French Financiers (Financiers)

Name: French Financiers (Financiers)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: France
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons (140 g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (100 g) almond flour; ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar; ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour; 4 large egg whites (about ½ cup / 120 ml); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons (25 g) sliced almonds, for topping

Financiers Say it: fee-nahn-see-AY

By the Passport Plate editors. Published November 13, 2026.

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Financiers are small, elegant French cakes with a rich, nutty flavor from almond flour and browned butter. Originating in Paris in the late 19th century, they were created by a pastry chef near the stock exchange to provide a portable treat for busy financiers. Their moist, tender crumb and golden crust make them a beloved teatime or after-dinner bite, often baked in small rectangular molds resembling gold bars.

French Financiers (Financiers)

Financiers

Pronounced fee-nahn-see-AY

Serves: 4
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 15 min
Total: 30 min
Level: Easy

Vegetarian

Allergens: contains gluten, milk, egg, nuts. Check labels on packaged ingredients.

Ingredients

4 servings

10 tablespoons (140 g)140 g (10 tablespoons) unsalted butter
1 cup (100 g)100 g (1 cup) almond flour
¾ cup (90 g)90 g (¾ cup) powdered sugar
⅓ cup (40 g)40 g (⅓ cup) all-purpose flour
4 large egg whites (about ½ cup / 120 ml)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons (25 g)25 g (2 tablespoons) sliced almonds, for topping

Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a 12-cup mini muffin tin or financier mold and dust lightly with flour.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, powdered sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt.
Add the egg whites and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined into a smooth batter.
Slowly pour the warm browned butter into the batter while stirring constantly until fully incorporated and glossy.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
Sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top of each financier.
Bake for 12–15 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when gently pressed.
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Regional variants

While the classic version uses only almond, some Parisian bakeries add a touch of citrus zest or replace a small portion of the almond flour with hazelnut or pistachio flour for different nutty profiles.

Cook's notes

The browned butter (beurre noisette) is the key to the signature flavor—don't rush this step.
For the most tender texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the egg whites are added.
Financiers are best eaten the day they are baked but will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Serve with

Strong coffee, tea, or a glass of sweet wine.

Make ahead and storage

Batter can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and refrigerated; baked financiers store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.

French Financiers (Financiers)