Financier
Financier is a small French cake that is sometimes erroneously mistaken for a pastry since it is similar to a sponge cake. The cakes are baked in moulds and shaped to look like golden bricks known as lingot in French. Financiers are usually made with almond flour, almonds, egg whites, brown butter, and sugar.
The dessert was originally invented in the 19th century by a pastry chef named Lasne. As most of his clients were brokers who didn't want to stain their fingers, he invented this moist sponge cake, shaped it to look like a brick of gold, and financier was born.
Recipe variations
Almond Financiers from Larousse Gastronomique
READY IN 2h 30minThis is a basic financier version made with whipped egg whites, ground almonds, and plain melted butter. The recipe is adapted from Larousse Gastronomique: Desserts, Cakes, and Pastries.
Brown Butter Financiers by Dorie Greenspan
READY IN 3h 45minThe recipe is adapted from doriegreenspan.com. It is a version made with ground almonds, sugar, unwhipped egg whites, flour, and a copious amount of brown butter. Before baking, the batter should be rested for at least one hour, but it can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days. Greenspan says that she learned the recipe for this classic financier from the Parisian pastry chef Jean-Luc Poujauran. The recipe is featured in Greenspan's book Paris Sweets: Great Desserts From the City's Best Pastry Shops.
Financier Authentic recipe
This is a basic financier version made with whipped egg whites, ground almonds, and plain melted butter. The recipe is adapted from Larousse Gastronomique: Desserts, Cakes, and Pastries.
WHERE TO EAT The best Financier in the world (according to food experts)
