Buttery Almond Raspberry Cakes

This raspberry financier recipe transforms simple ingredients into elegant French cakes with buttery, nutty flavor and juicy raspberry highlights. The brown butter gives these delicate treats their distinctive taste that's both sophisticated and comforting.

I discovered financiers at a small Parisian patisserie and was determined to recreate them at home. After many attempts, this version with wine-soaked raspberries has become my signature dessert for dinner parties.

Ingredients

• Raspberries: fresh or frozen add bright flavor and stunning visual appeal against the golden cake
• Rosé wine: optional but creates a sophisticated flavor infusion for the berries
• Unsalted butter: the star ingredient that transforms into nutty brown butter
• Egg whites: provide structure and lightness without making the cakes too cakey
• Icing sugar: creates that fine tender crumb characteristic of authentic financiers
• Ground almonds: essential for the nutty flavor and moist texture traditional to financiers
• Plain flour: provides structure while allowing the almond flavor to shine

Step-by-Step Instructions

Macerate the Berries:

If using the wine soaking method, combine raspberries with rosé wine in a small bowl and allow them to infuse for 2 hours. This step infuses the berries with subtle wine notes and softens them beautifully. The berries will slightly break down and absorb the floral notes from the wine.

Brown the Butter:

Place butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and melt completely while stirring frequently. Watch carefully as the butter foams and bubbles, continuing to cook for 5 to 8 minutes until you notice light brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan and a nutty aroma develops. This browning process creates the signature flavor compound called beurre noisette. Remove immediately to prevent burning and cool completely.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

Sift together the icing sugar, ground almonds, and flour into a large bowl. Sifting is crucial as it removes any lumps from the powdery ingredients and incorporates air, resulting in a lighter final texture. The combination of these three ingredients creates the signature tender crumb of financiers.

Whip Egg Whites:

Using an electric mixer or kitchen whisk, whip the egg whites for a couple of minutes until foamy or medium peaks form. Unlike meringue, you don't need stiff peaks here just enough air incorporation to create lightness in the batter. The whites should look opaque and hold a soft shape.

Combine the Batter:

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the whipped egg whites using a metal spoon or spatula until just combined. Pour in the cooled brown butter and fold again until you have a smooth, homogeneous batter. Be careful not to overmix as this will deflate the egg whites and result in dense cakes.

Rest and Prepare:

Cover the batter with clingfilm and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the batter to firm up. This resting period is essential for proper texture. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 160°C and prepare your financier molds or muffin tin by greasing with melted butter or lining with paper liners.

Bake to Perfection:

Pipe or spoon the batter into your prepared molds, smoothing the tops gently. Place drained wine-soaked raspberries on top of each cake if using. Bake for 22 to 30 minutes until golden brown with a springy texture when touched. The edges should pull away slightly from the molds when done.

Pin it

Brown butter is truly the magical ingredient in financiers. I once rushed this step and missed out on the depth of flavor that makes these cakes special. My grandmother taught me to be patient with the browning process, waiting until the butter smells like hazelnuts before removing it from heat.

Perfect Pairings

Financiers pair beautifully with afternoon tea, especially Earl Grey or a delicate white tea. For an elevated dessert experience, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a memorable finish to any meal.

Pin it

Storage Solutions

These little cakes stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To refresh before serving, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to restore their tender texture and enhance the nutty aroma.

Seasonal Adaptations

While raspberries create a classic financier, these versatile cakes welcome seasonal variations. Try blackberries in late summer, poached pears in autumn, or orange zest and dark chocolate in winter. The basic batter remains the same, allowing you to highlight whatever fruits are at their peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes financiers different from other small cakes?

Financiers are distinguished by their use of browned butter (beurre noisette), almond flour, and whipped egg whites. This creates their characteristic crisp exterior and tender, moist interior with a nutty flavor profile. Their traditional rectangular shape resembles gold bars, hence the name 'financiers'.

→ Can I substitute the raspberries with other fruits?

Yes, financiers are versatile and work beautifully with many fruits. Blueberries, blackberries, sliced strawberries, or even poached pears make excellent substitutions. Stone fruits like cherries or apricots also pair wonderfully with the almond flavor.

→ Is it necessary to macerate the raspberries in wine?

No, this step is optional. Macerating raspberries in rosé wine adds a subtle complexity and elegant flavor, but fresh or frozen raspberries without maceration work perfectly well. If you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can macerate in orange juice or skip this step entirely.

→ Why does the batter need to rest in the refrigerator?

Resting the batter allows the flour to fully hydrate and the flavors to develop. This resting period also helps the financiers achieve their signature texture with crisp edges and a tender interior. A minimum of one hour is recommended, but you can leave it overnight for convenience.

→ What can I use if I don't have a financier mold?

A standard muffin tin works perfectly as an alternative to traditional financier molds. Mini muffin tins create bite-sized treats, while regular muffin tins make larger portions. You can also use small rectangular loaf pans or even well-greased silicone molds of any shape.

→ How should I store leftover financiers?

Store cooled financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month. To refresh before serving, warm them briefly in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore their crisp exterior.