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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini financier
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: peach financiers, almond cakes, French desserts, mini cakes, browned butter cake, gluten free dessert
