Perfect Financier Ratio
1 : 1 : 1 : 1
Almond : Sugar : Butter : Whites
100g + 100g + 100g + 100g
= 12 mini financiers (golden, nutty, French)
Classic Financier Recipe
Ingredients
- Almond flour (fine) 100g (1 cup)
- Powdered sugar 100g (¾ cup + 2 tbsp)
- Unsalted butter 100g (7 tbsp)
- Egg whites (room temp) 100g (3 large eggs)
- All-purpose flour 30g (3½ tbsp)
- Vanilla extract ½ tsp
- Salt Pinch
Instructions
- 1. Brown butter: Melt butter in pan, cook until nutty brown (beurre noisette). Cool to room temp.
- 2. Whisk egg whites + salt until just foamy (NOT stiff!).
- 3. Sift together almond flour + powdered sugar + flour.
- 4. Fold dry ingredients into egg whites.
- 5. Fold in brown butter + vanilla until smooth.
- 6. Rest batter 30 min (or chill overnight for best results).
- 7. Fill greased molds ¾ full. Bake 375°F 12-15 min until golden.
- 8. Cool 5 min, unmold. Serve warm or room temp.
🧈 Brown Butter is Essential!
Financiers literally translate to "wealthy" because they're rich with beurre noisette (brown butter). This nutty, caramelized butter is what makes them special - don't skip this step!
Scaling Guide
| Yield | Almond Flour | Sugar | Butter | Egg Whites | AP Flour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 mini financiers | 50g | 50g | 50g | 50g (1½ whites) | 15g |
| 12 mini financiers | 100g | 100g | 100g | 100g (3 whites) | 30g |
| 24 mini financiers | 200g | 200g | 200g | 200g (6 whites) | 60g |
| 8x8" cake | 150g | 150g | 150g | 150g (4-5 whites) | 45g |
Financier vs Friand vs Madeleine
| Type | Flour | Eggs | Butter | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financier | Almond flour | Whites only | Brown butter | Moist, dense, nutty |
| Friand | Almond + AP flour | Whites only | Melted butter (not brown) | Similar, less intense |
| Madeleine | All-purpose flour | Whole eggs | Brown butter (optional) | Light, sponge-like, hump |
| Frangipane | Almond + AP flour | Whole eggs | Softened butter | Creamy filling (not cake) |
Flavor Variations
Mix-In Ideas
- Raspberry Financier: Press 1 raspberry into each mold before baking
- Blueberry Financier: Add 3-4 berries per mold
- Pistachio Financier: Replace half almond flour with pistachio flour
- Chocolate Financier: Add 30g cocoa powder, reduce flour
- Lemon Financier: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to batter
- Matcha Financier: Add 2 tsp matcha powder
Topping Ideas
- Sliced Almonds: Sprinkle on top before baking
- Pearl Sugar: Adds crunch and sparkle
- Honey Glaze: Brush warm financiers with honey
- Powdered Sugar: Dust lightly when cool
- Fresh Berries: Serve with whipped cream + berries
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melted dark chocolate