Ingredients
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cubed, plus more softened for pans
2 c. (190 g.) fine almond flour
1 1/2 c. (300 g.) granulated sugar
1/2 c. (60 g.) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
6 large egg whites
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Fresh raspberries, chopped pistachios, or sliced almonds, for topping (optional)
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 375°. In a small pot over medium heat, melt butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until butter starts to turn golden and smells nutty, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a small heatproof bowl. Let cool 15 minutes.Step 2Brush 12 cavities of 2 (3 1/4") nonstick financier pans (or do one batch at a time) with softened butter, brushing inside and above rims of cavities.Step 3In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt to break up any clumps. Add egg whites, vanilla, and browned butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Divide batter among prepared pans. Top with a few berries, pistachios, or almonds, if using.Step 4Bake cakes until evenly browned and spring back when gently pressed with your finger, 16 to 18 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes, then pop out of tins. Serve warm.Step 5Make Ahead: Financiers can be made 5 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Financiers trace their origins to the end of the 19th century. The story goes that a Parisian pâtissier named Lasne made little cakes called visitandines (which had the same ingredients). Lasne’s bakery was next to La Bourse, AKA the French stock exchange. This meant that many of his clients were financiers who wanted something quick to eat that wouldn’t dirty their hands. When the cakes had success, Lasne allegedly changed the form of the cake from an oval to a rectangle that would resemble a bar of gold and the name to financiers in honor of his gold-loving patrons. Though a traditional financier pan gives these little cakes a patisserie-worthy shape, you can also use a mini muffin tin (baking time is just a few minutes less). Store the financiers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bonus points: These freeze very well! Pop the frozen ones in a 350° oven for about 10 minutes and enjoy warm.
