Delight in the exquisite elegance of these Raspberry Financiers, a classic French delicacy reimagined with a vibrant, fruity twist. These dainty almond and brown butter cakes are elevated by the addition of plump, juicy raspberries, optionally macerated in rosé wine for an extra layer of sophisticated flavor. Perfect for any occasion, from an elegant afternoon tea to a charming dessert, these financiers promise a luxurious treat for your palate.
Each bite offers a harmonious blend of rich, nutty notes from the browned butter and ground almonds, complemented by the delicate sweetness and tartness of fresh raspberries. The texture is simply divine: a moist, tender crumb encased in a delicately crisp exterior, making them irresistibly light and fluffy. Dust them with a whisper of icing sugar, and you have a truly magnificent confection that embodies French patisserie at its finest.
This raspberry financier recipe is not just a joy to bake, but also incredibly versatile. It’s an ideal way to utilize leftover egg whites, which often accumulate after preparing other delightful treats like buttercream for an Apple Crumble Cake or crème mousseline for a Fraisier Cake. Whether served alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a delicate tea, or simply enjoyed as a sophisticated snack on their own, these financiers are a year-round pleasure, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo.
What Are Financiers? A Journey into French Patisserie
Before we delve into crafting these delectable raspberry financiers, let’s explore the rich history and unique characteristics of this beloved French pastry. Financiers are small, elegant almond cakes that trace their origins back to the 17th century in the Lorraine region of France. Legend has it that these cakes were first created by the Visitandine nuns, a fact reflected in some French bakeries that still sell them under the name “Visitandines.”
However, the name “financier” as we know it today is believed to have emerged in the 19th century. Parisian bakers in the financial district, near the Bourse (stock exchange), started baking these treats. The cakes were shaped in small rectangular molds, reminiscent of gold ingots or bars, which quickly associated them with the wealthy financiers who frequented the area. The bakers likely intended to create a pastry that was easy to eat without making a mess, making them perfect for busy businessmen on the go.
Beyond their intriguing history, financiers are distinguished by their exceptional flavor and texture. They boast a light, moist, and tender interior, beautifully contrasted by a subtly crisp exterior. This signature profile is largely due to two key ingredients: brown butter (beurre noisette) and ground almonds. This combination creates an unparalleled depth of flavor and a distinct richness that makes them an ideal accompaniment to an afternoon tea or coffee, offering a truly luxurious experience.
The Magic of Brown Butter (Beurre Noisette)
While making brown butter is an optional step in some recipes, it is undeniably one of the central flavor components that elevates financiers from a simple cake to a truly special French delicacy. Known in French as “beurre noisette” (hazelnut butter), this ingredient is easy to make and infuses the financiers with a delightfully fragrant, nutty, and aromatic depth that cannot be achieved with plain melted butter.
The process of browning butter involves gently cooking unsalted butter until its milk solids toast to a golden brown, releasing a rich, complex aroma that is often described as nutty and caramel-like. This transformation adds an incredible layer of sophistication and warmth to the financiers, making them intensely flavorful and wonderfully indulgent. It’s a small step that yields a profound difference in taste, giving these raspberry financiers their truly distinctive and memorable character.
To achieve perfect brown butter, place unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking. As it melts, the butter will begin to foam and bubble; this indicates that the water content is evaporating. Continue cooking, keeping a close eye on the color. Ideally, use a light-colored saucepan, such as stainless steel, as this will allow you to clearly monitor the color transformation of the butter, making it easier to determine when it’s perfectly browned. After 5-8 minutes, the milk solids at the bottom of the pan will turn golden brown, and you’ll notice a distinct, delicious nutty aroma. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour the browned butter into a small, heatproof bowl to stop the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before incorporating it into your financier batter.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Raspberry Financiers
The beauty of classic French financiers lies in their use of simple, everyday kitchen cupboard ingredients. This accessibility, combined with their capacity for endless customization, makes them a favorite among home bakers. While financiers can be enjoyed plain, they readily welcome additional flavors from fruits, citrus zest, nuts, chocolates, or spices.
