Description
Peach Financiers are elegant French almond cakes with a delicate, moist texture and a rich buttery flavor highlighted by browned butter and almond meal. Topped with small pieces of juicy peeled peach, these mini cakes make a perfect sophisticated dessert or teatime treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Financiers
- 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
- â…› teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 12 small pieces of peeled peach
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Generously butter a 12-cup mini muffin tin and sprinkle a pinch of flour into each cup, then gently shake to evenly coat the bottoms and sides to prevent sticking.
- Brown the butter: Melt the 3 ounces of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly to keep the butter from burning, allowing it to foam and then turn a golden brown color, approximately 4 minutes. Remove from heat once browned and set aside.
- Whisk egg whites and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 3 egg whites together with ½ cup white sugar until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is thick and foamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine dry ingredients: Add ½ cup almond meal, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt to the egg white mixture. Gently whisk to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add browned butter: Slowly whisk the browned butter into the batter, ensuring it is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Fill muffin cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin cups, filling almost to the top. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Initial baking: Bake the financiers for 5 minutes at 400°F, then carefully remove the pan from the oven.
- Add peach topping and continue baking: Place one small peeled peach piece on top of each financier. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the financiers to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before gently removing them to serve.
Notes
- Using browned butter adds a nutty, rich flavor that is characteristic of traditional financiers.
- Be sure to use peeled peach pieces to keep the texture smooth on top of the cakes.
- These small cakes are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- You can substitute peach with other small stone fruits like apricot or plum if desired.
- Ensure egg whites and sugar are well-whisked for a light and airy texture in the cake.
