Name: Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 17 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 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; ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon salt; 12 small pieces of peeled peach

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth French almond treat with a fruity twist, these Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes are just what you need. Imagine buttery, toasted almond flavors wrapped around a tender crumb, topped with sweet, juicy peach pieces that add a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color. These petite cakes are elegant yet approachable, perfect for impressing guests or simply elevating your afternoon tea. The Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes combine simplicity and sophistication in every single bite—truly a little French treasure right from your oven.

Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing that authentic almond flavor and moist, tender texture in your Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes. Each component plays a vital role; from the rich, nutty browned butter to the fresh peaches that crown these elegant cakes.

Unsalted butter (3 ounces plus extra for greasing): Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor you can’t beat in financiers.
Egg whites (3): Whipped lightly, they give the cakes their signature light and airy structure.
White sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Almond meal (½ cup): Provides that irresistible, rich almond taste and moist crumb texture.
All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons plus extra for dusting): Helps give structure while keeping the cakes tender.
Vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): A subtle hint of warmth that enhances the almond and peach notes.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens overall flavor.
Small peeled peach pieces (12): Fresh, juicy, and naturally sweet, these little gems finish the financiers beautifully.

How to Make Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, generously butter a 12-cup mini-muffin tin to ensure the financiers don’t stick. Dust each cup with a pinch of flour, shaking out the excess so there’s an even coating. This little step helps keep the cakes perfectly shaped and gives them a light crust.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and let it melt while swirling the pan occasionally. You’ll notice it foam and then gradually turn a gorgeous golden brown—that’s the magic! Keep a close eye here to prevent burning; this browned butter is what creates that irresistible nutty aroma and flavor in your financiers.

Step 3: Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes foamy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step dissolves the sugar and introduces air, setting the stage for a light, delicate crumb texture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add Butter

Gently fold the almond meal, flour, vanilla extract, and salt into the egg white mixture, making sure there are no lumps. Then slowly whisk in the browned butter to create a smooth, luscious batter that’s bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Fill and Tap the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps your financiers bake evenly without holes.

Step 6: Bake and Top with Peach

Bake the cakes for 5 minutes initially. Remove the tin from the oven and delicately place a piece of peeled peach on top of each financier. The warm environment will help the peaches meld into the batter, adding that fresh burst of juiciness.

Step 7: Continue Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the financiers turn beautifully golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will start filling with the most delightful fragrance!

Step 8: Cool and Remove

Allow the peach financiers to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before gently removing them. This brief resting time helps the cakes firm up just enough to keep their shape while keeping the centers tender and moist.

How to Serve Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of classic elegance and a hint of extra sweetness that complements the almond flavor beautifully. Fresh mint leaves also offer a lovely contrast in color and aroma, making your presentation picture perfect.

Side Dishes

Pair these delicate cakes with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent twist. A small bowl of mixed berries also brings out the fruity notes and makes it a refreshing, well-rounded dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes on a rustic wooden board for a charming, casual vibe or on elegant porcelain for a more formal occasion. You can also thread a few financiers on small skewers alongside fruits for a delightful party platter everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover peach financiers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days to savor their moistness and freshness, but they’ll still be tasty if eaten up to 3 days later.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a special occasion, you can freeze the cooled financiers by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month without compromising on quality.

Reheating

To warm frozen or stored peach financiers, simply pop them in a preheated 325 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This gently reheats the cakes, reviving their delicate texture and deep almond aromas.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes?

While fresh peaches are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen peaches if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to prevent extra moisture in your batter.

Can I substitute almond meal with almond flour?

Yes, almond meal and almond flour can typically be used interchangeably here. Just make sure it’s finely ground to maintain the smooth texture of the financiers.

What if I don’t have mini-muffin tins?

You can use regular muffin tins but your financiers will be larger and might require a longer baking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

How do I know when the financiers are done?

Look for a golden brown color around the edges and a slight spring back when gently pressed in the center. They should feel set but still tender inside.

Can I add other fruits instead of peaches?

Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or thinly sliced plums all pair wonderfully with the almond batter and can add your own creative twist to Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes.

Final Thoughts

Making Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes at home is not only a delight but also an invitation to experience a bit of French patisserie magic in your own kitchen. They’re simple yet utterly refined, perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of a petite cake bursting with almond and peach flavors. I encourage you to try them out—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again to share with friends or to enjoy as your own sweet indulgence.

Peach Financiers: Elegant French Almond Cakes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 mini financiers 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Peach Financiers are elegant French almond cakes that feature a rich, nutty flavor from browned butter and almond meal, complemented by juicy pieces of fresh peach. These mini cakes are moist, tender, and perfect for a sophisticated tea-time treat or dessert.

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
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon salt

Topping

12 small pieces of peeled peach

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Generously butter a 12-cup mini-muffin tin, then dust each cup lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Shake out any excess flour from the cups.
Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. As it melts, it will foam; keep the pan moving to prevent burning. Continue toasting the butter until it turns a golden brown color and develops a nutty aroma, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat immediately to stop cooking.
Whisk Egg Whites and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar vigorously until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes thick and foamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: To the egg white mixture, add the almond meal, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix gently until combined.
Add Browned Butter: Whisk in the warm browned butter to the batter thoroughly but carefully to maintain the airy texture.
Fill the Muffin Tin: Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each almost to the top. Lightly tap the pan against the counter to release any air bubbles and ensure even baking.
Bake Initial Stage: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 5 minutes initially.
Add Peach Topping and Continue Baking: Remove the pan from the oven, place one small peeled peach piece on top of each financier, and return the pan to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the financiers are golden brown and just firm to the touch.
Cool and Serve: Allow the peach financiers to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

Use fresh ripe peaches for the best flavor; you can substitute with nectarines if desired.
Be careful when browning the butter to avoid burning; it should have a nutty aroma and golden brown color but not be blackened.
Whisking the egg whites until foamy helps to create a light and tender crumb texture.
You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but bring the batter to room temperature before baking.
These financiers freeze well; store in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French