For this particular recipe, we’re adding an indulgent touch with raspberries, optionally macerated in rosé wine. This step infuses the berries with a delicate, floral aroma and a hint of sweetness, complementing the nutty cakes beautifully. However, if you prefer a simpler approach, you can certainly omit the wine soaking. Here’s a detailed look at the essential ingredients you’ll need, along with helpful notes and potential substitutes:
- Unsalted Butter: The foundation for our glorious brown butter. Unsalted butter is preferred as it gives you control over the overall saltiness of the cakes. However, if salted butter is all you have, you can use it, just be mindful of any added salt in the recipe. Browning the butter is crucial for developing the rich, nutty flavor that defines financiers.
- Raspberries: Whether fresh or frozen, raspberries are key to the vibrant flavor of these financiers. If using frozen raspberries, there’s no need to thaw them first; they can be added directly to the wine for maceration or placed on top of the batter before baking. Their tartness beautifully balances the richness of the cakes.
- Rosé Wine (Optional): This ingredient adds an extra layer of indulgence and a subtle, fragrant note to the raspberries. Macerating the berries in rosé wine infuses them with a delicate sweetness and a hint of sophistication. If you prefer to omit alcohol or don’t have rosé on hand, you can skip this step entirely and use plain raspberries.
- Egg Whites: Financiers are traditionally made with egg whites only, which contribute to their characteristic light, moist, and slightly chewy texture. For best results, use large eggs. Don’t discard the yolks; save them for other recipes like custards, ice cream, or a rich hollandaise sauce. Egg whites also help create a delicate structure without the need for additional leavening agents.
- Icing Sugar (Confectioner’s Sugar/Powdered Sugar): Traditionally, financiers use icing sugar, which blends seamlessly into the batter, contributing to its smooth texture and delicate sweetness. While icing sugar is recommended for its fine consistency, you can also use fine caster sugar or granulated sugar. Brown sugar can also be used for a slightly deeper, molasses-like flavor, or a mix of different sugars for complexity.
- Ground Almonds (Almond Flour/Almond Meal): This is one of the most vital ingredients, providing the signature flavor and tender crumb of financiers. Ground almonds contribute to the moistness and give the cakes their distinct nutty taste. Almond flour, which is more finely ground, will result in a smoother texture, while almond meal, being slightly coarser, might add a bit more rustic charm. Both work wonderfully.
- All-Purpose Flour: Only a small amount of all-purpose flour is used in financiers, primarily to provide just enough structure to the cakes, ensuring they hold their shape without becoming overly dense. Its minimal presence allows the almond and brown butter flavors to truly shine.
For the precise measurements and a printable recipe card, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Raspberry Financiers
Creating these elegant raspberry financiers is a surprisingly simple and straightforward process, even for novice bakers. The key lies in careful preparation and gentle handling of the ingredients. Remember, certain steps, like soaking the raspberries in wine and making brown butter, are optional but highly recommended for the most authentic and indulgent flavor. However, if time is of the essence, you can easily adapt the recipe.
💭Expert Tip: While this recipe can be made entirely by hand, an electric hand-held mixer can be very helpful for whipping the egg whites to medium peaks. Since financiers typically don’t use chemical leavening agents like baking powder, properly whipped egg whites are crucial for achieving that characteristic light and fluffy texture. Alternatively, a sturdy kitchen whisk and some elbow grease will also do the trick!
1. Prepare the Raspberries (Optional Maceration): If you choose to macerate your raspberries, place them in a bowl or a jug. Pour the rosé wine over the berries, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to soak for at least 2 hours. This step gently infuses the raspberries with the wine’s delicate aroma and flavor, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a more complex taste profile for your financiers. If skipping this step, simply have your fresh or frozen raspberries ready.
2. Prepare the Brown Butter (Beurre Noisette): Follow the detailed instructions provided in the “The Magic of Brown Butter” section above to make your brown butter. Once it reaches that beautiful golden-brown color and emits a nutty aroma, immediately transfer it to a small, heatproof bowl. This prevents it from burning. Allow the brown butter to cool completely to room temperature before adding it to the batter. This cooling step is crucial for the texture of the financier.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the icing sugar, ground almonds (or almond meal), and all-purpose flour. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the dry ingredients, contributing to a smoother batter and a lighter final texture. Whisk them gently to combine evenly.
