Irresistible Maple Brown Butter Financiers: Your New Favorite French Treat
Delicate, moist, and infused with the rich aroma of maple and browned butter, these French-inspired financiers are surprisingly easy to make. Discover how to create these delightful mini cakes, perfect for any occasion, from an elegant dessert to a satisfying snack.
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Have you ever been captivated by the miniature treasures displayed in a traditional French bakery? Among the croissants and macarons, you might have spotted a distinctively shaped pastry known as a financier. These tiny, elegant cakes, often rectangular and golden-brown, are typically sold in charming bags of four or six, making them an ideal on-the-go snack or a thoughtful edible gift. Their understated elegance and rich flavor profile have made them a beloved staple in French patisseries for centuries.
At their core, financiers are exquisite French cakes characterized by their moist, rich texture and a distinctive nutty aroma. Traditionally, they are crafted from a simple yet powerful combination of almond flour, gloriously brown butter (known as beurre noisette), and egg whites. While the classic financier often takes a rectangular shape, resembling a gold bar (hence the name, which means “financier” or “banker” in French, referring to the wealth it represents), they are also commonly baked in round mini-muffin pans, making them versatile and accessible for home bakers.
While the traditional financier is undoubtedly a delight, this particular maple variation holds a truly special place, especially for those with a love for rich, aromatic flavors. The addition of maple sugar elevates these tiny cakes, imparting a deeper, more complex sweetness and an irresistible aroma that hints at the Canadian countryside. The earthy, caramelized notes of maple sugar perfectly complement the unparalleled richness of brown butter, the essential ingredient that transforms these simple cakes into something truly extraordinary. It’s a flavor pairing that creates an addictive depth, making each bite a harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and subtly smoky notes.
What makes financiers, and especially these maple financiers, so appealing to home bakers is their surprising simplicity. Despite their elegant appearance, they are remarkably easy to prepare. Requiring only a handful of pantry staples that you likely already have on hand, the batter comes together in a flash. In essence, making financiers is as straightforward as baking a batch of muffins, making them an accessible and rewarding project for bakers of all skill levels, even children!
The only technique that might seem unfamiliar to a novice baker is the creation of brown butter, or beurre noisette. However, there’s no need to be intimidated; this process is straightforward and utterly transformative. Brown butter is made by gently melting butter in a saucepan and allowing it to simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. During this time, the water evaporates, and the milk solids suspended in the butter caramelize, turning a beautiful golden-brown color. This process releases a deeply aromatic, nutty fragrance that is truly intoxicating. Brown butter is the secret weapon in financiers, contributing an unparalleled depth of flavor and a sophisticated aroma that distinguishes them from ordinary cakes.
The detailed recipe for maple financiers below includes comprehensive instructions on how to prepare brown butter. If you’re completely new to this technique, I highly recommend consulting my dedicated How to Make French Financier article, which offers additional tips and illustrative images to guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring perfect results every time.
These irresistible maple financiers are wonderfully versatile. They are perfect as an accompaniment to your afternoon tea, a sophisticated snack, or a light yet satisfying dessert after brunch or dinner. Their individual size and delicate nature also make them ideal for gifting. You can elegantly wrap them in cello bags and present them as a delightful token of appreciation to teachers, gracious hosts, or beloved friends and family members.
Regardless of how or to whom you choose to serve them, be prepared for them to disappear quickly. Maple financiers are addictively delicious, and their small stature means they tend to vanish in the blink of an eye! But once you experience how effortlessly they come together and how rewarding the baking process is, you won’t hesitate to preheat your oven again to whip up another batch of these delightful brown butter cakes. Their simplicity and incredible flavor make them a staple in any baker’s repertoire.
Easy Maple French Financiers Recipe Video
Watch this short video to see just how simple it is to create these aromatic and delicious maple financiers at home. Visual guidance can often make the baking process even more intuitive and enjoyable!
Helpful Tips for Making Perfect Maple Financiers
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful maple financiers is easy with a few key considerations. These tips will help you navigate common questions and ensure your financiers turn out beautifully every time.
What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Maple Financiers?
One of the beauties of financiers is their reliance on a minimal yet impactful set of ingredients. To make these delightful maple financiers, you’ll need: fresh butter, finely ground almond flour (or another nut flour of your choice), all-purpose flour for structure, a touch of baking powder for a delicate lift, egg whites for their unique texture contribution, and of course, the star ingredient: granulated maple sugar. This special sugar infuses the cakes with an unparalleled, earthy maple flavor, distinguishing them from classic financiers. Learn more about the specifics of granulated maple sugar in the section below.
