Description
Peach Financiers are elegant, small French almond cakes that combine the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter and almond meal with the fresh sweetness of peaches. These delicate cakes have a moist, tender crumb and a slightly crisp edge, perfect for an afternoon tea or a light dessert.
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 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 sprinkle a pinch of flour into each cup and gently shake to coat the bottom and sides evenly. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of the cakes.
- Brown the Butter: Melt the 3 ounces of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent burning. The butter will foam and then begin to turn a golden brown color with a nutty aroma after about 4 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat immediately to stop cooking.
- Mix Egg Whites and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 egg whites and ½ cup white sugar vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is thick, foamy, and the sugar is dissolved. This aerates the batter for a light texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Flavoring: Gently mix in the ½ cup almond meal, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon salt into the egg white mixture until well combined. Then whisk in the browned butter, incorporating it fully to create a smooth batter.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin cups almost to the top. Tap the pan lightly on your countertop to remove any air bubbles and even out the batter.
- Initial Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. This begins setting the cakes before adding the fruit.
- Add Peaches and Continue Baking: Remove the tin from the oven and evenly top each financier with a small peeled peach piece. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Let the financiers cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before carefully removing them. Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the butter when browning; stir constantly and watch for the golden brown color and nutty aroma.
- Using almond meal instead of ground almonds ensures a finer texture typical in financiers.
- You can substitute fresh peaches with other stone fruits like nectarines or apricots if desired.
- Ensure the peach pieces are peeled and cut small to fit neatly on each financier.
- These cakes are best enjoyed on the day of baking but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
