Peach financiers are delightful French almond cakes that combine the rich flavor of browned butter with the sweetness of fresh peaches. Their moist interior and slightly crispy exterior make them a perfect treat with tea or coffee.

Full Recipe:

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
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 12 small pieces of peeled peach

Directions

1. Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously butter a 12-cup mini muffin tin and lightly dust each cup with flour, tapping out any excess.

2. Brown the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and sugar until the mixture becomes thick and foamy, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir in the almond meal, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Finally, whisk in the browned butter until the batter is smooth.

4. Fill the Muffin Tin: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each nearly to the top. Tap the tin gently on the counter to eliminate any air bubbles.

5. Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven, place a piece of peach on top of each financier, and return to the oven. Continue baking for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

6. Cool and Serve: Allow the financiers to cool in the tin for at least 10 minutes before gently removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 115 kcal
• Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 40mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 12g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 3g

Peach Financiers are delicate, almond-flavored French cakes that are moist on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. These little treats are perfect for any occasion, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and the rich taste of almonds. With the addition of fresh, juicy peaches, they bring a summer twist to this classic pastry. Peach Financiers are simple to make, yet they pack a delightful punch in both flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 ripe peach, peeled, pitted, and sliced thinly

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a financier mold or muffin tin.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
4. Add the egg whites, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Gradually add the browned butter to the mixture and stir until combined.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about two-thirds full.
7. Place peach slices on top of each financier.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the financiers to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrients

• Calories: 240 per serving
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Cholesterol: 40mg

History and Origins of Financiers

The financier cake has an interesting and somewhat quirky history that dates back to Paris in the late 1800s. The recipe was created by a pâtissier named Lasne, who worked near the French stock exchange. He wanted to create a cake that was easy to eat without messy crumbs, especially for the busy financiers (bankers) who frequented his shop. The cakes were small, rectangular, and rich with almond flour, which was not only delicious but also held together well without creating a mess.

Lasne’s creation quickly became popular, and over time, the financier evolved from its initial plain form to include various flavor combinations, such as pistachio, raspberry, and citrus. The addition of fresh fruits like peaches or berries helped further elevate the flavor profile, adding a refreshing contrast to the richness of the almond flour.

In modern times, Peach Financiers have become a beloved treat not only in France but also worldwide, especially during the summer months when fresh, juicy peaches are in season. The combination of peach’s sweetness with the almond-based financier batter creates a harmonious and irresistible dessert that has stood the test of time.

Key Ingredients in Peach Financiers

Although the ingredients for Peach Financiers are simple, each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The star of the show is almond flour, which lends a tender, moist crumb to the cake and imparts a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the peaches.

• Almond Flour: A key component in financiers, almond flour is responsible for the soft and moist texture. It provides a delicate crumb that makes the financier cakes slightly dense yet tender. Almond flour also brings a rich, nutty flavor to the cakes, which pairs beautifully with the fresh peaches.

• All-Purpose Flour: While almond flour is the main ingredient, a small amount of all-purpose flour helps stabilize the batter and gives the cakes the right amount of structure. This balance between almond flour and all-purpose flour ensures that the financiers are light yet hold their shape during baking.

• Egg Whites: One of the distinguishing features of financiers is the use of egg whites instead of whole eggs. Egg whites provide a light and airy texture to the batter, allowing the cakes to rise slightly while remaining moist on the inside. The egg whites also help bind the ingredients together without weighing the batter down.

• Butter (Browned Butter): The butter used in Peach Financiers is typically browned to bring out its rich, nutty flavor. Browning the butter adds a deeper, almost caramelized flavor to the cakes, enhancing the overall taste and aroma. The butter also contributes to the soft and moist texture of the cakes, making them wonderfully tender.

• Peaches: Fresh peaches are the highlight of this variation of financiers. Their juicy, sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the richness of the almond and butter, making for a refreshing bite. Peaches also provide a lovely burst of color, making these cakes visually appealing as well as delicious.

• Sugar: Powdered sugar is typically used in the batter to provide sweetness without affecting the texture of the cakes. Its fine texture ensures that the cakes are smooth and not too dense.

• Extracts: A combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds depth of flavor to the cakes. While vanilla adds a classic sweetness, the almond extract reinforces the nutty notes already present in the almond flour, creating a more complex and aromatic flavor profile.

The Baking Process and Techniques

The technique for making Peach Financiers is relatively simple, but the key to achieving the perfect texture lies in paying attention to the details, especially when it comes to the butter. Browning the butter is a crucial step, as it imparts a deep, toasty flavor to the cakes. It’s important to carefully monitor the butter as it melts and cooks, as it can easily go from browned to burnt.

When it comes to the batter, it’s essential to combine the dry ingredients, such as almond flour, all-purpose flour, and sugar, before adding the wet ingredients, including the egg whites and browned butter. This helps ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in the batter. The egg whites should be gently folded into the mixture to avoid deflating them, preserving the light texture of the financiers.

For the peaches, it’s best to use ripe but firm peaches to prevent them from breaking down during baking. The peach slices are arranged on top of the batter, adding a fresh burst of flavor and color. The cakes are baked until golden brown, with the edges becoming slightly crisp and the centers remaining moist and tender.

Perfect Pairings for Peach Financiers

Peach Financiers can be enjoyed on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages and sides to create a more complete dessert experience.

1. Beverages: Financiers, especially those flavored with fruit, pair beautifully with a light tea or a sparkling beverage. A delicate Earl Grey or green tea complements the almond and peach flavors without overpowering them. For a more indulgent treat, serve Peach Financiers with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne. The effervescence of these sparkling wines helps cleanse the palate and accentuate the fruitiness of the peaches.

2. Side Dishes: Peach Financiers pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The sweetness of the fruit salad enhances the natural flavors of the peaches in the cake, while the creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the almond richness of the financiers.

3. Sauces: A drizzle of honey or a light caramel sauce can be added to Peach Financiers to add extra sweetness and richness. If you prefer something tangier, a dollop of whipped cream or a citrus glaze can also make an excellent accompaniment.

Health Considerations

While Peach Financiers are a delightful treat, they do contain a good amount of butter and sugar, which contribute to the rich, moist texture. However, almonds provide some health benefits, as they are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The addition of fresh peaches also provides vitamins and antioxidants, including vitamin C and fiber.

Despite these health benefits, Peach Financiers should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you are watching your calorie intake. They are rich in flavor and provide a satisfying indulgence, making them best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.

Conclusion

Peach Financiers are a perfect example of how a simple, classic French pastry can be transformed with the addition of fresh fruit. The combination of almond flour, browned butter, and egg whites creates a cake with a tender, moist interior, while the peaches add a burst of natural sweetness and flavor. These little treats are easy to make and can be customized with different fruits to suit the season or your personal preferences.