If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a delicate, buttery treat that melts effortlessly in your mouth, then this Brown Butter Almond Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These classic little cakes have a rich, nutty flavor thanks to the beautifully browned butter and almond meal, making them a standout snack or a charming gift. Each mini cake offers a tender crumb with just the right hint of sweetness, perfect for pairing with your favorite cup of tea or coffee any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Brown Butter Almond Financiers starts with a handful of simple yet fantastic ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the richness of butter that’s gently browned to bring out deep hazelnut notes, to the almond meal that gives the cakes their signature moist texture and nutty flavor.
- 150 gr Unsalted Butter: Essential for that luxurious brown butter flavor and moist crumb.
- 25 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour: Adds just enough structure without weighing the cakes down.
- 125 gr Almond Meal: Provides the characteristic nutty taste and tender texture.
- 100 gr Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar): Sweetens delicately for a perfectly balanced bite.
- 1 pinch Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 5 Egg Whites (about 150 grams): Give the cakes their lightness and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds a subtle aromatic hint to compliment the almonds.
- Flaked Almonds (optional): For a pretty, crunchy topping that highlights the almond flavor.
How to Make Brown Butter Almond Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (325°F). While it’s warming up, generously grease your financier pan. You can also dust it with a little flour for extra non-stick assurance—just remember to tap out any excess so your cakes don’t end up floury.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Watch it closely as it melts and foams. Soon, it will start turning golden and fill your kitchen with a toasty, nutty aroma—that’s the magic of brown butter at work. Be patient and keep stirring gently until you see small brown specks forming at the bottom. Then, remove the pan from heat and let the butter cool while you move on.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the plain flour, almond meal, icing sugar, and salt. This step ensures a smooth batter free from lumps, helping your financiers bake up with a tender, even crumb.
Step 4: Whisk Egg Whites
Whisk the egg whites lightly in a separate bowl until they are slightly bubbly but not fully stiff. This slight whisking introduces air, keeping the cakes light and springy without making them overly fluffy like a meringue.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gently add the whisked egg whites to the dry ingredient bowl, stirring carefully until smooth and combined. Next, pour in your cooled brown butter, and if you like, the vanilla extract. Stir just until everything comes together in a silky batter.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake
Transfer the batter into a piping bag, or simply spoon it into each cavity of your financier pan. Use the back of a spoon to even them out if needed. Sprinkle with flaked almonds on top if you want a little extra crunch and nutty flair. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cakes are golden and spring back to the touch. If using a different pan type like mini loaf or muffin pans, expect a slightly longer bake time.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the financiers rest in the pan for 15 minutes; this helps them firm up before removing. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Each bite will be crisp on the outside, lusciously soft inside—a true almond lover’s dream.
How to Serve Brown Butter Almond Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar instantly elevates these little gems. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or melted dark chocolate for an indulgent touch. Fresh berries or edible flowers make them positively irresistible when serving guests or for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Brown Butter Almond Financiers pair beautifully with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or green tea, highlighting their subtly sweet and nutty flavors. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside creamy yogurt and fresh fruit for a light and elegant start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these mini cakes on a tiered cake stand for a fancy afternoon tea vibe or package them in pretty boxes tied with ribbon for gifts that look as good as they taste. You could even sandwich two financiers with a spread of almond butter or berry jam for a charming little sandwich dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Almond Financiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and perfectly tender for up to three days, making them ideal to bake ahead when entertaining or for a special treat during the week.
Freezing
Want to enjoy these mini French almond cakes later? Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or container. These financiers freeze beautifully for up to one month. Just thaw at room temperature before serving—a perfectly convenient dessert on demand.
Reheating
To revive the just-baked texture, warm your financiers in a low oven (around 140°C/280°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. They’ll regain their delicate crispness on the outside while staying soft inside. Avoid microwaving as that can make them chewy.
FAQs
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Using whole eggs will change the texture and weight of your financiers, making them less light and airy. Egg whites are key to achieving that classic tender crumb with a subtle lift.
What can I substitute for almond meal?
Financiers rely heavily on the almond meal for flavor and moistness. If you need a substitute, finely ground hazelnuts or pistachios can provide a similar texture and nutty taste, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
Brown butter adds the signature nutty depth that sets these financiers apart. While you can skip this step, you’ll miss out on the rich complexity that makes these small cakes so irresistible.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free all-purpose flour or replace the flour with a suitable gluten-free blend to keep the texture light and tender.
How long do Brown Butter Almond Financiers keep fresh?
Stored well in an airtight container at room temperature, financiers stay fresh for about three days. They can last longer if refrigerated, but their texture is best enjoyed fresh or slightly warmed.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Brown Butter Almond Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe is like inviting a little piece of French patisserie magic right into your kitchen. They are charmingly simple to prepare, yet utterly luxurious in taste and texture. Whether for elevating your daily tea time or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these little cakes never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and savor every nutty, buttery bite!
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Brown Butter Almond Financiers (Mini French Almond Cakes) Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 12 Mini Cakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic French Financiers are delightful mini almond cakes made with brown butter, almond meal, and egg whites. Perfect as a sweet treat alongside your morning or afternoon tea, they offer a nutty and moist texture with a delicate golden crust. These elegant bite-sized cakes are also ideal for gifting or special occasions.
Ingredients
Butter
- 150 gr Unsalted Butter
Dry Ingredients
- 25 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour
- 125 gr Almond Meal
- 100 gr Icing Sugar (Powdered Sugar)
- 1 pinch Salt
Wet Ingredients
- 5 Egg Whites (about 150 grams)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- Flaked Almonds, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Generously grease a financier pan, optionally dust it with flour and tap out any excess to prevent sticking.
- Make Brown Butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low to medium-low heat. Cook it until foamy, then continue cooking until it turns golden brown and exudes a nutty aroma, about 5 to 8 minutes. Look for small brown specks at the bottom, then remove from heat and let cool.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, almond meal, icing sugar, and salt. Stir to combine evenly.
- Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg whites until slightly bubbly but not fully stiff.
- Combine Batter: Add the egg whites to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Then whisk in the cooled brown butter and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Fill the Pan: Transfer batter to a piping bag and pipe it into the prepared financier pan. Alternatively, spoon or scoop the batter into the molds. Spread with the back of a spoon if needed and top with flaked almonds, if using.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven until cakes are lightly golden on top. If using a mini loaf or muffin pan, baking time may be slightly longer.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cakes rest for about 15 minutes before carefully removing them from the pan. Transfer to a cooling rack and cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Using a financier pan gives the cakes their traditional rectangular shape, but muffin tins or mini loaf pans can work as alternatives.
- Carefully monitor the brown butter to avoid burning; it should be nutty and golden, not blackened.
- Egg whites should be lightly whisked to incorporate some air but not beaten to stiff peaks for the right texture.
- Allow cakes to cool slightly in the pan for easier removal and to retain their shape.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
