If you’re looking for a delightful little treat that’s both elegant and utterly irresistible, this Browned Butter Financiers Recipe is exactly what you need. These petite French cakes pack a rich, nutty flavor with a perfectly tender crumb that melts in your mouth. The magic lies in the browned butter, which adds a deep, caramelized aroma, elevating these bite-sized beauties beyond your typical almond cake. Once you try these financiers, they’ll quickly become your go-to for afternoon tea, special occasions, or anytime you want a simple yet impressive sweet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Browned Butter Financiers Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role. Simple pantry staples combine with nutty, rich elements to create that signature moist yet slightly crisp texture and delicate taste that makes financiers so special.
- Almond or hazelnut flour: Adds natural nuttiness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- Sugar: Sweetens the financiers just enough without overpowering the nutty flavors.
- Flour: Provides structure to keep the financiers light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Egg whites: Create a light, airy texture and help bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla or almond extract: Adds an aromatic touch that complements the browned butter perfectly.
- Brown butter: The star ingredient, giving these financiers that irresistible caramelized depth.
How to Make Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF (180ºC). Generously butter the insides of 24 mini muffin tins with softened butter, making sure to also coat the upper rims of each indentation. This extra step ensures the delicate financiers release easily after baking and get a gorgeous golden edge.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond or hazelnut flour, sugar, all-purpose flour, and a generous pinch of salt. This combination forms the flavorful base of your batter and ensures an evenly balanced taste throughout each financier.
Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Whites and Flavoring
Gently stir in the room-temperature egg whites and your choice of vanilla or almond extract to the dry mix. The egg whites add the necessary lift, while the extract infuses a subtle but cozy aroma that pairs beautifully with the nutty batter.
Step 4: Add the Browned Butter
Pour in the slightly warm, liquified browned butter and fold it gently but thoroughly into the batter. This step is where the financiers truly come alive, as the browned butter imparts that signature rich, toasty flavor and buttery moisture that makes it so addictive.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Carefully fill each muffin tin indentation almost to the top with batter. To make sure they bake evenly, rap the tins sharply on the counter to level the tops and remove any bubbles. Bake in your preheated oven for about 13 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown and perfectly set.
Step 6: Cool and Remove
Allow the financiers to cool inside the tins. When they’re no longer hot but still slightly warm, use a sharp knife to gently release them if they stick. This careful removal keeps their delicate shape intact and ready for serving or packaging.
How to Serve Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
Garnishes
These little cakes shine on their own, but a delicate sprinkling of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can take them to a new level of charm. For an extra touch, add a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to brighten up the plate while complementing the Browned Butter Financiers Recipe perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these financiers with a cup of rich coffee, classic black tea, or even a floral jasmine tea for a sophisticated twist. Their nutty depth balances beautifully against bitter or fragrant drinks, turning any simple snack time into an indulgent moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these financiers on a tiered dessert tray for a stunning party centerpiece, or package a few in a pretty box tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. You could also plate them alongside sliced seasonal fruits and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover financiers in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and moist. They should remain delightful for up to three days, making them a perfect treat to enjoy a little later without losing any of their magic.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Browned Butter Financiers Recipe at a later date, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to one month in the freezer without compromising their texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your financiers as if freshly baked, warm them gently in a 300ºF (150ºC) oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This revives their tender crumb and brings back a hint of that irresistible buttery aroma that makes the Browned Butter Financiers Recipe so unforgettable.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted for the browned butter?
While it’s best to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt levels precisely, using salted butter will still work. Just reduce or omit any added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty finish.
What if I don’t have almond or hazelnut flour?
You can substitute with finely ground almonds or finely chopped hazelnuts, but the texture might be a bit different. Avoid regular flour alone as it won’t deliver the same nutty flavor or moistness.
Why do financiers use only egg whites?
Egg whites create a lighter, airier texture and allow the nut flours to shine without extra richness that yolks bring. This is part of what makes Browned Butter Financiers Recipe so elegant and delicate compared to other cakes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Because the batter contains egg whites and browned butter, it’s best to prepare it just before baking for the most tender results. However, you can refrigerate the mixed batter for a few hours, but expect slightly less rise.
How do I make browned butter?
Browned butter is made by gently melting butter in a pan over medium heat. Keep stirring until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing these Browned Butter Financiers Recipe. They bring together the best of simple ingredients with a technique that feels a bit special without any fuss. Whether for an everyday treat or to impress guests, these financiers will warm hearts and satisfy cravings in the most wonderful way. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite little cake!
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Browned Butter Financiers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini financiers
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Browned Butter Financiers are delicate, moist French almond cakes with a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter. These bite-sized treats feature a tender crumb made with almond or hazelnut flour and are baked to golden perfection in mini muffin tins. Perfect for an elegant tea-time snack or a sophisticated dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (140g) almond or hazelnut flour
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (180g) sugar
- 5 tablespoons (45g) all-purpose flour
- Generous pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 large egg whites (at room temperature)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 2 1/2 ounces (75g) brown butter (slightly warm, liquified)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (180ºC). Generously butter 24 mini muffin tins using softened butter, ensuring you cover the rims of each indentation well. This helps prevent sticking and gives the financiers a lovely crust.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond or hazelnut flour, sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir the egg whites and your choice of vanilla or almond extract into the dry mixture. Then fold in the browned butter, which should be slightly warm but not hot. Mix carefully until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
- Fill and bake: Spoon the batter into each mini muffin indentation almost to the top. Tap the pans sharply against the counter to level the batter and release any air bubbles. Bake for about 13 minutes, or until the financiers have risen and are beautifully browned on top.
- Cool and remove: Allow the financiers to cool completely in the tins. Use a sharp knife if needed to gently loosen the sides before carefully removing them. Enjoy these buttery, nutty cakes slightly warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that is signature to this recipe.
- Room temperature egg whites help the batter come together smoothly without cooking them.
- Make sure to butter the mini muffin tins thoroughly including the rims to prevent sticking.
- Financiers are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute hazelnut flour for almond flour for a slightly different nutty flavor.