4. Whisk Egg Whites: In a separate, clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until they reach medium peaks. This means they should hold their shape when the whisk is lifted but still be slightly soft and glossy. You can achieve this by hand with a whisk or using an electric mixer for about 3 minutes. The whipped egg whites are essential for providing lift and a delicate texture to the financiers.
5. Gently Fold Dry into Wet: Using a metal spoon or a rubber spatula, carefully fold the sifted dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites. Use a gentle, sweeping motion to preserve as much air as possible in the egg whites. Continue folding until the ingredients are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen the batter.
6. Incorporate Brown Butter: Pour the cooled brown butter into the batter. Again, fold it in very gently with your spoon or spatula until it is fully incorporated and you have a smooth, glossy batter. The cool temperature of the butter prevents it from deflating the egg whites too much. The nutty aroma of the brown butter will now be evident in your batter.
7. Rest the Batter: Cover the financier batter with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap directly touches the surface of the batter to prevent a skin from forming. Place it in the fridge to rest for at least an hour, or even overnight. This resting period is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, and the ground almonds to fully hydrate, resulting in a more flavorful and tender financier. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F) and prepare your chosen financier molds or muffin pan by thoroughly greasing them.
8. Fill Molds and Bake: Once rested, remove the batter from the fridge. Transfer it into your prepared baking molds or financier pan. A piping bag can make this step tidier, but you can also spoon or scoop the batter into each cavity. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon. If using the macerated raspberries, drain them well, then place a few berries on top of each cake. Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until golden brown and springy to the touch. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your molds.
💭Baking Tip: When filling your molds or muffin cases, aim to fill them about three-quarters full (or approximately 80% of their capacity). This prevents the batter from overflowing during baking and ensures a beautifully domed top. Once baked, allow the financiers to cool in their molds for about 10 minutes before gently removing them. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period prevents them from breaking apart and helps them set.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
The beauty of almond financiers lies in their incredible versatility, making them exceptionally easy to customize and adapt to your preferences. A single basic financier batter can yield a wide array of delightful results by simply swapping out or adding a few ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment and unleash your creativity!
- Burst of Citrus: Infuse your financiers with a bright, zesty flavor by adding 1-2 tablespoons of freshly grated orange, lemon, or lime zest to the cake batter. The citrus oils provide a wonderful aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the nutty almond flavor.
- Decadent Toppings: While raspberries are fantastic, consider other fresh fruit toppings like plump blueberries, sweet cherries (pitted), or slices of juicy figs, especially when in season. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle flaked almonds, finely chopped pistachios, or even mini chocolate chips over the batter before baking. These variations offer endless possibilities for unique and appealing treats.
- Warming Spices: For a comforting, seasonal twist, incorporate a pinch of warming spices into your batter. A touch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a subtle hint of cardamom can transform traditional financiers into cozy bakes, perfect for autumn or winter gatherings.
- Flavorful Extracts: Expand your flavor palette by experimenting with different extracts. A few drops of pure vanilla extract will always enhance sweetness, but consider coffee extract for a mocha financier, coconut extract for a tropical touch, or maple extract for a rich, autumnal flavor.
- Leftover Fruit Creations: If you have extra raspberries, don’t let them go to waste! They can be used in a variety of other delicious recipes, such as a refreshing Raspberry Iced Tea, a vibrant raspberry coulis to drizzle over ice cream, or even a simple raspberry jam.
When it comes to serving, these financiers are truly versatile. They are, of course, a quintessential component of any elegant afternoon tea spread, paired with your favorite brew. They also make a sophisticated ending to any meal, perhaps alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. For a simple yet refined snack, enjoy them on their own, allowing their delicate flavors to shine. They also make wonderful edible gifts, beautifully packaged for friends and family.
Essential Equipment for Financiers
While financiers are a French classic, you don’t necessarily need highly specialized equipment to bake them at home. The right tools, however, can make the process smoother and yield more authentic results.
Traditionally, financiers are baked in small, rectangular molds, often referred to as financier pans. These molds are designed to give the cakes their distinctive “gold bar” shape. They can be made from silicone or metal, with metal molds often providing a slightly crispier exterior. Some variations also use oval-shaped molds, offering a different aesthetic. If you opt for traditional financier molds, it is crucial to thoroughly grease them with butter and lightly flour them (or use non-stick spray) to prevent the delicate cakes from sticking to the pan, ensuring easy release and a perfect shape.
