Financier (French Recipe)

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Prep time: 15

Cook time: 15

Do you have some egg whites to use up and feel like a little French treat? Then these Financiers are just what you need! These petite almond cakes, tender in the center with crisp edges and a rich browned butter flavor, are a timeless French bakery favorite that never goes out of style.

Three rectangular almond financiers are stacked on a cooling rack, one of them partially devoured. A cup of tea and other financiers are visible in the background.

What is a Financier?

A Financier is a small French almond cake which is soft and moist on the inside, with a lightly crisp exterior. It’s often compared to frangipane for its almond flavor, but the texture is lighter and it’s a wonderful way to use up extra egg whites.

In France, they’re baked in small rectangular molds that resemble gold bar, hence the name “Financier.” But you can absolutely make them in other molds too (more on that below!).

Ingredients for Perfect Financiers

You only need a handful of ingredients but quality really makes a difference here! You’ll find exact quantities in the recipe card below.

Butter: The key to that irresistible nutty flavor — take your time to brown it properly.
Ground almonds: The base of this recipe, giving the cakes their rich, moist texture.
Powdered sugar: Gives the batter a smooth consistency.
All-purpose flour: You can also use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Egg whites: Simply loosen them with a fork (no whipping!).
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor — or you can try bitter almond extract for a more traditional touch.
Sliced almonds (optional): For a pretty finish and added crunch.

Various baking ingredients, including melted butter, ground almonds, flour, powdered sugar, butter cubes, almond slices and vanilla on a white countertop.

Step-by-Step Financier Recipe

Here’s a quick look at how to make financiers what really makes them special compared to madeleines or muffins is the browned butter, which brings a toasty, caramelized flavor to the batter.

Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
Mix the dry ingredients: Sift together the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, and icing sugar.
Prepare the egg whites: Loosen with a fork (do not whip them).
Combine: Stir egg whites and vanilla into the dry ingredients.
Add the browned butter: Slowly pour it into the batter and mix well.
Chill: Rest the batter in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or overnight (this enhances flavor and texture).
Bake: Fill molds about ¾ full, top with sliced almonds, and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 15-18 minutes.

📌 Tip: Use any leftover browned butter to grease your molds, it adds even more flavor!

A stainless steel frying pan with butter cubes melting on an induction hob.

Close-up of a metal pan with melted butter or oil heating on a stovetop, showing bubbles and a golden liquid surface.

How to Serve and Store Financiers?

Delicious with a cup of Earl Grey tea or your morning coffee.
Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature.
Financiers also freeze beautifully! Once cooled, store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for 45 minutes or in the fridge for 2 hours.

Three rectangular almond cakes on a cooling rack, with a cup of tea and other cakes on a table set with floral porcelain.

Financier Variations

Citrus Zest: Grate a little lemon or orange zest into the batter for a bright, fresh twist.
Hazelnut Financiers: Substitute hazelnut flour for almond flour.
Fruit: Add a few halved raspberries or strawberries to each mold before baking.

Tips for Perfect Financiers

Measure your ingredients carefully, accuracy is key. I always recommend if you can to use the indications in grams.
Watch your brown butter: it should be golden with light brown specks. If it gets too dark, it will turn bitter.
Don’t whip the egg whites: just loosen them with a fork.
Rest the batter: chilling the batter improves texture and enhances flavor. If you’re short on time, pop it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.
Use silicone molds for easy release. If you don’t have traditional rectangular molds, muffin tins work great too.
Bake just until the edges are golden and the centers are still light — this ensures a tender, moist center.

More French Sweets

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare my financiers the day before?

Yes, they keep very well for 2 to 3 days in an airtight tin.

Can I freeze the almond financiers?

Absolutely! Leave to cool, then freeze in an airtight bag.

How to make a gluten-free version?

Replace wheat flour with rice flour or a gluten-free pastry mix.

How to store a financier?

Leave to cool, then store in an airtight tin at room temperature.

Why does financier batter need to rest?

To develop flavors and obtain a texture that’s melt-in-the-mouth on the inside and crispy on the outside.

What’s the difference between financier and madeleine?

Financier is a denser, buttery cake without yeast. It contains only egg whites. The madeleine, on the other hand, is more airy and lemony: it is prepared with whole eggs and a little baking powder to help it swell.

Recipe Card

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