Financiers Recipe – French Almond Tea Cake
Description:
Financiers, the quintessential French Almond Tea Cakes, are delicately sweet, light sponge cakes often enjoyed during tea time. Known for their almond flour base and golden-brown tops, these cakes have a rich yet delicate flavor that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or espresso coffee. While traditionally made in small rectangular molds called financiers molds, you can easily use mini muffin tins to achieve a similar result. These cakes are not quite biscuits but are a lovely blend of a soft, airy sponge and nutty almond flavor, making them a must-try for any fan of French pastries.
Cuisine: French
Course: Snack
Ingredients:
| 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 large |
| Salted Butter | 3/4 cup |
| Butter (for greasing) | As needed |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
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Prepare the Molds: Begin by greasing your financiers molds or mini muffin tins with butter. This will help the cakes release easily after baking. Set them aside.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 200°C (400°F), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your almond tea cakes.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond meal (badam powder), icing sugar, and salt. Using a hand mixer or whisk, mix these ingredients until they are fully incorporated.
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Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: Next, add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, forming soft peaks. Note that the batter should have a soft, pourable consistency—not stiff, as you would with traditional cake batter.
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Melt the Butter: In a separate bowl, melt the salted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop until it is fully liquid. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter.
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Combine the Butter with the Batter: Slowly pour the melted butter into the batter, gently folding it in to avoid deflating the fluffy mixture. Mix until fully combined.
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Fill the Molds: Spoon the batter into your prepared molds, filling each one about 3/4 of the way to allow room for the cakes to rise.
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Bake: Place the molds in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and firm to the touch when gently tapped on the top. The cakes will develop a delicate, light brown color on top.
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Cool: Once the financiers are baked to perfection, turn off the oven and carefully remove the cakes from the molds. Let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool, developing the ideal texture.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, serve the financiers with a steaming cup of tea or an espresso. These almond tea cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. The subtle almond flavor and airy texture will make each bite a delightful experience.
Tips for Perfect Financiers:
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Molding Options: If you don’t have the traditional financiers molds, mini muffin tins work just as well. You could also use a regular muffin tin, but the cakes may need a little more time in the oven.
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Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for the best results. If you don’t want to waste the yolks, you can use them in other recipes like custards or omelets.
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Flavor Variations: You can experiment by adding a dash of almond extract for an extra nutty flavor or even a spoonful of fruit jam in the center for a surprising twist.
These Financiers will quickly become a favorite part of your tea-time ritual. Their soft, fluffy texture combined with the nutty undertones from almond flour creates a decadent treat that elevates any coffee break or afternoon gathering. Enjoy them fresh or store them for later—a perfect snack that’s always ready to be savored with a warm drink.