What Exactly is Granulated Maple Sugar?
Granulated maple sugar is a wonderful natural sweetener, made by boiling pure maple syrup until all its water content evaporates, leaving behind crystalline sugar. Its texture can vary from superfine, almost powdery, to slightly coarser grains. For this specific maple financier recipe, fine granulated maple sugar is recommended (as shown in the image above) to ensure it dissolves smoothly into the batter and distributes its flavor evenly.
Although the texture of granulated maple sugar is often more irregular than standard granulated sugar, it behaves quite similarly in baking applications. This means granulated maple sugar can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute for regular granulated sugar in virtually any recipe, adding a unique depth of flavor that ordinary sugar cannot provide.
While maple syrup is widely available, granulated maple sugar can be a bit more elusive and sometimes pricier. It’s often worth seeking out, especially from specialty stores or online retailers. In Canada, companies like Yupik offer it in bulk, with 450 g (1 lb) bags of organic maple sugar typically costing less than CAD $20, making it a more economical choice for regular use.
I Can’t Find Maple Sugar. Can I Use Regular Granulated Sugar Instead?
Absolutely, you can. If granulated maple sugar is unavailable, or if you prefer a more subtle flavor, simply substitute it with an equal amount of regular granulated sugar (1:1 ratio). While you will miss out on the distinct aromatic maple flavor, the financiers will still be incredibly delicious, moist, and enjoyable, thanks to the brown butter and almond flour base.
What Varieties of Nuts Can I Use to Make Maple Financiers?
The traditional French financier recipe calls for almond flour, which is essentially very finely ground almonds. However, the beauty of financiers lies in their adaptability. You can easily experiment with other nut flours to introduce new flavor dimensions. Excellent alternatives include ground walnuts, hazelnuts, or pecans. The key is to ensure that the nuts are ground to a very fine, smooth texture to achieve the characteristic delicate crumb of financiers. If you’re grinding your own nuts, a useful tip is to process them together with the maple sugar. This prevents the nuts from releasing too much oil and turning into a paste or butter, ensuring a perfectly fine flour consistency.
Personally, I find that ground pecans harmonize exceptionally well with the flavor of maple sugar, which is why I often opt for pecan flour when preparing these maple financiers. For an extra touch of charm and flavor, I also enjoy decorating each financier with a whole pecan half before baking, adding a beautiful visual appeal and a delightful crunch.
This Recipe Uses 4 Egg Whites. I Don’t Want to Be Stuck with Leftover Egg Yolks. What Do You Suggest?
It’s a common dilemma in baking! If you’re keen to avoid having surplus egg yolks, a convenient solution is to use liquid egg whites, which are readily available in cartons at most grocery stores. When substituting, always refer to the manufacturer’s packaging instructions to determine the precise quantity of liquid egg whites needed to replace four large egg whites. Alternatively, for accuracy, you can simply weigh the liquid egg whites, aiming for 120 grams to match the recipe’s requirement.
What Can I Do with Leftover Egg Yolks?
If you do end up with extra egg yolks, don’t let them go to waste! Egg yolks are incredibly versatile and can be used to enrich a variety of delicious dishes. Here are some fantastic ideas to put them to good use:
- Chocolate Pots de Crème: A rich, decadent French dessert that relies heavily on egg yolks for its creamy texture.
- Foolproof Blender Hollandaise Sauce: Perfect for a weekend brunch, this classic sauce for Eggs Benedict gets its velvety texture from egg yolks.
- Homemade Vanilla Bean Gelato: Many traditional gelato recipes use egg yolks to create a smoother, richer, and more stable frozen dessert.
Can I Make Maple Financiers in Advance?
Yes, absolutely! These maple financiers are a dream come true for meal preppers and busy bakers. The batter is incredibly forgiving and can be prepared ahead of time. Simply mix it together, transfer it to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to one week. This incredible flexibility means you can bake fresh maple financiers whenever a craving strikes, or just before guests arrive, ensuring they are always enjoyed at their peak freshness and warmth.
While financiers are delightful at any time, it’s worth noting that they truly shine when freshly baked, or ideally, consumed within 48 hours of baking. If you find yourself with leftover maple financiers beyond this timeframe (which would be quite surprising, given their deliciousness!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To revive their delicate, freshly baked texture, gently reheat them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5 minutes, then allow them to cool to room temperature before serving. This brief reheating restores their crisp edges and tender interior.
Can I Freeze Maple Financiers?
