Delightful Orange Financiers: Your Guide to Perfect Browned Butter & Almond Cakes
These easy Orange Financiers are a true patisserie delight, elegantly flavored with nutty browned butter, vibrant orange zest, and rich almond flour. They are wonderfully soft, incredibly tender, and possess a delicate texture that makes them delightfully addicting! If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet simple treat, these French-inspired mini cakes are an absolute must-try.
Welcome to Day 4 of our annual 12 Days of Christmas Cookies 2021 celebration! While traditionally enjoyed year-round, these Orange Financiers bring a festive cheer and a burst of citrus sunshine to any holiday spread. Their exquisite taste and charming appearance make them a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire or an elegant treat for any occasion.
What Exactly Are Financiers? A Culinary Journey to Beurre Noisette Perfection
I would be lying if I said I knew what financiers were before I stepped into culinary school. It was there that I discovered the magic, and once that butter started browning, filling the kitchen with its exquisite, nutty aroma, especially with a vanilla bean pod infusing its essence, I was utterly hooked. Soft, tender, bite-sized cakes elevated by the rich depth of beurre noisette (browned butter)? Yes, please! This classic French pastry, often enjoyed with coffee or tea, gets its name, according to legend, from its rectangular, gold-bar shape, said to be popular with financiers (bankers) in the financial district of Paris. They’re typically made with almond flour, egg whites, and, crucially, browned butter, which lends a depth of flavor that is truly unparalleled.
The Secret to Beurre Noisette: Browned Butter Perfection
The foundation of an exceptional financier lies in the art of browning butter. This simple technique transforms ordinary butter into a golden, aromatic ingredient with a complex, nutty flavor profile. Known as beurre noisette in French, meaning “hazelnut butter,” it’s achieved by gently cooking butter until the milk solids separate and toast to a beautiful amber color. This process imparts a toasted, caramelized note that deepens the overall flavor of any baked good. For these Orange Financiers, the browned butter provides a warm, rich base that beautifully complements the bright citrus.
The Role of Almond Flour in Financiers
Another key ingredient in achieving the signature texture of financiers is almond flour. Unlike all-purpose flour, almond flour is gluten-free and adds a delicate moistness and a slightly chewy interior that is characteristic of these French pastries. It also contributes to a subtle almond flavor that harmonizes perfectly with the orange zest and browned butter. Using almond meal or almond flour ensures a tender crumb, making each bite an experience in delicate indulgence.
Crafting Your Orange Financiers: Key Ingredients and Flavor Profile
For this easy orange variation, we infuse the financiers with vibrant orange zest. Just as in my Orange Upside Down Cake, I make sure to use only the outermost part of the orange peel. This ensures a bright, intensely orange flavor that is beautifully floral without ever becoming overpowering or bitter. The zest is where all the aromatic oils reside, providing a natural and fresh citrus note that artificial extracts simply cannot replicate.
Why Orange Zest is Best for Natural Flavor
The choice of orange zest over orange extract is crucial for these financiers. Zest provides a pure, bright, and authentic citrus flavor, free from any artificial undertones. When you grate the zest, you release essential oils that infuse the batter with a fresh, aromatic quality. This natural essence pairs wonderfully with the nutty notes of the browned butter and almond flour, creating a balanced and sophisticated taste profile that is both refreshing and comforting. Always opt for fresh, organic oranges if possible, to get the best zest.
Choosing and Preparing Your Financier Molds
When it comes to baking financiers, you have a few options for molds. You can use a silicone mold, which makes for easy release, or individual metal molds of various sizes. I personally love the miniature ones because the whole cake is gone in two scrumptious bites! They are incredibly adorable and perfect for entertaining. A fellow pastry chef once gifted me a whole box of those little ones I used, and they’ve been a favorite ever since. Regardless of the material, ensure your molds are properly prepared with non-stick cooking spray or brushed generously with butter to prevent sticking and ensure those perfectly golden edges.