However, if you don’t own a dedicated financier pan, there’s no need to worry. A standard muffin or cupcake tray works perfectly well as an alternative. A mini muffin pan is another excellent option for creating bite-sized financiers, though you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly (typically reducing it to 12-14 minutes). When using muffin or cupcake pans, it’s advisable to line them with paper liners for effortless removal and a clean presentation.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
Financiers, like many delicate French pastries, are at their absolute best when enjoyed fresh, ideally on the day they are baked. Their delicate crumb and crisp exterior are most pronounced immediately after cooling. However, with proper storage, you can certainly extend their freshness and even prepare them in advance.
Room Temperature Storage: You can store baked raspberry financiers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 48 hours. While they will still be delicious, their texture will gradually become a bit drier and more crumbly than when freshly baked. To refresh them, a quick warm-up in a toaster oven or a preheated oven can help revive some of their tenderness.
Freezing: Financiers are quite suitable for freezing, allowing you to enjoy them at a later date. Once completely cooled, place the financiers in a single layer in a freezer-friendly bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper if stacking. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply transfer them to the fridge overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. While freezing might slightly alter their delicate texture, making them a touch softer, they remain incredibly tasty.
Reheating Frozen Financiers: To bring frozen and thawed financiers back to a freshly baked quality, place them in an oven preheated to 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes. This gentle reheating will warm them through and help restore some of their original texture and aroma.
Make-Ahead Batter: For ultimate convenience, the financier batter is ideal for preparing in advance. You can mix the batter and store it in the fridge for several days (up to 3-4 days). This makes it incredibly easy to bake a fresh batch of financiers whenever a craving strikes or unexpected guests arrive. When storing the batter, ensure you press a layer of clingfilm or plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent it from drying out and forming a skin. When ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled batter into your molds and proceed with baking as usual.
Tips for Financier Perfection
Achieving perfectly tender, moist, and flavorful financiers is easily within reach with these essential tips:
- Avoid Over-mixing the Batter: Once you’ve gently folded all the dry ingredients into the egg whites and then incorporated the cooled brown butter, stop mixing as soon as everything is just combined and the batter is smooth. Over-mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough, dense cakes instead of the desired light and airy texture.
- Rest the Batter: This is a crucial step that many skip! Allowing the financier batter to rest in the fridge for at least an hour (or even overnight) significantly develops the flavors, particularly the rich nutty notes from the brown butter and almonds. It also allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender and moist crumb.
- Thoroughly Grease Your Molds: Financier batter can be a bit sticky, so generous greasing of your molds is paramount to prevent the cakes from sticking. Use melted butter and a pastry brush, ensuring every crevice is coated. If using metal molds, you might also want to lightly dust them with flour after greasing. If you’re using a muffin tin, paper liners are a convenient alternative to ensure easy release.
- Do Not Over-fill Molds: Resist the urge to fill your cake molds or muffin cases to the brim. Aim to fill them only about three-quarters full (roughly 75-80% of their capacity). This allows the financiers sufficient space to rise beautifully without overflowing, resulting in perfectly shaped cakes with their characteristic delicate dome.
- Cool Before Unmolding: After baking, it’s tempting to immediately release these delicious treats from their molds. However, it’s vital to allow the baked financiers to cool slightly in their baking pan or molds for approximately 10 minutes. This allows the delicate structure of the cakes to firm up. Attempting to remove them too soon may cause them to break apart or lose their shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, absolutely not! While traditional financiers are baked in small, rectangular molds designed to resemble gold bars, you do not need one to bake delicious financiers. A standard muffin or cupcake tray works perfectly well as a substitute. For smaller, bite-sized treats, a mini muffin or mini cupcake baking tin is also a great option. If using mini muffin trays, remember to reduce the baking time to approximately 12-14 minutes, checking for doneness with a gentle touch or a toothpick.
While financiers are predominantly made with almond flour, which is naturally gluten-free, this specific recipe does include a small amount of all-purpose flour in the batter. Therefore, as written, it is not strictly gluten-free. I have not personally tested this recipe with a gluten-free flour blend, but it is very likely that a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend could be successfully substituted. If you try a gluten-free version, I would love to hear about your results!
