio flours, making them perfect bite-sized treats to enjoy fresh or store for a few days.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 150 g Unsalted butter (for brown butter)
- 150 g Egg whites (approximately whites of 5 eggs)
- 100 g Icing sugar
- 75 g All-purpose flour (divided: 25 g per flavor variant)
- 75 g Nut flour (choose almond, hazelnut, or pistachio flour accordingly)
- Large pinch of salt
- Chopped roasted nuts (pistachio, hazelnut, almond) for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Brown Butter: Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. It will melt and start foaming. Continue cooking while stirring carefully until the milk solids on the bottom turn golden brown and emit a nutty aroma. Remove from heat before burning and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk the egg whites vigorously until foamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and continue whisking until well combined.
- Add Brown Butter: Whisk the cooled brown butter into the egg white and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Divide and Flavor Batter: If making multiple flavors, divide the batter into three equal parts. Fold into each portion the corresponding nut flour (hazelnut, almond, or pistachio), all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. If making only one flavor, mix all ingredients into a single batter.
- Fill Piping Bags and Chill: Transfer each batter into separate piping bags. Refrigerate for one hour to let the batter rest and thicken slightly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Molds: Preheat your oven to 175°C (347°F). Grease and prepare financier molds to ensure easy removal of the cakes.
- Pipe Batter Into Molds: Pipe the three different batters into the molds, if using multiple flavors. Lightly sprinkle the tops with chopped roasted nuts corresponding to each flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the financiers are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the financiers to rest in the mold for 2-3 minutes post baking before gently removing them to a wire rack or plate to cool.
- Serve and Store: Serve financiers fresh for the best taste and texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.
Notes
- Carefully monitor the browning of the butter to avoid burning, which could impart a bitter taste.
- Using a piping bag helps achieve even, neat financiers with a smooth top.
- Customize batters with different nut flours or omit dividing for a single flavor batch.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be kept airtight to preserve freshness for 2-3 days.
- The chopped nuts sprinkled on top add extra texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
