Financiers Recipe – French Almond Tea Cake
Financiers, a delightful French almond tea cake, are moist, lightly sweet, and irresistibly tender. These small, almond-rich treats are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or espresso. Their delicate texture and golden-brown finish make them a sophisticated snack that’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to prepare this classic French pastry, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.
Ingredients for Financiers (French Almond Tea Cake)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 cup |
| Almond Meal (Badam Powder) | 1 cup |
| Icing Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Vanilla Extract | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Egg Whites | 5 |
| Butter (for greasing pans) | As needed |
| Butter | 3/4 cup, melted |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 14g |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the molds
Begin by greasing your financiers molds or mini muffin tins with butter. If you don’t have a financiers mold, a standard muffin tin or even mini cake pans will work well. After greasing, set the molds aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Ensuring that your oven is preheated will help the financiers bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.
Step 3: Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal (badam powder), all-purpose flour (maida), icing sugar, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. This will ensure that the sweetness and almond flavor are well-distributed throughout the tea cake batter.
Step 4: Beat the egg whites
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they begin to form soft peaks. Be careful not to over-beat. The egg whites should be fluffy but not stiff. This helps the financiers have a light texture.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the dry ingredients. Then, add in the vanilla extract and the melted butter. The batter will have a soft, almost pourable consistency but should not form stiff peaks. This is normal and gives the financiers their delicate crumb.
Step 6: Fill the molds
Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling them nearly to the top. The batter will spread slightly as it bakes, so it’s okay if it’s just below the rim of the mold.
Step 7: Bake the financiers
Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-30 minutes. The financiers are done when they are firm to the touch, and their tops have turned a light golden brown. You can tap the top gently with your finger, and it should feel springy and firm.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Once baked, remove the financiers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. As they cool, they will firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the molds. Once fully cooled, carefully turn them out of the molds.
Financiers can be served immediately, or they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. These little tea cakes pair wonderfully with your afternoon tea or a strong espresso.
Tips for Perfect Financiers
- Egg Whites: It’s important to beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Over-beating them can make the batter too stiff, which will affect the texture of the cake.
- Almond Meal: Using finely ground almond meal (or almond flour) is key to achieving the signature almond flavor and delicate crumb. You can find this at specialty grocery stores or online.
- Butter: Make sure to melt the butter before adding it to the batter. This ensures that it integrates smoothly, giving the financiers their tender texture.
- Molds: If you don’t have traditional financiers molds, mini muffin tins work just as well. You can also use small cake pans for a more rustic look.
Serving Suggestions
These financiers are perfect on their own, or they can be paired with a variety of beverages. They complement the flavors of a hot cup of tea or a smooth espresso. Serve them as a sweet snack, or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread or afternoon gathering. Their elegance and refined taste make them a treat suitable for any occasion.
Enjoy your homemade French Almond Tea Cakes, or “Financiers”! These delicate, almond-infused treats are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, these little cakes will add a touch of French sophistication to your day.
