Description
Peach Financiers are delicate and elegant French almond cakes boasting a moist, nutty crumb with a subtle caramelized butter flavor. These miniature cakes, topped with tender, peeled peach pieces, offer a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and almond richness, ideal for a refined dessert or afternoon tea treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Financier Batter
- 3 ounces unsalted butter, plus additional for greasing
- 3 egg whites
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup almond meal
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus additional for dusting pan
- ÂĽ teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…› teaspoon salt
Topping
- 12 small pieces of peeled peach
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously butter a 12-cup mini-muffin tin and dust each cup lightly with flour, shaking out any excess. This preparation ensures the financiers release easily after baking.
- Brown the Butter: Melt 3 ounces of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. The butter will foam and then begin to turn a golden brown color after about 4 minutes, imparting a rich, nutty flavor. Remove the pan from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.
- Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 egg whites and ½ cup white sugar until the mixture becomes thick, foamy, and the sugar is fully dissolved. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes and will provide the right texture and structure for the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Flavoring: Gently fold the ½ cup almond meal, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt into the egg white mixture, maintaining the lightness of the batter.
- Add the Browned Butter: Slowly whisk the browned butter into the batter until fully incorporated. This step enriches the batter with deep, complex flavors.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini-muffin tin cups, filling each almost to the top. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any trapped air bubbles for even baking.
- Initial Bake: Bake the financiers in the preheated oven for 5 minutes. This initial bake firms the batter slightly to allow for the peach topping.
- Add Peach Topping: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place one small peeled peach piece on top of each financier. Return the pan to the oven immediately.
- Final Bake: Continue baking the financiers with peach topping for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cakes turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the peach financiers to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes to set properly before removing. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for easier whisking and better volume.
- Browned butter should be removed from heat as soon as it reaches a nutty aroma and golden color to avoid bitterness.
- Make sure peaches are peeled for a smooth texture and elegant presentation.
- Financiers are best enjoyed within a day or two for optimal freshness.
- Store leftover financiers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
