Welcome back to The Velvet Runway and our traditional French recipes. This time, we’re sharing an easy and elegant financier recipe for classic French almond cakes.
When people think of French cuisine, many things come to mind: comforting boeuf bourguignon, vibrant ratatouille, a perfectly crisp croque-monsieur, French onion soup, delicate escargots or even silky crème brûlée.
But here in France, pâtisserie holds its own special place. Financiers are often found in neighbourhood ‘boulangeries‘, quietly sitting beside madeleines and tartelettes. They are not flashy pastries, but they are deeply loved — especially with an afternoon espresso. Much less well known than the éclair, choux pastry creations, or delicate tartelettes, the financier is a small, golden cake that has a delicate almond flavour.
This classic financier recipe is one of the simplest yet most elegant French almond cakes you can make at home. With browned butter and ground almonds, these small golden pastries are a staple of traditional French pâtisserie.
If you’re looking for an authentic yet simple French almond cake recipe, this classic financier is the perfect place to start.
What is a Financier?
A financier is a small French almond cake traditionally baked in a rectangular mould, giving it its distinctive bar-like shape. Made primarily with almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and beurre noisette (browned butter), it has a light yet moist texture with a delicate nutty flavour.
Unlike richer, heavier cakes, the financier is refined and understated — crisp at the edges, tender in the centre, and perfectly balanced in sweetness. Though simple in appearance, it embodies the quiet elegance of French pâtisserie: minimal ingredients, precise technique, and exceptional flavour.
A Brief History of The Financier
The financier dates back to 19th-century Paris and is closely associated with the financial district near the Palais Brongniart, home of the former Paris stock exchange. According to culinary tradition, pastry chefs adapted an earlier almond cake recipe (the visitandine) into a small rectangular shape resembling a gold bar, appealing to bankers and financiers who wanted an elegant pastry that could be eaten quickly — and without leaving crumbs on their suits.
Over time, the cake became a staple in French boulangeries and pâtisseries, appreciated not only for its practicality but also for its beautifully rich almond flavour.
Now, I am sure you must be thinking: it is great to hear about the history, but how do you actually make a Financier?
Traditional Financier Recipe
Ingredients
The ingredient list is short and simple: almond flour, egg whites (no yolks), butter, sugar, and flour.
The beauty of financiers lies in the fact that they are easy to make yet incredibly elegant, making them perfect to impress your friends. On top of that, their small size makes them ideal for entertaining, whether as an afternoon treat, for a brunch gathering, or as a refined homemade gift.
Ingredients (Makes 10–12 small financiers)
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 100 g icing (powdered) sugar
- 80 g almond flour
- 40 g plain flour
- 4 egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
How to Make Financiers (Step-by-Step Method)
Brown the butter
The first step is to brown the butter. To do this, place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and allow it to melt. Continue cooking until it turns golden brown and smells deliciously nutty. Then, you can remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the dry ingredients
Make sure that you choose a large mixing bowl, as the remaining ingredients will be added to this mixture. Using a whisk, combine the icing sugar, almond flour, plain flour, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps, as financiers rely on a smooth batter.
Fold in the egg whites and browned butter
Lightly whisk the egg whites until frothy, then add them to the dry ingredients and mix gently until combined. Slowly pour in the browned butter, followed by the vanilla extract, and stir until the batter is smooth and glossy.
At this stage, you can add flavourings such as citrus zest or a drop of orange blossom water (see the variations below).
Let the batter rest
The batter then needs to rest (something we can all relate to). Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavours to develop and improves the texture of the finished cakes.
While the batter is resting, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare the financier moulds by greasing them with butter.
Bake the financiers
After 30 minutes, remove the batter from the fridge and fill each mould about three-quarters full. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are golden and the tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow the financiers to cool slightly before removing them from the moulds, otherwise they may stick.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Financiers are delicious on their own, but also pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or fresh fruit.
Insider Tip: After browning the butter, strain it through a fine sieve before adding it to the batter. This removes overly dark milk solids that can taste bitter, resulting in a cleaner, more refined flavour.
Tips for Perfect Financiers
The art of pâtisserie is all about technique and precision. To ensure success when making your first batch of financiers, keep these tips in mind:
- Use high-quality butter—it adds depth and richness to the flavour.
- Do not overmix; the texture should remain tender.
- Respect resting times, both in the fridge and after baking (this one can be hard, I know).
- Avoid overbaking: financiers should be moist, not dry.
Financier Variations
Once you’ve mastered the classic version, you can get creative with these delicious variations:
- Chocolate financier: simply add cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a richer version.
- Pistachio financier: replace part of the almond flour with pistachio flour.
- Raspberry financier: press a fresh raspberry into the batter before baking—this tastes wonderful and looks beautiful.
- Citrus financier: add finely grated lemon or orange zest for a bright, fresh note.
These variations are also a lovely way to adapt the recipe to the seasons.
How to Store Financiers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month — simply warm gently in the oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Financiers
Can I make financiers without almond flour?
Almond flour is essential to a traditional financier recipe, as it gives the cakes their characteristic nutty flavour and moist texture. If you replace it entirely, the result will no longer be a true financier. However, you can experiment by substituting a small portion with hazelnut or pistachio flour for variation.
Pro tip: If your almond flour feels slightly coarse, pulse it briefly in a food processor for a finer, more delicate crumb.
Why do financiers use only egg whites?
Financiers rely on egg whites to create their light, tender texture. Without yolks, the batter remains delicate rather than rich or dense. It is also a practical recipe — historically, it was a clever way for pastry chefs to use leftover egg whites from custards and crème brûlée.
Pro tip: Let egg whites come to room temperature before mixing; they incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
Do I need a special financier mould?
Traditional financiers are baked in small rectangular moulds, which give them their signature gold-bar shape. However, if you do not have a financier mould, a mini muffin tin works perfectly well. The flavour and texture remain the same — only the shape changes.
Pro tip: Silicone moulds release more easily, but metal moulds give slightly crisper edges.
Why does the batter need to rest?
Resting the batter allows the flour to hydrate fully and the flavours to deepen. This short pause improves the final texture, creating a softer interior and better rise during baking. It may feel like an extra step, but it truly makes a difference.
Pro tip: If you have time, resting the batter for up to one hour can enhance flavour even further.
How do I know when financiers are done?
Financiers are ready when the edges are golden brown and the tops spring back lightly when touched. They should remain moist inside — overbaking can quickly dry them out.
Pro tip: Remove them from the oven as soon as the centres are set; they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
Can financiers be made ahead of time?
Yes. Financiers keep beautifully for several days in an airtight container and can also be frozen. They are ideal for entertaining because they can be prepared in advance and gently warmed before serving.
Pro tip: A few minutes in a low oven restores their crisp edges and revives the aroma of browned butter.
Final Thoughts on Financier Recipe: Classic French Almond Cakes
So there you have it: a financier recipe you can easily adapt to your taste. Unlike show-stopping layer cakes, financiers belong to everyday French life. They are the kind of pastry you might pick up from a bakery on the way home or enjoy quietly with a cup of coffee !
I hope you enjoyed this feature with our easy and elegant ‘Financier Recipe ´.We will be back soon with more French Recipe inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post. You can select the categories that interest you most when signing up, so you only receive the content you truly love.
Bon appétit!