A Festive Treat: Part of a Grand Baking Tradition
These Orange Financiers were a highlight of our recent “12 Days of Christmas Cookies” series, a tradition where we share a variety of festive and delicious recipes perfect for the holiday season. It’s always a joy to bake and share new flavors, and these financiers certainly stood out. They joined other fantastic treats, showcasing the versatility and joy of holiday baking.
If you’ve been following along, you’ll remember Day 3 brought us the delightful Pistachio Cranberry Sablee Cookies, known for their buttery crumb and festive colors. On Day 2, we indulged in the sweet and salty goodness of Cashew Caramel Pretzel Blondies, a perfect blend of chewy and crunchy textures.
We also featured an unforgettable Part One of Day 2: the authentic and comforting Hungarian Walnut Rolls, a classic European pastry that brings warmth to any gathering.
And let’s not forget the start of it all, Day 1, with the delicate and intricate Italian Pizzelles! Each recipe in the series offers a unique flavor and texture, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. While these financiers are a delightful fresh treat, the Pistachio Cranberry Sablee Cookies are particularly great for gifting as they keep exceptionally well.
Expert Tips for Flawless Orange Financiers
Achieving the perfect financier is easier than you think with a few key tips:
Chilling the Batter for Success
One of the most crucial steps for beautifully textured financiers is chilling the batter. After mixing, refrigerate the batter for several hours, or even overnight. This resting period allows the almond flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cake. The chilled batter also helps the financiers hold their shape better during baking and contributes to that desirable slightly chewy interior.
Don’t Overbake!
Financiers bake relatively quickly, especially in miniature molds. Overbaking can lead to dry cakes, losing that signature moist and tender crumb. Keep a close eye on them; they are done when the edges are lightly golden and the tops have puffed up slightly. They should feel set but still very delicate. An internal temperature of around 200-205°F (93-96°C) is ideal if you have a thermometer, but visual cues are often sufficient.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
While financiers are best served the day they are made, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly in the oven for a “freshly baked” experience. Serve them simply dusted with confectioner’s sugar, alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or as an elegant mini dessert after a meal. Their rich flavor and delicate texture make them a sophisticated addition to any dessert platter.
Endless Variations to Explore
While orange zest is a fantastic choice, the beauty of financiers lies in their versatility. You can easily adapt this recipe to create other delightful flavors. Consider adding lemon zest for a zesty lemon financier, or mix in some finely chopped pistachios for a lovely green hue and nutty crunch. A hint of cardamom or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips could also transform these delicate cakes into new and exciting treats. Feel free to experiment with different fruit zests or spices to find your favorite combination!
Orange Financiers
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Ingredients
- 75 g Butter
- ½ vanilla bean pod scraped pod only
- 30 g Almond meal
- 30 g AP
- 95 g confectioner’s sugar
- ½ Orange zested
- 120 g Egg whites from approximately 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Instructions
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In a small saucepan, cook the butter with the vanilla bean pod over medium heat until it has browned and the butter is a amber color with a nutty aroma. Stir or whisk occasionally to keep the butter solids from burning too quickly on the bottom.
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Immediately remove the pan from the heat and pour into a heat-proof bowl to stop the browning process. Set aside and reserve warm.
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In a medium bowl whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, confectioner’s sugar and orange zest. Whisk in egg whites.
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Slowly add the warm browned butter and whisk it in after each addition. Cover the surface with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled through (several hours).
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray financier molds with non-stick cooking spray or brush with butter. Place molds on a flat baking sheet.
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Transfer to a piping bag. Pipe about ¾ full .
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Dust the tops with confectioner’s sugar and bake in preheated oven for about 8 minutes or until the edges have browned and the tops have puffed.
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Remove from molds immediately. Cool.
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Best served the day they are made.
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There’s nothing quite like the elegant simplicity and profound flavor of a perfectly baked financier. The combination of rich browned butter, delicate almond flour, and bright orange zest creates a harmonious balance that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to French pastries, this recipe offers a rewarding experience with delicious results. We encourage you to try these Orange Financiers and discover the magic of this classic treat for yourself. They’re perfect for impressing guests, enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea, or simply treating yourself to something wonderfully sweet and utterly sophisticated. Happy baking!