Financiers are a small, traditional French almond cake dating back to the 17th century. Originally named Visitandines, after an order of nuns who originally created the cakes, they were renamed financiers by a Parisian chef named Lasne around 1890. Lasne, who owned a bakery in the financial district of Paris, began baking the cakes in the rectangular shape of gold bars, appealing to his wealthy customers with their compact shape making them easy to eat on the go. 

These delicious treats are still popular today and go perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee. They can be made in any shape — I chose flower-shaped molds for a fun and different look — and I prefer to use a silicone mold for ease of removal, but a metal pan works too when greased well.

FINANCIERS

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 10 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 ¼ cup almond flour
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 6 Tbsp flour
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp almond extract
• Sliced almond for topping (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees, and grease molds if using a metal pan.
2. Separate egg whites (I like to keep the yolks to use for other recipes).
3. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the butter turns a light, golden brown color. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. 
5. Add the egg whites and browned butter to the dry ingredients and mix until completely combined.
6. Refrigerate batter for 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Fill molds to ¾ full. Top with sliced almonds and bake for 12–15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool at room temperature and enjoy!