Raspberry Financiers
Financiers are a classic French pastry that's delicate, nutty, and lightly sweet, in this version paired up perfectly with sweet raspberries.
I love financiers as a treat because it's so versatile and approachable to make (which is not something you can say for most French pastries!) and goes great with a cup of tea or as a part of a large dessert platter. Not to mention it's also fully cottage-friendly with a shelf-life of about 3-5 days if properly packaged.
Why I love this
- They are versatile and elegant but simple to bake at home.
- The nutty almond flavor makes a great pair with fresh raspberries.
- They look professional but require minimal equipment.
- One base recipe can make many variations.
Ingredient Overview
Financiers are a pastry made with few and simple ingredients, which is why each of them matters. Here's why you need each of them:
- All-purpose flour - Provides structure to the financiers without making them heavy.
- Almond flour - Adds the signature nutty, moist texture that financiers are known for.
- Icing sugar - Keeps the crumb light and tender while adding sweetness.
- Egg whites - Creates lift and provides a softer texture.
- Unsalted butter - Melted butter is the main flavor carrier, so use a good one.
- Vanilla extract - Adds an extra layer of flavor to the batter, and pairs well with the almond flavor.
- Raspberries - Provides a fruity and tart flavor to balance the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your pans
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, and icing sugar. Use a spatula to smooth out any lumps.
Step 3: Whip egg whites
In a medium bowl, whisk egg whites until frothy (not stiff).
Step 4: Combine the batter
Add the dry ingredients to the egg whites, followed by melted butter and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fill the molds
Transfer the batter to a piping bag for easier filling. Pipe into molds, filling each until almost full.
Step 6: Add raspberries
Place raspberries on top of each financier, pressing them slightly into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on the edges. Remove from molds while still warm and dust with icing sugar before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Financiers
💡 Baker's Tips
- You can use silicone molds for the classic financier shape and easy release.
- Don't overwhip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Just frothy is enough.
- Let them cool slightly before removing from molds to avoid breakage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overfill the molds, since the financiers will rise slightly.
- Overbaking the financiers, making them dry.
- Skipping the vanilla extract, which will make them with a less rounded flavor.
How to Make Financiers Extra Gourmet
- Brown the butter before adding it for a deeper nutty flavor, making sure to keep the same amount in grams.
- You can swap raspberries for other berries or chopped stone fruit for a seasonal twist.
- Substitute the vanilla extract with rose water or orange blossom water for a floral accent.
Variations & Substitutions
- Replace raspberries with blueberries or blackberries.
- Use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour for a nuttier base.
Storage & Freezing Info
- Store financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked financiers in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
These financiers are perfect with an afternoon tea or coffee. You can also give them a generous coating of powdered sugar before serving.
For another French-inspired desserts, make sure to try my Lemon Madeleines or my Kouign Amann recipes.
Equipment
- 2 mini muffin tins
Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour 60 g
- 1 cup almond flour 100 g
- 1 ½ cups icing sugar 180 g
- 6 large egg whites 180 g
- 14 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (200 g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup raspberries fresh or frozen (100 g)
- Cooking spray if using muffin tins
- Icing sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Quickly grease two mini muffin tins with cooking spray.
- Mix the flours with the icing sugar, removing any lumps with the help of a spatula.
- In a medium bowl, whip the egg whites until frothy.
- Add the flour mix, butter and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a piping bag (it's easier this way) and pipe the batter into the tin, making sure to not overfill them.
- Add the raspberries on top of the financiers, pressing down so they're covered by the batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden on the sides.
- Remove financiers from the molds while they're still warm and give them a good coat of icing sugar before serving if you wish.
FAQ Section
What is a financier?
Financiers are a small French almond cake, typically baked in a rectangular mold, known for its nutty flavor and tender crumb.
Can I make financiers without almond flour?
Almond flour is key to the classic texture, but you can try hazelnut flour or a mix of ground nuts. However, do not skip it.
Can I freeze financiers?
Yes! Bake them, cool completely, and freeze in airtight bags for up to 2 months.
