Name: Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 3 ounces unsalted butter plus additional for greasing; 3 egg whites; ½ cup white sugar; ½ cup almond meal; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 12 small pieces of peeled peach

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These delicate French almond cakes are a sophisticated yet simple treat that pairs the nutty richness of browned butter with the sweet freshness of peaches. Traditionally baked in rectangular molds resembling gold bars (hence the name "financiers"), these mini cakes have a crisp exterior and a tender, moist interior that makes them irresistible.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These peach financiers are simple elegance at its finest. With their delicate almond flavor, tender crumb, and sweet peach topping, they're perfect for afternoon tea or a sophisticated dessert. Despite their fancy French name, they're surprisingly straightforward to make with basic ingredients. The nutty brown butter adds a complex caramel note that elevates these little cakes beyond ordinary treats. Plus, they bake up quickly, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or whenever you're craving something special but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter brings a rich, nutty flavor when browned, which is essential to the distinctive taste of financiers. This French technique transforms ordinary butter into a fragrant, caramel-like ingredient that adds incredible depth.

Egg whites provide structure and lightness to these delicate cakes. Unlike many baked goods that use whole eggs, financiers traditionally use only whites for their clean flavor and ability to create that signature tender-yet-springy texture.

White sugar sweetens the cakes while helping to create their crisp exterior. The sugar also works with the egg whites to create a meringue-like base that gives financiers their unique texture.

Almond meal is the defining ingredient in financiers, providing their distinctive nutty flavor and moist texture. If you can't find almond meal, you can make your own by finely grinding blanched almonds in a food processor.

All-purpose flour provides structure to the cakes, balancing the richness of the almond meal. Just a small amount is needed to achieve the perfect texture.

Vanilla extract enhances the natural sweetness of the almond and peach flavors. A good quality pure vanilla extract makes a noticeable difference here.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. Even this small amount makes a significant difference in the final taste.

Fresh peaches add a juicy sweetness and slight tartness that perfectly complements the nutty, buttery cake. Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best results.

Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously butter a 12-muffin mini-muffin tin. Add a pinch of flour to each cup; shake to coat bottoms.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The melted butter will get foamy. Keep pan moving to prevent burning, but continue toasting butter until it turns golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Whisk egg whites and sugar together in a large bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves and egg whites get thick and foamy, 2 or 3 minutes. Mix in almond meal, flour, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in browned butter.
Fill muffin cups almost to the top. Tap pan to eliminate any air bubbles.
Bake 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and top financiers with small pieces of peach. Transfer pan back to oven. Continue baking until browned, 10 to 12 more minutes.
Let cool at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 mini financiers and takes about 30 minutes total to prepare and bake. The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and the baking time is about 15 minutes. These little cakes are perfect for serving 6-12 people, depending on whether you're offering one or two per person.

Variations

Berry Financiers: Replace peaches with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruit flavor profile.

Citrus Financiers: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy variation.

Chocolate Financiers: Replace 1 tablespoon of flour with cocoa powder and top with a small piece of dark chocolate instead of peach.

Pistachio Financiers: Substitute half the almond meal with finely ground pistachios for a beautiful green hue and unique flavor.

Spiced Financiers: Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced version.

Traditional Shape: Bake in traditional rectangular financier molds for an authentic French presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Financiers are best enjoyed the day they're made when the exterior is still slightly crisp and the interior is tender. However, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

To refresh day-old financiers, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This will help restore some of their original texture and enhance their flavor.

These cakes also freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven before serving if desired.

FAQs

What are financiers and why are they called that?

Financiers are small French almond cakes made with browned butter. They got their name because traditionally they were baked in rectangular molds resembling gold bars, and were popular in the financial district of Paris.

Can I use regular muffin tins instead of mini-muffin tins?

Yes, you can use regular muffin tins, but you'll need to adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes total. You'll get fewer, larger financiers.

Why do we brown the butter for financiers?

Browning the butter creates nutty, caramel-like flavors that are essential to the distinctive taste of financiers. This process, known as making "beurre noisette" in French cuisine, adds complexity and richness.

Can I substitute the almond meal with other nuts?

Yes, you can experiment with hazelnut meal, pistachio meal, or even walnut meal. Each will impart its own unique flavor to the financiers.

What if I don't have fresh peaches?

You can substitute with other fresh fruits like berries, apricots, or plums. In a pinch, well-drained canned or thawed frozen peaches will work, though fresh is preferred for texture.

How do I know when my financiers are done baking?

Financiers are done when they're golden brown around the edges and spring back slightly when touched. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually helps develop the flavors. Bring it back to room temperature before filling your molds.

Are financiers gluten-free?

Traditional financiers are not gluten-free due to the small amount of all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Why do my financiers stick to the pan?

Financiers can stick if the pan isn't properly greased and floured. Be generous with the butter when preparing your pan, and let the financiers cool for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove them.

Can I add other flavorings to the batter?

Absolutely! Citrus zest, spices like cinnamon or cardamom, or even a touch of rosewater or orange blossom water are all lovely additions to the basic financier batter.

Conclusion

These peach financiers are a perfect example of how simplicity and quality ingredients create something truly special. The combination of nutty browned butter, tender almond cake, and sweet fresh peaches makes for an elegant treat that's much easier to prepare than its sophisticated name might suggest. Whether you're serving these at a tea party, bringing them to a brunch, or simply enjoying one with your afternoon coffee, these little French cakes are sure to impress. Their versatility makes them adaptable to seasonal fruits and different flavor combinations, so don't hesitate to experiment with your own variations once you've mastered the basic recipe.

Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 12 small cakes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Peach financiers are small, delicious almond cakes topped with pieces of peach. These miniature delights are golden-brown, buttery, and slightly nutty, making them perfect for dessert or a comforting snack.

Ingredients

3 ounces unsalted butter plus additional for greasing

3 egg whites

½ cup white sugar

½ cup almond meal

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus additional for dusting pan

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

⅛ teaspoon salt

12 small pieces of peeled peach

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Generously butter a 12-muffin mini-muffin tin. Add a pinch of flour to each cup; shake to coat bottoms.
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The melted butter will get foamy. Keep pan moving to prevent burning, but continue toasting butter until it turns golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Whisk egg whites and sugar together in a large bowl. Whisk until sugar dissolves and egg whites get thick and foamy, 2 or 3 minutes.
Mix in almond meal, flour, vanilla, and salt. Whisk in browned butter.
Fill muffin cups almost to the top. Tap pan to eliminate any air bubbles.
Bake for 5 minutes. Remove pan from oven, and top financiers with small pieces of peach. Transfer pan back to oven.
Continue baking until browned, 10 to 12 more minutes.
Let cool at least 10 minutes before removing from the pan.