Yes, absolutely! This recipe yields approximately 9 small financier cakes using standard molds. If you’re planning a larger gathering or simply want to have more of these delicious treats on hand, you can very easily double or even triple the recipe. Just ensure you have enough mixing bowls and baking molds to accommodate the increased volume of batter, and adjust your preparation and baking times accordingly, especially if using multiple batches in the oven.
While both financiers and madeleines are iconic French teacakes and share some similarities, they are distinct pastries with different characteristics. Financiers are typically made using only egg whites and derive their rich flavor from brown butter and ground almonds. They are often baked in rectangular molds. Madeleines, on the other hand, are traditionally made with whole eggs, include baking powder as a leavening agent, and are baked in distinctive shell-shaped molds. These differences result in distinct tastes, textures, and appearances for each delightful treat.
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📖 Raspberry Financiers Recipe
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Raspberry Financiers
30 mins
25 mins
55 mins
9 financiers
232kcal
Anna Wierzbinska
Equipment
- silicone or metal financier molds or muffin tray
- 2 large mixing bowls
- hand-held electric mixer or kitchen whisk
- Piping bag (optional)
Ingredients
- 150 ml rose wine optional
- 100 g raspberries fresh or frozen
- 100 g unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs, whites only
- 150 g icing sugar, plus extra to dust
- 60 g ground almonds or almond meal
- 60 g plain flour
Instructions
- Optional step. Macerate raspberries. Place raspberries in a small bowl or a jug with the rosé wine and leave to soak for 2 hours.
- Make the brown butter. Place the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat and allow it to melt completely, stirring often. The mixture will start getting foamy and bubbly. Continue to cook for 5 – 8 minutes, until you notice the light brown speckles start to appear at the bottom of the pan and the mixture gives off a nutty smell. Remove from the heat, pour into a small bowl and leave to cool completely.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Sift the icing sugar, ground almonds, and flour together into a large bowl.
- Whip the egg whites. Using a hand-held electric mixer or a kitchen whisk, whip the egg whites for a couple of minutes until foamy, or until medium peaks.
- Fold in the dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients into the bowl with egg whites and using a metal spoon or spatula, fold until combined. Pour in the cooled brown butter and fold again gently to combine, until you have a smooth batter. Do not overmix.
- Rest the batter. Cover the batter with clingfilm and place in the fridge for at least an hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F). Prepare the financiers molds or muffin tin. Grease the molds with melted butter, or if using a muffin tin, line the tin with paper liners.
- Divide the batter. Remove the batter from the fridge. Pipe (or spoon) the batter into baking tin or molds. Smooth the top with the back of the spoon. If using raspberries soaked in wine, drain the berries first, then place a couple of raspberries on top of each cake.
- Bake the financiers. Bake the cakes for 22-30 minutes, depending on the size of your molds, until they are golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Cool and enjoy. Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes, then remove from the mold/baking pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with some extra icing sugar and enjoy!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
Raspberry financiers taste best eaten fresh, on the day they were made. You can store them at room temperature in an airtight container for 24-48 hours, but they will become more dry and crumbly with time.
The cakes are suitable for freezing for up to 1 month. Freezing and thawing will change their texture a bit, and they will become softer. To freeze, place the cooled cakes in a freezer-friendly bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight, or at room temperature for about an hour. Re-heat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5 minutes.
Make ahead:
Cake batter can be made 3-4 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Be sure to cover the batter directly with clingfilm to prevent it from drying.
Top tips:
- Avoid over-mixing the cake batter. Stop mixing when all the ingredients have been folded together and the batter is smooth.
- Rest the financier batter. Resting the batter in the fridge for at least an hour will help to develop greater flavor in these little cakes.
- Grease the molds well with melted butter to prevent the financiers sticking to them. Use paper liners if you are using a muffin tin to bake them in.
- Fill the cake cases/molds only up to ¾ full to avoid them spilling and expanding too much.
- Allow these raspberry financiers to cool for 10 minutes before removing them from their molds or baking tin.
Nutrition
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This post was originally published in August 2016. It has been updated with new photos, a revised recipe, and additional tips in October 2023, ensuring it remains a comprehensive guide to perfect raspberry financiers.