Freezing is another excellent option for extending the life of your maple financiers, though the thawing process can sometimes soften their delicate texture slightly. If you choose to bake financiers in advance and freeze them, ensure they are stored in heavy-duty freezer bags or an airtight container to prevent freezer burn, and aim to consume them within one month for best quality. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the financiers overnight in the refrigerator, or for about 30 minutes at room temperature for a quicker option.
To bring thawed financiers back to their freshly baked glory, reheat them in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 6 to 8 minutes. This brief warming period will help to crisp up their edges and restore their wonderful texture. Let them cool slightly before indulging.
More French Financiers Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with these maple financiers, you’ll be delighted to know that this versatile French pastry can be adapted with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Here are a few more delicious financier recipes to inspire your next baking adventure:
- Maple-Roasted Fig and Hazelnut Financiers: A sophisticated twist featuring the rich sweetness of roasted figs and the earthy crunch of hazelnuts.
- Cranberry and Hazelnut Financiers: A vibrant and festive option, combining tart cranberries with the warm, nutty flavor of hazelnuts.
- Wild Blueberry Financiers: A burst of fruity freshness, showcasing the delicate sweetness of wild blueberries in every bite.
Brown Butter Video Tutorial
Brown butter, or beurre noisette, is more than just an ingredient; it’s a fundamental technique that unlocks incredible flavor. This simple French method transforms ordinary butter into a sophisticated, nutty, and deeply aromatic component, essential for the rich taste of financiers, and wonderful in both sweet and savory dishes. Master this effortless skill by watching my concise how-to video:
Pin Recipe
Easy Maple Financiers Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup almond flour, or finely ground pecan nuts (see note)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated maple sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, or fine sea salt
- 4 large egg whites (see note)
- Pecan halves, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
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To brown the butter: Heat the butter in a small stainless steel pot over medium heat until completely melted and simmering. Keep on cooking over medium-low heat, swirling the pot from time to time. If the butter bubbles up preventing you from watching closely over the color changing (that’s the water evaporating), lift the pot off the heat for a few seconds until the bubbles recede, then put it back on the heat.
The butter is ready when the milk solids at the bottom of the pot turn a light brown color and the concoction gives off a delicious nutty aroma. When it does, remove the butter from the heat, pour into a small bowl, and let it cool for 10 minutes. Watch my short video to see how easy it is to make brown butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, granulated maple sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the egg whites and whisk until they are fully incorporated and the mixture is thick and somewhat sticky. Mix in the brown butter, whisking gently at first to incorporate, then giving it a vigorous stir to allow the batter to fully come together.
At this point, the maple financier batter can be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 1 week.
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Bake the financiers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin pan with parchment paper liners or grease a financier pan with softened butter, then sprinkle with flour and tap out the excess. (Make sure to grease the pan even if it is made of silicone because the texture of financiers tend to be delicate and sticky.)
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Drop 1 tbsp (15 ml) of dough in each mini muffin cup. Garnish each financier with 1 pecan half, if desired.
Bake maple financiers for about 12 minutes: the financiers are done when they are golden brown around the edges and set in the center. (If you refrigerated the financier batter, you will need to add 2-3 minutes to the baking time.)
Let the maple financiers cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
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SERVING: Serve maple financiers at room temperature. For an extra-indulgent maple touch, serve the financiers with a small bowl of warm maple syrup for dipping.
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STORAGE: Store financiers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also refrigerate financiers in an airtight container for up to 1 week, and freeze for up to 1 month. To return cold financiers to their freshly baked glory, warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5 minutes, let cool slightly, then enjoy.
Video
Notes
- You can use different types of nut flours to switch up the flavor of your maple financiers. Classic financiers are made with almond flour—finely ground almonds, that is—but you can use ground walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans, too. Make sure the nuts are ground to a very fine, smooth texture. If you grind your own nuts, make sure to process them along with the maple sugar to avoid turning the nuts into butter.
- If you don’t want to be stuck with leftover egg yolks, you can use egg whites from a carton (liquid egg whites) to make maple financiers. Refer to the manufacturer’s packaging instructions to find out the quantity of liquid egg whites you need to substitute 4 large egg whites, or simply weigh the liquid egg whites to use the precise quantity required in the recipe (120 g).
- Wondering what to make with leftover egg yolks? Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate Pots de Crème
- Blender Hollandaise Sauce (to make Eggs Benedict)
- Homemade Gelato
Did you make this?
Tell me how you liked it! Leave a comment or take a picture and tag it with @foodnouveau on Instagram.
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